Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Freezeroo Hearnish 10k (6.385 miles)

Well, this was one of those races that gets filed under the "rather forget about" tab but I'll still give you a run-down. We will call this 'part one' of the crappy Saturday I had, 'part 2' was falling down the stairs later that night. 


I got to the race, did my warm-up and tried to think warm thoughts. It wasn't quite as cold as I thought it was going to be, but it certainly wasn't toasty by any means. I had plenty of layers on regardless of my distaste for full leggings (I always feel constricted). Laura and I warmed up together, this was probably the best part of the day. Her and I really need to start running together more often!
Right After the start, I'm right in middle with bright blue hat on.

6:40 -Heyyyyy things are good. Just hold steady.
7:29- Right about mile 1.5 my calves seized up and I felt like I was running in place.
7:43- I considered a DNF at this point, my legs were screaming at me with every step. That freezing headwind wasn't exactly wind beneath my wings.
7:15- SUCK IT UP LAURA, move it.
7:50- Oh hey you huge hills, my legs don't like you. Walked part of last big hill.
7:16- Just get me to the finish.
Last .385 miles in 2:41 

Race went through hilly park, we had some company. 

I could sit here and analyze this on what I did wrong, what I did right or I can call a spade a spade-- BAD RACES HAPPEN, IT WASN'T MY DAY. Yes, its frustrating that I barely maintained my MARATHON pace in a 6 mile race. But, this was not a goal race and this race doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things. I still got a hard workout in, and miles for the day. I am happy that I pushed through, as much as the weather sucked, my body hurt and I wanted to stop- but I pushed through and did it. 

A few hours after the race, a friend on Facebook posted this..."Springtime race results come from Wintertime training runs.". Honestly it was the reminder I needed. Training through the winter can be hard but it will certainly be worth it when Boston rolls around. 

Do I wish I had a better race? Absolutely.
Am I glad that I pushed through and finished despite feeling horrible? Absolutely.
Am I going to go back there and do training runs on those hills? YOU BET.

 This race also served as a reminder of how far I have come. There was a long period of time where a bad race would eat away at me. It would bring me down, and really get the best of me. While yes this race was frustrating, I am able to look at it as a learning experience. I am able to look at this objectively and not 100% emotionally. I got the miles in, still much faster than I would have been a few years ago, and I pushed through when things got hard. I'm learning to move forward, from the good and the bad. There are plenty more races to come, and this race certainly doesn't define me as a runner. 

Bad races- do you let them eat away at you?

Tell me something awesome, anything at all. I refuse to be a debbie downer right now with a bad race and a tumble down the stairs... gimme something good to smile and laugh about?!




22 comments:

  1. I'm a little confused over the times and what happened when, but I'm sorry you had a bad race :(. Bad races happen to good runners, and there's always more races and a second chance to redeem yourself- that's the best thing about this sport. I hope you're feeling better from the crappy race + the fall down the stairs (I know you mentioned it the other day but it takes a few days to feel better after these things sometimes).

    Hmm... something fun. Salted caramel hot chocolate is delicious! In fact, I *always* get a hot drink after a cold race like this. Helps me warm up on the drive home.

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  2. as cliche as it is the whole "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" tidbit has so much validity to it. you will take a lesson out of it and continue to train smart & strong.

    i wish i had something fun to tell you. its HUMP DAYYY YEAA. and if you need to smile watch this:

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/01/29/stop-everything-you-are-doing-right-now-watch-the-budweiser-super-bowl-ad-guaranteed-to-melt-your-heart/

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  3. Sucks you had a bad race but glad to hear you aren't letting it get you down!!!!

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    Replies
    1. I'm trying not to! Obviously I did at first, but best thing to do is move on!

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  4. You got to run with deer! That's pretty cool! And your hat is really bright and fun! Oh and snow is kind of neat! Any of those help? lol!

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  5. hhhmmmm....something awesome....the weightloss on BL last night...seriously.....like wowzers

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  6. I'm just really confused about this race...how confusing....

    I know it wasn't the best race but I am proud of you for pushing through and finishing. We all have off/terrible races and honestly at least it wasn't a spring or goal race. Think about your last few marathons and how freaking awesome they have been. I wouldn't worry about this race...it's done forever. Nothing but a blogging memory...if you read your old posts (I don't read mine too often bahahah).

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  7. Bad races do bother me, you wonder why when you trained so hard things had to go bad on race day, but I guess there is nothing we can do about them. Sorry.

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    Replies
    1. Had this been a goal race I think it would have bothered me more. But the Freezeroo Series races I am simply doing to help keep me working on speed through the winter. Goal races definitely harder to handle if they don't go well!

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  8. I will dwell on a bad race for a bit and the move on. Good news...hmm...I booked my flight to Florida! Thinking warm sunny thoughts!

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  9. I'm sorry you had a bad race, but you're an awesome runner, don't let it get you down. :)

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  10. Just let this race fuel you for the next one! Your times look awesome to me. And that race looked like it was FREEZING! Enjoy your accomplishment, you have come so far.

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  11. Something awesome is that it's going to be 40 degrees here this weekend, FORTY!!! I cannot wait. I'm sorry your race didn't go as well as you wanted it to, but I'm glad that you were able to find the good in the experience and stay positive!

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  12. I know bad races happen but I still beat myself up over them

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    Replies
    1. If it's not a goal race (this wasn't) I'm much better about beating myself up a little but then moving on. I used to be REALLY bad about it though.

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  13. Girl you did it! And even though it wasn't your best you still got miles in and did something that most people don't ever do! Head up girl! Races and runs like this make you stronger and make you appreciate the good ones!

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