First, the past two years have been terrible weather wise. Thunderstorms hit the area the day before the race so it was very wet and somewhat cold. This year, the weather was hot. So the weather can be a bit strange for this race!
This race was my second time running a race with a pace group and I was pleased with the run and my results. My physical therapist told me to look at the run as a training run instead of a race. So, I immediately put aside my ideas about a PR. Plus, I wasn't feeling good about my running this week so I decided to take it easy.
Ideally, I wanted to run 10 minute miles, but the pace group was for 9:55. 5 seconds wasn't a big deal to me so I figured that would be my pace group.
Our pace group leader Kerl was awesome! He has run 19 marathons and is a coach for Chicago Endurance Sports. He also has paced the Chicago Marathon and will be the 4:00 hour pace leader. So, he definitely knows what he's doing and what's he's talking about.
His leadership was a big relief for me. I knew that all I needed to do was follow him and not worry about anything else. He gave us tips on how to handle any inclines and declines. Also, he got us to focus more on our form, breathing and staying relaxed during the run. It was so nice because normally, I would have my music blaring in my ears and a PR as the only thing on my mind.
I was able to stick with Kerl the whole time. If I wasn't running side by side with him, I was no more than 2 rows behind him. Parts of the path were a bit tight, but somehow our little pack managed to stay together for most of the run.
And honestly, the run was more difficult for me mentally than physically. Physically, my legs were feeling pretty good. My left ITB was a little sore prior to the run and I was debating on getting it taped since there were people taping people with Rocktape. I decided not to do it since I've never used that type of tape before and also that I have never taped my left knee. I didn't think that a long run like that was the time to start trying new things. In the end, I'm glad I didn't tape it. My left ITB did not pull during the run. I taped my right ITB per my physical therapist's instructions. The tape held up well and the ITB did not hurt during the run.
Mentally, I had a hard time from mile 11 to mile 13. The heat was starting to get to me, my hydration was running out and I wasn't efficient about getting any/enough during the hydration stations. And, I wanted to be done. I didn't have my music on to distract me. But, I was able to focus and get the run done. Kerl's positive motivation definitely helped out.
I finished in 2:11:01.6 for an average pace of 10 minutes per mile. I successfully achieved my goal and hope to duplicate this success during the Chicago Marathon in October.
Website for Race: http://www.allcommunityevents.com/gfasf/gfasf_home.html
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