“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Full Race Recap

GARMIN: miles 13.2  Time:1:57:55
Official Race: miles 13.1  Time: 1:58:54

1:58:54. I finished running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tn. in under 2 hours!
Overall I finished 3386 out of 24,674 people and in my age group 30-34, I finished 242 out of 2803. I am still pretty stoked!
So here is how the day went.

I stayed at hubby's Aunt's house, who just happens to live 3 housed down from Johnny Cash's old place!! Very cool area!  I woke up race morning at 3:45am and figured that would allow me ample time to eat, park, take the shuttle to the start, and be ready to race by 7:00am.  Wrong!
I ate my oats, banana, and coffee and left the house at 5:00am.  My plan was to drive to LP Stadium(the finish line) and take the shuttle,which were supposed to stop running at 6am, to the starting line.  I got to the exit for the stadium at 5:15am and was excited to make good time until I saw the cars......it was gridlock! Cars were backed up for miles to get to finish line parking!!  What's worse is that there was no one directing traffic and I had to pee!  I finally made it to parking at 6:05am.  Thankfully they extended the shuttles until 6:30am.  So, I got in the 1/2 mile long line for a shuttle I asked the lady in front of me if she would hold my place in line while I dashed off to the porta-potties.
START
I made it to the start line at 6:40am and was just about to get in line for a second time at the porta-potties(I have to pee when I get nervous....kind of like a cocker spaniel) when I heard the announcement that because of the storms moving in they had moved the start time ahead 15 minutes to 6:45am!!  I decided I could hold it,  not smart when you are about to run 13.1 miles, but I figured I could always stop along the way.  I ran to find my coral, coral #4 and by the time I got there the runners in the front of coral #4 were already crossing the starting line.  I was so flustered! I tossed off my raincoat and sweatshirt, turned on my Garmin, and crossed the Start line.  In hindsight, the fact that it was so rushed really worked to my advantage.  I didn't have time to get anxious or nervous or freak out. 

Miles 1-6(according to Garmin)
Mile 1-8:29
Mile 2-8:31
Mile 3-8:54
Mile 4-8:54
Mile 5-9:01
Mile 6 -8:32

I felt fantastic the first 5 miles. The course had a LOT of hills which I was not totally prepared for.  At the end of mile 5 I started to feel my quads cramp up a bit, so I stopped, downed a water and GU and stretched for about 20 seconds at a water station.  Legs felt MUCH better after that.
The course was very pretty and the streets were completely lined with supporters cheering.  It was a really fun and exciting atmosphere.  There were bands every couple miles and cheer leading squads on almost every corner!  I welcomed the distractions.  
The roads in Nashville are pretty narrow and there were 24,674 people running so you can imagine it was pretty crowded.  I kept expecting it to thin out a bit but it never did.  There was never a point where I couldn't reach out and pinch someone...if I wanted to.......and I did want to a couple times...

Miles 7-10
Mile 7-8:56
Mile 8-9:12
Mile 9-8:45
Mile 10-9:05

As you can see my pace started to s.l.o.w. down.  Miles 7-10 I was still feeling pretty good though, the hills were starting to mess with me a bit.  I stopped again at 9.5 miles and stretched my quads. This time I stretched for about 30 seconds.  Stopping to stretch made such a huge difference for me this race.  Normally I don't stop.  I just try to run through the cramp which inevitably leads to injury...  I do believe I'm getting smarter!! 
At mile 10 I downed another GU and some cyto-max.

Miles 11-13.1
Mile 11-8:57
Mile 12-9:16
Mile 13-9:37

I really need to practice negative splits!!! In my defense the last mile and a half were up hill.  Okay so I need to work more on hills too.;)
I really don't remember much about the last few miles, I was so elated that I was on time for my goal.  I was already on cloud nine before I crossed the finish line!

After I crossed the finish line and stopped to get my medal and a water my quads locked up.  I went and got two ice packs and sat down for 15 mins and iced my knees and quads.  I think that really helped in my race recovery because the next day my quads were not nearly as sore as I anticipated.
After I had gone through the picture line, food lines, potty lines..line lines... and all the other lines I headed out to find my car.  I got in my car, shut the door and it started to POUR!! It rained and rained and rained!!  
Now, just so you understand, it was 100% chance of rain for Saturday.  It was also 100% chance that the rain would start by 8am.  Personally, I believe that it was an answer to prayer.  I prayed that the skies would be dry until I was finished and they were.  I didn't get one drop of rain on me! Praise GOD!!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I think the half marathon is my new favorite.  I am going to run the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, Sept 25th.  I think an all women's race would be fantastic! I have already recruited my running buddy Angie(she just doesn't know it yet!)
Plus, look how cute the medal for the Women's Half is:

 Thank you all for your comments, encouraging words, tips, and advice!!  I am grateful for all of you!!!
 
If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,
 

12 comments:

Molly said...

congrats on such a great race! That's the cutest race medal, what a great idea!

misszippy said...

GREAT job! You look so cute out there too. And a nice medal--something rare in races!

Julie said...

Hi April,
Woo hoo, congrats to you!!! Way to finish strong there Miss Speedy:) How come my finish pictures don't look as good as yours? Seriously, you look adorable:) I am so happy for you!

Irene said...

Congratulations!!!!!!

You look wonderful in your pictures.

That's a cool medal with the necklace. Wonder why they didn't think of that sooner?

ajh said...

Good job! You can be proud of that result! Wow!

Glenn Jones said...

Congratulations April! Awesome race. That's one happy looking person in those photos!

Aimee said...

Yay! Congrats on your race! You did awesome! Oh, and your outfit is so cute! :)

chris mcpeake said...

congrats on an awesome race!!

Stephanie said...

Great job April!

Jill said...

I love that verse! Such a great one to focus on during a race! Great race and your times were great. Glad it went so well.

Allison aka Scooty's Mom said...

Congrats April!! Your splits and overall time were great and definitely something to be proud of. The medal for the women's half is darling.

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Congrats on a great finishing time! You don't even look tired in your race photos!

I like the necklace/medal. That way you can always wear your medal, not just on race day! Have fun training for that one!

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