Monday, March 22, 2010

ING Half Marathon Race Report

This is my third time racing the ING half course.

2007 was just a training run for Ironman. I didn't race it, ran with Mike's family, had fun, enjoyed it. 1:47

2009 it was an "A" race for me. My first big post Alice race back. I struggled. Just not my day. 1:41

2010...third time was NOT the charm. I was hoping for under 1:40 and was going to do my best to hang on to 7:20's for a 1:36.

I was a little off. 1:51

Wowza.

All was good until Mile 9. I was pushing up the hills and recovering on the downhills, per Jen's instructions on "how to run even splits on a hilly course." It was not feeling easy or effortless, but I was hanging in there. Each hill push was accompanied by the all too familiar "I am going to puke" feeling that I get at the end of 5 and 10k's. When I cannot go any harder. And I am sprinting. All out.

I was not going that hard.

I was not sprinting.

Yet, I was puking.

Exited Piedmont Park and hurled all over the sidewalk. And again. And again.

Yes, I was that person on Sunday.

My mile splits were no longer even. Mile 9? A blistering 11:33. Zoom.

And now my shoes had vanilla powergel puke on them. Which, sadly, does provide any additional energy to your feet.

The 4.1 miles to the finish was a long, slow, spectacular KA-BOOM! I was hoping to rally and feel better after the show I put on at mile 9.

Nope.

Not today. Not this year. Not on this course.

EffING ING.

Next year you're mine.

(The appearance of a fever yesterday and the reappearance of my breakfast this morning could not have been more welcome. Yay for a stomach virus. Yay for puking. Anything that could reasonably explain the disaster that was my race was much welcomed.)

11 comments:

ADC said...

Oh no, that is so unfortunate but you will get it next year. Hope it's nothing too serious though (the virus I mean)

Rebecca DeWire said...

Oh no. What terrible timing for a stomach virus to appear! That sounds like a miserable experience and i am so impressed that you were able to finish. Hope you feel better soon.

Allison Chapple said...

Well, for crying out loud! I'm so sorry that happened. I know you're capable of a 1:36.

FWIW, I have run the Myrtle Beach 1/2 four times. Each and every time has been a disaster. I WILL go back someday and own that course. I totally get how you must be feeling towards ING.

GetBackJoJo said...

Oh that sucks! I'm so sorry, kate! Next year...

RunningMama said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! Puking is HORRIBLE and even worse on a race course. Next year you'll beat it!

Angela and David said...

That sounds miserable. Next year that b*tch is yours!

And if you are suffering from the stomach virus we had, I am seriously impressed you made it mile 9 before you started puking.

Aimee said...

Oh...I'm so sorry you got hit with a stomach virus! Puking is horrible, just plain horrible. I'm sorry about your race, but you finished, and that is awesome!

Running and living said...

I can't imagine running with a stomach virus. You'll get it next year, for sure! Rest up!

Jennifer Harrison said...

You are going to live in a bubble for your next race! :)
HOPE you are feeling better, Kate.
:(

Angela said...

That sucks Kate. Sorry to hear about the disappointing race and that you're not feeling well.

Hope you can get some rest and kick this before it blows up even worse!

Unknown said...

Totally understand your relief at a stomach virus... sounds funny right? :-D

and technically... since you didn't "race" it your first year, next is your 3rd time racing... 3rd time may be the charm after all! :-D

you rock! can't wait for our bike ride, getting the gang back together... our oh so impressive biker gang of 3. ha ha