ATTQOTD: I will watch any marathon on TV. There aren't many ever on (because as much as I love this sport, it probably isn't the most interesting to the non-runner or non-marathoner). The last one I watched was NYC and I loved every second. I will watch the Olympic marathons, the trials, the sub 2 hour Nike project, you name it. I haven't watched Boston since I race it, but my friend will DVR it for me at my house. I LOVE watching The Flying Pig coverage and watched it the afternoon after I ran it (plus I wanted to see my cringe-worthy interview).
Race Summary from this Weekend:
18-Wendy98-Heart Mini Marathon 15K
I did go ahead and race this weekend. I did the 15k. I have done the 1/2 marathon for the last several years, but didn't want to push my luck with my lower leg issues. I was nervous because I wasn't sure what to expect from myself. The course isn't very nice. Nobody here loves that course. It is an out and back along the Ohio River. It is one hill after another. As nice as it was to go down a hill, you know you will just be trekking back up that thing on the way back into town. There is also a nasty side street thrown in on the way back. That hill is a monster and dreams get crushed there. I don't know why they insist on keeping that hill in the route. They took it out several years ago by extending the out and back, but brought it back about 4 years ago. Anyway, weather was nice for running and it is always fun to see the sunrise on the river. I hung with the lead women in sight for awhile--it is tough because you don't know who is racing the hm and who is 15k. I could see once we hit the turnaround and gauge where I was at. I passed a girl around mile 4 and had a bike escort at that point so figure I was 3rd. Biker never told me and never spoke to me. I have had bike escorts before and some are so friendly and tell you exactly how you are doing and how far back next person is. He didn't go up the nasty hill with me but picked back up when I came down (around the 10k mark). I just tried to stay steady and knew there would be another long hill back. I was excited to see the split for the hm because I knew I was just about done and so happy to not run another 3.8 miles! And so happy to not have to run over the bridge to Kentucky and back! Race went off an exit ramp (and then back up the damn thing!) to finish. Biker told me nice race and signaled ahead that I was number 2. I had no idea I was second and thrilled! Anyway, final time was 1:02:26 (around a 6:42 pace) and second overall woman. I am very satisfied with this despite running the hm at a faster pace on this course the last couple years.
Girl in the pink sports bra was the one I passed at mile 4. She was so sweet to get this pic and text it to me.
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