As soon as I walked in the door I smiled. I can't explain it but I like races and this is by far my favorite. I think they do an excellent job with the amount of people racing. I am also a little partial to the route in my hometown being so beautiful.
This year was my fifth year and will definitely not be my last.
So excited to have found these great people in all of the crowds. They are my support team that keep me believing I can do anything I want and I am the pain in the ass that talks them into re-signing up year after year.
Oh and run with a few others. Like 12,000. This picture doesn't really do it justice. I would say this was an hour before start and still people were being bussed in.
I maybe should have looked at this photo a few time along the route because there were times after mile 3 where I clearly "Did not have it". I was losing the battle against lack of sleep and the heat for sure. It was one of the hottest Road races and maybe ever race I have done. I was feeling the pressure and decided if I planned on finishing I needed to get back ahead of it so I doubled every water stop. I hit every hose along the route to stay cool too. By the 5th mile I actually was thinking I might need medical at the end but fuck if I was going to quit I would rather pass out attempting to finish. Around mile 6, I walked and was feeling pretty defeated as I realized I would not be beating my best time ever. I was completely on track for that about 2 months ago. Although I swore I was competing to complete and I was forgiving myself for this lack of running and struggle with work I will wanted to beat myself.
Just at the bottom of the last hill this lady came up on my side and we were able to speak for a few minutes. We were doing it and I was kind of excited to have her there and hear her encouragement. You have to run and smile that last hill that is where they take your picture!!
In the end We did it and we did it well.
I did not beat my fastest time but I came in 2nd and beat last years time by 9 minutes. As usual it just made me want more. When is the next race you ask?? September for sure and then on from there.
This is the view from my post race relaxation seat and it was much deserved. After a cold shower I jumped on the boat with my friend and her family an we headed to Oak Bluffs. Can I just say I miss a boat ride? I think it has been a couple years since I was out of a boat. Can't beat it.
We scarfed down food, swam, laughed, rode back to the bay in Waquoit for calmer water, ate again and watched the sun go down.
Dreamy and a perfect day for me.
1 comment:
What a day! I'm glad we were able to share a small bit of it.
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