Monday, November 10, 2014

Ft Lauderdale Half: race recap (version 13.1)

I think I'm still riding my runner's high from yesterday's half marathon. If I had to describe it in one word, the race truly was awesome...

1. I woke up at 4:30 so that I could get there early, but most people had the same idea also. The pre-race period ended up being a series of lines....a line to get into the parking garage to park; a line for gear check; a line for bathrooms etc. Thankfully, the time went by quickly and before I knew it they were calling runners to line up for the race.

2. There was a really good turn out for the half...

3. I found a pacer who was aiming for a 2:45 finish (which was my goal) so I decided to start out with her...
(say hi to Marcella everyone)

Marcella was going to do 3:1 intervals throughout the race, but I had already discussed my pacing strategy with my dad and a few of my more experienced runner friends, so I told her I would be with her group in the beginning but that I was going to try and run ahead after I was warmed up (she didn't seem to mind). The group was fun and Marcella kept us entertained and kept the mood light.

I ran 3:1's with Marcella for the first 3 miles and then I increased my intervals to 4:1's for 8 miles and then went back down to 3:1's for the last 2+ miles.

4. I didn't take a lot of pictures throughout the course but here are a few of the ones I did take.
(fully solicited cheerleaders are my favorite kind)

(the "thank heavens less than half way to go" pic)

(the sign says "Humpty Dumpty had wall issues too")

5. The route was beautiful...especially the "oceanfront" segment. The "riverfront" had a few bridges (which seemed like mountains at the time). They also had musicians/bands set up at different points along the 'riverfront' segment (and at the finish) which was really really nice. 

6. It started to rain at around mile 9 and so the last 1/4 (or so) of the race was wet and soggy (which sucked cause you know how much I hate running in the rain). But on the bright side the temps were cool throughout the entire race, thanks to the initial overcast sky and subsequent rain.

7. My goal was to run the half in 2 hours and 45 minutes or less...
I DID IT!!!! A new PR!!!!!

My race distance and time according to Runtastic...

8. Map of the run...

9. Split times...

10. I was elated at the end of the race. Not only did I shave 15 minutes off my last half marathon time but I didn't feel terribly exhausted and my knee felt ok. One of my best friends, Diane, was at the finish line waiting for me to cross which made finishing strong even better!

11. After the race Diane and I went for a celebration brunch at Coconuts...
(whoever invented the peach Bellini is a genius...but that might be the champagne talking)

We got "congratulations" mini donuts from the waiter....
(I felt special...then I saw other waiters bring "free" donuts to their patrons in the restaurants....hmmm) 

I had a BLT with a fried egg (a BLT is one of my all time favorite sandwiches)...

12. After brunch we went back to the post-race party and took a few more pics...
(Yup!....Michelob Ultra thinks I'm Awesome)

Here is a close-up pic of the medal...

13. A few hours later I was at home and sitting in an ice bath per "coach" Kaiyu's instructions...
(and she even held my hand during the initial "this is excruciatingly painful" period)
(I think the water level needs to be higher next time...)

13.1. The rest of the day was spent recuperating, eating, and hanging out with family. I went over to my brother's house for a bit as well and got a special love note from my niece Saree...
I was so excited about my love note....then I found out Kaiyu wrote it for her. Yes people, we now live in a world where 5 year old kids are outsourcing their writing activities to their generous older cousins ;)

Today my muscles are sore and I'm pretty sure I've lost feeling to the tips of a few toes, but none of that takes away from the great race and day I had yesterday. It's always great to have someone at the finish line waiting for you. In Chicago my dad was there, and yesterday Diane was there, which helped make both events fantastic! I also got a lot of love from my family, my running group, & my friends (via FB  & IG "likes" or text messages etc). I have the best support system for my running dreams. Thank you!!!

Who else raced yesterday? How was your event?

2 comments:

  1. Nice job on your race. Beating your goal by 6 minutes was awesome. Guess you will be signing up for another one right away!

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  2. Thank you so much! I'm signed up for the Palm Beach half (Dec 2014), Miami half (Jan 2015) and Miami Beach half (March 2015)...all from before. And then the Wings for Life World Run (May 2015). I want to do a 20 miler sometime over the summer and then I have the Chicago full marathon (my first full) in October next year :)

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