Long story short - ended up not being able to run the half but I was able to drop down to the 5k race and had a blast pushing myself on a tough little course!
Started at the front of the pack and quickly fell into a rhythm. With the adrenaline pumping through my veins I didn't even feel my aching jaw so that was a plus for about 30 mins or so. It was an out-and-back course so I was able to start counting the females in front of me once they hit the turnaround. I counted 10 when I got to the turnaround and passed one to move into 9th as she stopped to drink water. Then I caught up to another one and passed her to move into 8th. I heard her stay on my heels after I passed her and just kept pushing the pace hoping she would fall back. Then we hit an uphill section and I picked up my cadence and did quick short strides to pump up the hill and when I hit the downhill stretched out my stride to make the most of the downhill instead of enjoying the recovery. I didn't hear her breathing behind me anymore but didn't let up fearing she was still with me biding her time. Finally got to a section that allowed me to see the runners behind me and I saw that she had fallen a good enough distance off me. This was a relief but also spurred me on to keep pushing it a little bit further so I didn't get passed at the finish line.
Since I hadn't been planning to run when I left the house in the morning I didn't bring my Garmin and didn't think to carry my phone with me to record my run. I knew from the hills and from how my legs and breathing were that I would be under 30 mins but didn't know by how much. I was thinking somewhere between 28 and 29 mins. As I hit the last turn before the finish line I figured it would be 29 minutes. Finally, the last turn to the finish I picked up the pace and hoped the girl from behind me didn't suddenly appear. Sure enough 29:10! Crossed the finish line light-headed and feeling like I had run a half. Since this was a smaller running race the age groups were broken down into 10 year increments. I looked at all the females around me who had already finished and thought I might have a chance to place. I kept my fingers crossed....and came away with a 2nd place AG finish!!
What started out as a day feeling bummed about not being able to run my half turned into a fun, spur of the moment race! I must say that the Texas Wine Series and Carrera Races put on a great race with a great venue. We got nice finisher medals (even the 5k), a wine glass, a t-shirt, and yummy, delicious food from La Madeline, which I wish I was able to enjoy more of but couldn't (boo hoo). IAAP had the race results up in a jiffy and were on the ball about time corrections. Definitely a race series to keep in consideration. Plus a legit race course!
Plus I have to give a huge shout-out to Brian, who won the Overall Masters Half Marathon race with a time of 1:45 on a super tough, hilly course! Way to go my love! So super proud of you!!
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