This was my second time running this race. I almost left it off the Racing Schedule due to my North Shore injuries but when my good buddy Jo decided to run I was all in!!!
It's been super hot and humid so I didn't get a lot of training going into this race. I have been suffering from stress and a running slump so I wasn't sure how I would fare in this race. With the Hibiscus Half Marathon scheduled next week I really didn't want to push or get injured either. As you can see, my training is spot on, my mind is pretty tough, but as far as racing confidence and putting it all out there, I have a long way to go!!!
My race alarm woke me up from one of the first good night's sleep in a long time and I got ready. Jo would pick me up and we'd go to the race together. Riding with friends always keeps me relaxed and we chatted about our friends and work on the short ride to Wahiawa. We easily found parking, used the bathroom and then cruised at the start line. Soon after we saw Paul, Heather, and even Jana and Margeaux. It was a nice cool and overcast day, perfect for racing!! As the 7:00 start time approached the starter got on the megaphone and let us know that the start would be delayed because all of the buses from the shuttle still hadn't made it to the event. We all worried about the sun coming out and having to run in the heat and humidity. The course is hilly and has zero shade so this was a definite concern!!!
While waiting, a strange guy came and tried to pick up Heather. It was pretty humorous and after her body language let him know that she was not interested he moved onto another bunch of women and tried his luck there. Not sure if he was successful as the race was finally about to begin.
As the horn sounded I took off. At that point I still wasn't sure if I was going to race, relax, or what. But I took off with the pack at an 8:45 pace. I normally never start out this quick but I decided I had nothing to lose and would push the pace until I could do so no longer. By .5 miles I was feeling a little tight in the chest but decided to keep pushing. I could always lay off later. We began to descend toward the bridge that would take us out of Wahiawa and toward Helemano. Up this first hill I pushed hard and tried to keep a steady, even pace. I reminded myself that hills are my strength and I ran passing as many people as I could. At the top of the hill I was winded and went into cruise control as we ran on Kamehameha Highway. Last year this was the hottest part of the course as we ran through former pineapple fields. Lucky for us, the sun didn't peek out behind the clouds and this portion wasn't too bad. After about a mile on the highway we turned left and headed toward Schofield. This portion of the course was a nice descend and I ran strong but didn't push too hard as to save the knees. I did, however, remind myself that this was the best place to pick up speed as there was a hill to get over before heading back to Wahiawa to finish the race.
As I neared the next hill I looked at my time and saw I was holding steady at the 8:45 pace. I had totally forgot what pace I needed to break the 53:13 PR I had set at last month's 10K. I still wasn't sure if I was going to try and break but I ran very strong up the hill and passed a number of people.
At the top of the hill I knew I was half way done and decided to keep to my pace. I was feeling okay, the sun wasn't draining my energy and a few shot blox were holding my energy up. No issues with the knees or ankles so it was time to hold pace and stay strong.
At mile 5 I heard my name and saw my classmate Rod. It was such a nice surprise and seeing him gave me the kick in the pants I needed. I was at 45 minutes and a sub 9 minute mile would get me to a new PR. Thinking about Rod, a former runner and CF butt kicker was the inspiration that I needed and I pushed harder. I was about to round the corner into Wahiawa and it was time to kick. I kicked up the hill ascending into Wahiawa Town and passed a few more runners here, including the target I was keeping pace on for the first 5 miles of the race. At the left turn on Olive Ave I put on the burners and went into high gear. I didn't check my Garmin as I usually do and instead ran on pure guts. I was about to break the 53 minute barrier if I could just hold on. As I made the last turn to the finish line I sprinted as hard as I could and passed another runner. As my chip beeped I stopped my Garmin and saw the numbers I wanted to see...52. A new PR!!! Stoked!!
I ended the race with a 52:53, 20 seconds better than the PR set last month and 4 minutes better than my time on this course last year. It was such a happy moment!!!
After the race we chatted with the running crew, took our pictures then headed home to our families, basketball games, baseball games, parties, and the like. It was another great racing day!!
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