Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon

This was a race that was not originally on the calendar for 2016. After seeing the medal though, along with the additional bling that comes with running both RTB and KDF, I decided to sign up a few months ago. The weather was definitely chilly to start, but since the sun was shining - giving off a little bit of warmth - it wasn't too terribly bad. I had completed this same race 5 years ago but, since then, they've changed the course. I've been hearing for years now how hilly this race is, and was always curious as to just HOW hilly - since everyone's definition of "hilly" is subjective. And since I'm a total dunce when it comes to reading elevation maps, I couldn't tell you just from looking what to expect.

I did the San Francisco Marathon in 2011 - a race and city known for its hills. San Francisco, however, was a pancake compared to the hills of Lexington. After taking off 10 minutes late due to some traffic issues, it took a while for my toes and fingers to warm up - they were definitely numb for those first few miles. They were calling for some hell-wind later in the day but, luckily for the most part, it wasn't that bad while the race was going on. I planned on doing my 4:1 intervals throughout, and was able to hold to that plan for the first 4 miles or so. The hills started early on (within the first mile) and never let up going forward. I remember at one point thinking that, since this wasn't a planned race, I'd be okay with walking most of it if I chose/had to. The chilly air kept me running forward though and I was keeping an okay pace for the first 5-6 miles.

I had been fighting the urge to pee since the start of the race, and I had hoped it would go away with time and sweat. Unfortunately that wasn't the case and since all porta-pots along the way had a long line I kept trudging along waiting for the right time. At mile 6.5 I just couldn't stand it anymore and waiting in line behind 5 women for the one pot. Even though I wasn't making stellar time, I didn't want to tack on another 5-7 minutes waiting for a restroom, so my impatience got the better of me and I ran behind a tree off the beaten path to cop a squat instead. I was hoping my shy bladder wouldn't get the better of me, but after a little pep talk as well as some concentration on my music rather than who may be spotting me, relief was granted and I was on my way once more.

The strategy for the remainder of the race was anybody's guess. I ran a little, walked a little, and did what I could to get by. My quads and hamstrings were definitely feeling it by this point, but I was happy knowing that I was at least halfway through the race. The hills still weren't letting up and it truly was a rolling course. That is, until mile 9 which greeted us with a huge, steep uphill climb. By this point I had become more than okay with walking up the hills and that's exactly what I did. Rounding the corner I knew I had just a little more than a 5k to go. Again, I ran what I could and don't really remember keeping track of any time intervals on my watch at this point. I wanted it to be over with. About 11 miles in my gal Terri swooped past me with her son as they headed towards the finish line. Just past mile 12 I spotted a guy on bended knee to my left who was proposing to his girlfriend whom he had been running the race with. This view gave me a smile and a ton of us began to clap and cheer as she accepted his proposal. One last turn to the finish line and I was beat. I had to walk just a little bit more, then I could get up the strength to run it in. My goal had become a 2:30 finish and I crossed the line in 2:32 - which was definitely fine by me.

Typically, a week or two after my races I forget about the pain and start asking myself if I'd ever do it again. I stand firm in my decision that, because that bling was so nice and that race was so tough, I'll never do it again. I told Jenn that next years medal would have to be diamond encrusted in order for me to run the course a second time. Considering the hills, I'm pretty happy with my time. It wasn't the prettiest race (pretty meaning my personal race - the scenery was just GORGEOUS!), but I got it done and was able to add #29 to my list. Next up KDF mini in just a few weeks. The flat course will be a welcome site, and the fact that it was my first, and now will be my 30th half marathon, is somewhat sentimental. I'm looking forward to it!

Sluggish

So I've been little more than a slug since the Run the Bluegrass half a few weeks ago. I've been going to a chiropractor for some neck/shoulder discomfort I had been having, however, while I believe the adjustments are working I think the process of getting everything aligned is causing some neck tightness that is new, and the culprit of some nearly-daily headaches. This isn't good. I've been tired, unmotivated, sore, etc. for almost two weeks. I've missed yoga for the past week and a half and find myself muddling through my OTF workouts. I do believe that a big part of this is the ongoing battle to get my home closed and move into the new condo - a process that has been going on for 5 months now. And while I (apparently) had a definite close date of April 15th, that got pushed back (once again) to the 22nd. I've been saying for months now that I will not be able to full relax and just breathe until the keys are in hand and I'm all moved in. It's truly been one of the most long-lasting stressful events of my life.

Because I've been feeling so unsettled for the past few months, with half the house packed up and continuously waiting on word from realtors, brokers, loan processors, etc. I haven't even gotten into the pool to truly begin my half Ironman training for Muncie. The only upside to this is that it IS 12 weeks away and since I've been keeping up the running and biking at least I'm not really behind on getting prepared. I was even able to feel some relief when I realized recently that this is the week that I officially began IMLOU training last year (which Muncie was a part of) and that gives me no doubt in my mind that I'll be perfectly fine for the first of two half IM's in July.

A friend recently got onto me for not being in the pool at all this year. My explanation was simple: I am a person who thrives in routine and structure. When everything is in its place, figuratively and literally, I excel and can get a regular routine going and stick with it. When it's not, I just can't. I don't feel settled at all right now since I don't know for sure whether I'll actually be closing in 7 days or not. Since the closing, the move, and the days afterwards will all be a complete cluster f#ck, I can't see myself putting on the calendar a 1500 meter swim. If it's on the calendar, I'll feel the need to do it and will get the guilties if it doesn't happen. If not, I'll feel better knowing that I'm saving it for another day - hopefully when life gets a little more calmed down.

So for now, I keep my fingers crossed in the hopes that this April 22nd date is a go and I can get back to normal living soon after. I'm taking the Monday and Tuesday after off to continue getting things in order in the condo (that is, if I DO move that weekend) because, again, if that place is in disarray my life feels like it's also in disarray. Holding my breath, seeing what happens over the next week. In the meantime, yoga tonight, massage tomorrow, bike ride Saturday and an OTF workout Sunday.