Vermont City Marathon Two Person Relay 2010

Early A.M. Ready to Race

Early A.M. Making initials

Whew!  Thank goodness I had four goals as the fourth one is the one I met.  But I am going to go with what Miss Zippy said, "Good luck! I think it is such a good idea to always set a couple of goals; that way, you are going to be happy no matter what!" So yes I did not make goal #s 1, 2 or 3 but I am happy.  I did not truthfully think I would make 1 or 2 but thought I would make 3 - beating my time of last year.  More about that later.

Shameless Promoting

 VCM is a great race and I can't recommend it enough. I am always choked up when it starts and we turn the corner and head up Pearl Street.  One of the first musicians on the course to greet us is The Accordian Man in his speedo. It brings a big smile right away and off we go!!!  Maybe it is time for me to think about doing the whole marathon again although winter/spring training does not fit as well for me.  If you are looking for a great late spring marathon this is the one to do!!

R and I at Battery Park before the start

Race Highs:

1. Absolutely running with my kids.  I did not see Em race but she was there to cheer us on as she had the second leg.  She saw the two of us on Church Street and said she got a great picture.  J ran with me for about the first four miles which I didn't expect but I loved it so much!  What a feeling to be racing in one of your favorite races on a beautiful day with your son by your side! ( I felt a bit choked up at times as he ran alongside me.) He took off around mile four and the next time I saw him he was a marathoner!  I will let him tell you his story on his own blog. But he is in the midst of moving and has spotty Internet connection so it may not be quick.  E had an excellent unbelievable half but I will let her tell you on her blog.

2. The crowd support is phenomenal.  I suspect it can't be beat many places. Everyone is out widely supporting this race with their enthusiasm.  The only drawback to this is it's hard to get to a good spot to see your runner at the finish.  

3. Beautiful day with a decent temperature after warnings of 85.  

Race Lows:

1. I fell apart and I do mean apart in the last mile and a half.  I wondered if I would have to walk or even sit down. I felt awful and had nothing left with no idea why. Did I not drink enough? Eat the wrong thing?  Do some miles too fast?  I suspect drinking had a part to play in it.

2. As I was running near the end I decided I did not know why I said half marathons were my favorite distance.  I decided I was never going to attempt a marathon again. If this was as painful as it was becoming who needed marathons?  I was way into negative thinking.  

3. Not beating last years time in this race. I was about a minute slower. Last year it was just a race I tacked on.  This year I trained and tapered for it.

Race Stats:

1. It is actually my fastest of 3 half marathons this calendar year. That amazed me when I got home. I felt so much better during my Feb. half.  My miles were even and I did not slow at the end.  The range was from 9:16 to 9:39.  Today's mile splits went from 8:57 to 10:40.  I managed to tweak out a faster half today and it was hillier so let me take a little credit there. My splits were quite similar to last year's but the last two slow miles took their toll on my overall time.

2. My time was 2:04:54 with a pace of 9:30.  My team was 10/15 in our division - not so great - but 384/707 out of all relay teams.  

Fun Moments:

1. When I finished my half I walked more than two miles to the finish with two heavy backpacks. BTW this is not the fun part.  When I got there I walked to get to the finish past this huge line that I had no idea what it was for. Well as I got toward the front I realized it was to go across this bridge that went above the race to not interrupt the runners. This was good  for the runners but I DID NOT want to wait in a long line. I was exhausted and wanted to see my kids as they were running. I turned to go toward the back when I cut was invited into the line by two men standing there who interpreted the distraught look on my face correctly.  One said to me, "Hey, let's catch up." and started talking away to me.  Of  course I had never seen either one of these guys before but I stopped and "caught up" with them feeling less guilty not guilty at all for cutting into the line to chat with my new BFFs. When we got to the other side of the bridge I said goodbye and told them I was glad we had the opportunity to catch up.  

2. I love seeing people I know both in the race and watching. It is a big city event and because of the various relays (2-5 person as well as the two person) many people take part.  The whole city is happy.

3. Chatting with other unknown runners about racing, running and our love of the sport.

How is racing like childbirth?

As I said above I had thoughts of hating half marathons and never wanting to do a marathon again.  Already forgotten now that the pain is gone and the endorphins kicked in.

Fashion Highlights:

Today I wore my new running skirt. (Skirt sport -  gym girl ultra  model)  I know I know don't wear anything new on race day. Well I did. And I have to say I love my skirt!  It is long enough for me, extremely comfy, and has two useful pockets.  I put my Ipod in one and threaded it through the hole provided for easy access and I put some chomps in the other pocket.  I felt like I looked good too.  It was all good!

Couldn't get a good pic of medal. It is nice,  particularly the ribbon.  

Here it is on calendar with running pics from last year's VCM

I am planning to take off five days or so. I often do this after a half and always after a marathon. I did not do it after either of my previous halves but feel I could use a break.  I am on an interviewing committee at work this week with two late evenings involved so it works out on that front too.  So I am not planning on running until next Saturday.

My son the marathoner!