Jess arrived on Saturday afternoon, brushed her teeth and we were back out the door. You see I live about an hour South of Seattle, so races in Seattle are a trek. We wanted to get to the Expo and meet the lovely Kit with Iron Girl. Funny story, I had a procedure done on Monday of race week which resulted in cramping, I opted to run the 5K and fight the pain for about 23 minutes :)
When I asked the lovely volunteer what I needed to do to switch my entry she said...
"It is OK you can try to run the 10K and if you get tired, finish the 5K." She was so sweet about it, and I sorta felt like a wimp in that moment, but I explained I could run the 10K but I preferred the 5K and switched my entry. Next we met Kit and chatted, this little lady is FANTASTIC!! She know how to put on a great event..
They told inspirational stories and introduced the Leader of it all Judy, she choked up as she asked us to recognize 9-11 in a moment of Silence. I fought back the tears as the bagpipes played, it was a lovely tribute with the flag waving and everyone quiet.
A few more stretches and we were OFF. Jess's 10K plan was to chase me, so when I switched I told her to go 7:50-8:00, she is a GOOD listener, more on that later.
I knew I could hold the first mile around 6:45, after that is was anyone's guess. I have not done much speedwork, and NOTHING in the 6's. I felt strong as I set out but could feel my throat starting to close, eyes watering and post nasal drip...ALLERGIES!! I forgot to take my Claritin :( There was a photog on the course so I did a quick pose, I am excited to see the picture. First Mile 6:49 as we turned to the right. There was a little water stopped so I swished a quick drink. I spotted a runner who seemed to be in my Age Group up ahead and bursted forward. I passed her but could feel my legs burning and I was choking trying to clear my throat, I was slowing but there was not much I could do
Second Mile 7:21. I was surprised by the slower mile because I was TRULY giving it all I had. The scenery was pretty, near the lake with STRONG WOMEN surrounding and passing me :) What a TREAT!! I love love love all female races.
There was no chance for a PR but I could try to squeak out a sub 23:00... I tried to get my heavy legs to turn as I struggled to breathe and clear my throat. I bet people around me thought I was a smoker, it was not my lungs it was ALLERGIES!!
I could see the Finish Line, just then an itty bitty little gal passed me on the left, I did not have the legs to kick it up. But she stopped just after a line in the grass, it was not the Finish Line :( I sped up and passed just in front of a 14 year old girl, visor flying off as I sprinted...not proud of passing her, but she will know the FINISH LINE from now on..
TIME: 22:52
Pace: 7:23
Overall: 16/1,433
Age Group: 3/268
I had placed in my Age Group!!! I was tired, grabbed a water and waited with Nuun Coach Casey for his family. I was overjoyed watching ladies Finish.. a few things I LOVED:
- Women running their first 5K and the look of VICTORY and exhaustion
- A lady who had lost 180 pound, she was beautiful
- A pair in matching shirts, the first had a #1 and her partner had #2 and #3 over her tiny baby bump.
- Little tiny girls crossing with their Moms. A girl about 12ish said to her Mom "Why did you make me do that?" Another little one went zooming across the Finish arms swinging and smile blazing, her poor tired Mom tried to keep up but her daughter was too excited!!
- The passion, excitement and joy from everyone!!
There were women as old as 80 and many named Phyllis. When people accepted their awards, a beautiful charm, the photographer was there to snap a photo, NICE TOUCH!! The announcer was fantastic and kept the energy high. Soon it was time for me to hit the stage..
After the awards we went to Chelsea's HERE to get clean up, I had a baby shower for Short lawyer a few hours later. It was a blast to see my UW friend's house and hang just a bit longer. Also got to chat with Danielle, a local runner, come to find out we work at the same company. Thanks Chelsea for letting me wash off the grime!!
- Check to see if there is an Iron Girl event near you HERE, it is not just Triathlons!!
12 comments:
All female events are the best! Such a fun atmosphere. Congrats on hanging in there for a strong 5K and SWEET age-group placement on a day when you were far from 100%. Looking great!!! :D
Sounds like a fun race. Congrats to both of you on your age group awards!
great job placing, and very festive outfit.
Sad I had to miss this. i'm constantly amazed with how fast your splits are!
And I agree, Greenlake Bar & Grill has delicious food :)
congrats on a great race and an AG placement! that's awesome :)
Your race reports always floor me b/c you remember EVERYTHING!! Every day I wish I was on the west side, so I could see my Tall Buddy more often! I feel like I have know you for years!
Congratulations on placing, thank you for coaching me, and inspiring others along the way.
You always "pay-it-forward" and touch so many lives in the process! Hugs!
Awesome, I LOVE this! Congrats on placing in your AG - you rock!! :)
It was a great event, one to add for the 2012 race calendar for sure.
as always, i love your race reports! Gonna click and see if Iron Girl events come anywhere near me -- sounds fun!
You are amazing! 3rd with crampy allergy biz going on…awesome! Wondering how fast you'd be after speedwork and Claritin ;-) Great recap …it looks like so much fun!
I have no Iron Girl events near me, but there is a Dirty Girl series for trail runners!
Nice win, nice bling!
Congrats on your race!! I wish we had one near KY! I have never done a women's only race. Seems like it would be a lot of fun!
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