Saturday was another busy day with the kids sports but I tried to stay off my feet and well hydrated as much as possible. I didn't get enough sleep Saturday night but my body was feeling okay Sunday morning when we arrived at Kapiolani Park. The race was a small race and as we lined up at the starting line the hubby pointed out that Yuuko N was indeed running the race. She's the elite 41 year old athlete that wins our age group or the elite top 3 at every race. We were laughing that I didn't stand a chance. The sun was already high in the sky, shining bright, and the air was thick and humid. I didn't have any real plans except to run as fast as I could. I elected not to carry any water since it was only a 10k and I didn't want anything weighing me down. The gun went off after a few tries and we were off and running.
We headed out toward Diamond Head and the fast runners took off. I settled into a 9 minute pace and told myself to hang in there. It had been a long time since I trained in the area but I hoped that my afternoon Mililani miles would be sufficient. As I reached the base of Diamond Head I told myself to climb hard and pass anyone that I could. I was able to pass about 4 people going up the hill and as I ran I tried to figure out who was in my age group (,y newest running strategy). I ran at about a 9 minute pace for the first mile but slowed a bit in mile 2 and 3 where there was simply zero shade and the heat coming straight into my face. At the half way point I was passed by two women runners. I knew that one was older than me so I didn't sweat it, but the 2nd was running at a crazy pace pushing a jogging stroller. I told myself not to worry because she was for sure YOUNGER! As we reached Diamond Head again I was getting tired and hot and I told myself that I was an idiot for not carrying water. I knew I needed to get a good drink at the water stop and so I drank a good two gulps at the last one before my ascend. There was a woman in front of me and I was closing the gap. She had shared that she was from Japan so I thought that although she looked young it was very possible that she was in my age group. I knew I had to catch her. I closed the gap going up the hill and when we reached the peak I decided I was going to give it everything that I could to pass her. I passed her and two other men on the way down and at that point I told myself that I had to hold my lead and run strong the last half mile. Believe me, it was crazy hot and it wasn't easy but I willed myself to keep on pushing and not go into cruise mode. I had zero kick for the last .3 miles but lucky for me, neither did anyone else.
We waited afterwards for the award ceremony since the race was old school withe zero chip for timing and when the awards were announced for my AG I was stoked to learn that I had indeed taken 2nd place behind Yuuko N and that the woman I passed was indeed in my AG and had taken 3rd place. It felt so good to know that I was finally figuring this racing thing out. :)
And just like that this chic has a 3rd and a 2nd place in the span of 8 days. Chee hoo!
No comments:
Post a Comment