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May 29, 2005
ING National Capital Half Marathon
The race did not go terribly well. The weather was warmer than what I trained in (despite it being officially only 19), and the humidity was the highest it's been all year. My body did not respond well, tiring early, then cramping badly in the last 5km.
Official time: 1:52:40.4.
The first 5km was great. I was on or ahead of pace. I didn't feel completely on, but no worse than I felt two weeks ago.
The next 5km was a bit slower, and I was a bit more comfortable. I started running 5:00/km, which was fine by me. I was starting to feel the heat, a bit. Kilomter 9 was a bit slow (5:20?, with some uphill), but I picked it back up for kilomter 10.
The third 5km found me struggling. I took the occasional walk break, and tried to conserve energy. I ran slower than 5:00/km, until my average peeked over that pace. Disappointing, for sure. I focused on keeping moving, and saving some energy for the last 5km, which I felt that I could still do well on.
At Dow's Lake, around 5.5 km to go, my calf spasmed, sharply. I pulled off to the side, and tried to stretch it on the curb. And so it began. Run a few minutes. Stop, stretch. Run. Walk. Run. Down as much gatorade as I can. Run again.
All I was feeling were the heat and the occasional debilitating spasm. My race was shot. I wasn't looking at my watch. I wasn't running at the kind of pace I had in training. I was running between spasms. Between overheats. I was angry, and I was frustrated. As hot as I was, I knew my tank had more left than my legs would give.
At the finish, I sat down for a minute. It was all so overwhelming. One thought echoed through my head. "I did faster than this in training."
The race was a PB. Of course, it's my third half marathon, and all three now have been both PBs and disasters. I have yet to put together a half marathon that I'm happy with.
I have so many questions right now. What did I do wrong? What happened? So many great training runs behind me, and my body just didn't have it in it. I thought my mental preparation and execution were ok. I thought my pacing was acceptable. Did the weather do me in, or is that a copout? Despite the storefront sign that said it was 27 out there, at the end of the race the official temperature was 19.
I'm glad I ran, but I'm so disappointed in the race. I've had two big races this year, and both have been bitter disappointments. I know I have better in me. I just know it.
Posted by warren at May 29, 2005 01:36 PM
Comments
Warren, I'm sorry to read that your race didn't go as well as you would've liked (but congrats on the new PB!). I don't think weather, especially weather warmer than what you trained in, is a copout - it can make such a huge difference for a race. Hope your legs are feeling better!
Posted by: Marisa at May 29, 2005 03:38 PM
Don't be so hard on yourself. You ran, you finished and with a PB. When running today a friend mentioned one should always have 3 different goal times for their race - the first would be your planned PB, the second a slower but still good time and the third would be to finish upright and smiling.
Happy or not with your race, it is always a good idea to look at what went wrong or right and make plans for the next one.
Posted by: Dawn (aka Pink Lady) at May 29, 2005 07:33 PM
Warren - you did the best you could. The cramping in the latter part of the race is likely due to not enough fluid near the start. I know the starting out is so inspiring etc. But that's why I went so slow at the beginning. Saving the gas for the end. I'd say lay off running for a while and come back to it when you find it "fun" again. Try and find the joy in running/walking. That's why I do it. I'm in a completely different mindset to you today. I just feel "PROUD" and that's all. You need to find that pride in your accomplishment as well. You'll find peace there as well. Hugs and you did your Personal Best. You should be proud of that. Please, stay in touch and keep me inspired :)
Posted by: Toria at May 30, 2005 10:53 AM
Sorry to hear that you wanted to do better. My last 5 miler was disappointing to me. I was about 2 minutes slower than usual. There were hills, etc. but still....
Ah well! Good luck in your next endeavors!
Posted by: mid-pack mom at May 30, 2005 11:37 AM
Sorry your race didn't go according to plan, but I like Dawn's idea of the three goals. I don't think we ever really know why the run is outstanding one day and falls apart the next. So much of it is in our heads. Don't beat yourself up. The good thing is there will be a next time for you. Onward.
Posted by: susan at May 30, 2005 01:43 PM
I am sorry to hear things didn't go as well as you might of liked, but I hope that you're feeling better upon more reflection. I have no technical words of wisdom, but I wanted to say that you should be proud of the effort and determination you've put into this. Your training efforts inspire me, and others, on a regular basis.
Next time, it will be yours.
Posted by: beverly at May 30, 2005 11:16 PM