PR at Cincinnati

Aughhhhh..... Let's just start with that. We got up this morning at 3:30 to get over to the race 'bright and early'. Rain was starting on the drive over. We got there and Steph let us hang in her car for a bit until the parking attendant got all crabby with us, then we went into the stadium/center that the race was starting from.

 

By race start, the rain had subsided with only a few drips....temps were perfect. Then we were off. Cindy, Noelle and I ran together for a bit (remember, Cindy was only doing the half marathon!). Then Noelle and I peeled off and kept a going. We were holding a pretty decent clip (mostly in the mid-8 minute miles). Miles 5-9, as predicted held for us some really good hills. I made Noelle walk 2-3 of these with me, as my back/broken @ss could not handle these inclines - as I had predicted.

Miles 15-20 really sucked for me (oh! did I mention that Noelle and I decided to run the whole thing....non-Galloway?). Noelle was keeping great pace (in the 8's still) and I fell behind her a good 15-20 paces. But, she kept me motivated and I wasn't going to lose her from my sights. So, we kept on. By mile 20, we were getting a bit tired, and had to throw in some walks for the last 6 miles. Which was fine by me. We were still on par for a great time (in my book).

Noelle had some achilles issues with the hills we had encountered too, so we were both faltering just a tad for the last 10K. By the last mile, Noelle was kicking it pretty hard and trying to keep me motivated. One last hill towards the end - I had to do a stint walking up it for 30-45 seconds...as my back was screaming. Then off to the finish line. I was just bitter to get this done with and Noelle was trying to light a fire under me. I was having nothing of it for the last 3/4 miles. 

Just.Wanted.This.God.Damn.Race.Done! (pardon my french). But 'thanks' Noelle, you are an angel!

We finished 'er up to the cheering from Cindy at the finish line. Didn't see her, but heard her. She did awesome on her half too! Final time for Noelle & I was 4:18 (under a 10 minute mile). PR for me by quite a bit (last marathon was 4:53). The impressive thing was that this course was much, much hillier than San Antonio. Much more challenging!

Post race - legs very sore. Few nice blisters on the toes and I'm sure a few black toes to boot. (We'll see when I take my nail polish off when I get home) Now, it's time to wash up some clothes here before we pack up our stuff for our flight home tomorrow morning. Might need a little nap too. Umm....nap.sounds.nice!

Our feet, post race. Nice blisters on Cindy and my feet. Oh what fun!

All Done!!! (Great medals too! Best medal that I have to date - and it's PINK!!!)