Narragansett, RI
The basic background going into this race:
- This was my 23rd consecutive Blessing.
- Last year I went for the M60-69 course record, and was successful.
- This year it was hot (it was last year as well) AND it was quite humid.
So I had nothing to prove, my race times have been markedly slower to date this year, and I neither enjoy nor thrive in this weather. So I decided this would be an easier, more comfortable pace this year, and basically just running it to 1) keep the streak going and 2) have fun out there.
After my usual warm-up routine of running down to a public "real bathroom" with no line, and running back, I lined up about four rows back with Tom, Shara, and Matt and chatted until the race started.
NOTE: Due to earlier thunderstorms, the walker start was moved from 5pm to 5:30pm. Until I was on the starting line, it hadn't dawned on me that this would impact my race by encountering walkers much earlier than the usual spot on Route 108.
Race start: Started off running about 6:30/mile pace. I got to the first water stop maybe two miles in, but as it was clogged with walkers, I opted not to even try.
I got to the next water stop, at maybe 3.5 miles, and decided I need to get water. So I weaved into the line, got cut off by a walker cutting right in front of me as I grabbed my cup of water, did my best to weave around her (I'm just behind her) without hitting her or even contacting her, and in doing so, I accidentally spilled some of my water on her. I thought that was better than an actual collision, but I still loudly got called "What a f#&king a$$hole!" by the walker behind me. I tried to just let it go, but it bothered me for at least the next mile.
I got out to Route 108, my least favorite section of the course, and said to myself, "What am I doing?". I'll finish this race, but it's hot and humid, I'm not having fun, and I have nothing to prove or shoot for this year. Decided to just have fun and slowed down. JV caught and went past me as we exited Route 108, and as he did, my initial reaction was to go with him.
Nah. Spent the final four miles high-fiving every kid, went through every sprinkler whether on my side of road or not, asked kids to hit me with their super soakers, and at Mile 9 this kid at heart took a running dive onto a slip 'n slide. Slid until I ended up face down in a pool of cold water. Ahh, that felt so good. Do I have to get up and finish? Yeah, I do.
Ran the last 1/4 mile in with Tyler Faubert as he was shooting for a PR, and asked me to run him in. (He did get it!)
Final result: 1:08:04, 3rd in age group. Full result here
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| Just before finish |
Immediately after finishing, I didn't feel great. Not terrible, not injured, but just that feeling of mild heat illness. They don't have fruit anymore (I've politely written in to organizers about this), and I'm certainly not eating a hot dog. Checked out paid food offerings at the adjacent seafood festival, but it just about all fried food, so decided to just leave and eat elsewhere.
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| Immediately post race. I (bib #913) am the only one that looks like death warmed over, but that's pretty much how I felt! (Photo by Jana) |
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