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!