Run to the Rock 10K (also 5k and half marathon)

  I ran this race with my niece, Ginette in 2011 and we wanted to make an annual thing, but last year I was  injured and she ran the half. This year we decided on the 10K and thought we'd upgrade if we were feeling frisky. We weren't feeling frisky. So the 10K it stayed.

Race morning I got up showered had a banana, grabbed a Dunkin for Chris and myself. He drove to Plymouth, which is an hour plus drive. We got there early so I had another banana and downed a 32 oz water bottle. I looked around for my niece. I told Chris "I don't know, I feel like I haven't run in a year." I was really working myself up. By the time I found Ginette her Dad had left for the finish line. We chatted for a bit, and I had to pee really bad so I got in line for the port-a-potty. She came looking for me looking very worried.  LOL We lined up. After the week we both felt we were pretty much doomed!! She told me not to wait for her, because her running had be awful too, and just run my own pace. So I agreed. And told her the same. 

We lined up in the very back. The first mile is a lot of little rolling hills, that I had forgotten about, and one big hill right about mile one. After about a half mile I was feeling good, weaving in and out, but had to keep reminding myself of the big one coming up, so I held back. I turned the corner and saw the hill and thought "oh crap I don't remember it being so high." About half way up my legs were burning and I kept warning to walk but I was determined to make the hill. And wool!! I did. After that I felt like I had it. I felt really good.

I stopped at every water stop. They have one every mile or there about. I carried a GU with me. I had never tried doing this in a race, but I thought this was doomed anyway, why not. At mile 3 my watch said 27:40. I was feeling pretty good about finishing in an hour. At mile 4 I took the GU and two cups of water (only filled 1/2 way). I had a lull in my running after taking it, but found my rhythm again about a 1/2 mile later. It was a beautiful day for a run. I saw a guy running in these stiff, kind of like women's dress sandals. I was so amazed watching his foot strike and observing him. The water was beautiful. Mile 5 seemed to disappear. So I didn't check my time and couldn't gauge where I was. Then I saw the finish line. 

When I saw 57:40 minutes on the clock. I kicked it into high gear. It was funny a lot of people started yelling and cheering when I did that. I remember this one guy "say YEAH that's the way to kick it. GO, GO, Go!!!" Made me laugh, so I'm sure I probably have a funny look on my finishing photo.  I was flying after finishing in under an hour. 58:14 chip time. I felt awesome!!! I haven't broken an hour in a 10K in probably 10 years.  Felt really good to have everything just turn around like that.  The temp was perfect around 60 but warmed up quickly, but still not too bad. I think it was 74 at the finish. I was running along saying 'thank you' to all the volunteers and police and felt really good, even though NONE of the cops acknowledged me at all. Except the one at the finish chute. 

I looked for the guy with the sandals, but there were too many people. I wanted to talk to him about that. I understand, sort of the barefoot running thing, but sandals I was really interested in hearing about. 

My niece's Dad came up to my and said "what'd you do with my daughter" I said she told me to keep running...he replies "so you just left her in the dust" and we laughed. She actually did well too finishing in 1:04. I always have a great time running with Ginette, both times I've run this I've had a good time. So enjoyable running with family. 

Went back to her Dad's place on the water walked on the beach, collected some rocks, and put my feet in the cold New England water and headed home. It was a really fantastic day!! Even though my Dad never watched me run a race I felt like he was there watching me from where ever he is. 

Beach at Plymouth

Run to the Rock 10K

Chris picking up rocks

RIP Pop

I will miss you...

Driving home MD to MA

In PA. At a rest stop. Chris couldn't believe the size of these...

Old Port Half Marathon

Ran the Shipyard Old Port HM today. What a challenging run. The race consisted of some serious hills through the west end of Portland. My son tried to warn me about The terrain in the West End. But did I listen oh nooooo!

Got up early on Sunday morning which is my birthday. I showered and woke Chris. We stopped at Dunkin' Donuts to grab a coffee and headed to Portland. We got there rather early which was the plan and found parking rather quickly. We parked and walked around the new Ocean Gateway facilities there. 

At the start it felt rather cool and I thought the race is going to be okay, However, when I reached mile one I began to realize how warm it was out. I stopped at the porta potty the line was too long so I decided to head on. I lost five minutes there. I looked around thehilly  West End and ended up at the porta potty again. And again lost five minutes. At this point I was at mile five Running along Commercial Ave. and Munjoy Hill. Not only is Munjoy Hill a big hill to climb but I could feel the temperature rising. It was at this point that I decided I needed to walk more. I passed mile six and was looking for a water stop which was at mile seven. 

I stopped at the mile seven stop and got a water and Gatorade and began to walk. And walk. And walk. I ended up walking till mile 10, which was basically the entire back cove area. It was at this point that I realized I had totally blown my predicted time of two hours and 20 minutes. And when I reached mile 11 I realized I had blown my predicted time "long time" of two hours and 30 minutes. 

But it this point it was so hot that I had determined that I was going to be lucky to just finish. Everyone that I was around was walking. At mile 12 I began to run. I walked a short while at 12 and half miles.Stopped  to be sprayed by the hose the  fireman were holding. That was my saving grace. 

From that point on I finished the race and felt pretty good. I was able to finish the race on both feet with a smile on my face and not need medical attention. So I felt pretty damn lucky!! Even though it was my longest half marathon ever 2:52. 

I think Chris was relieved to see me finish without collapsing. 

Was definitely the most challenging race I have ever run. Not necessarily the course but the course combined the weather. Not sure I'll ever do that again. 

Had a great time anyway. Finished up with a lunch at Flatbread Pizza And a nice shower.  Then headed home.  And a quick dip in Chris's pool when I got home. Was a fantastic birthday!!

1996 Jeep GC

Bought a Jeep .....

Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon

My birthday present to myself....can't wait.

What’s NEW » Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon & 5k

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