Saturday, October 23, 2010

Race Report: Nike Women's Half Marathon, San Francisco, Oct 17, 2010

Thoughts about NWM 2010:
- good crowd
- tough course
- fun times

How did my race go?
First 10k
Wow, almost matched my 10k PB, felt strong, right on target for feeling good, going to have a Running Goddess Day. I was calm, relaxed, executed my plan well, loved this part of the run.
The Hills
Strong enough to run 'em, but gradually increased the pain in my left lateral quad to an intensity that needed some attention. Not a good situation. I needed to make some decisions. Either push thru the pain, risk injury, but attain a PB, OR race happy, enjoy the event, focus on staying healthy for IMC. Remember, NWM is a B race, for fun, not a big pressure situation. Remember, my training has gone so well, I actually ENJOY my running and hills and intervals while training, I should go out there and kill it! It's like a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. And ph yeah,the pain in my leg is rapidly getting worse.
The Decision
Even though a big, big part of me wanted to keep going, I knew that the best long-term choice would be to pull up,focus on my Ironman year, I need to stay healthy.
The Finish Line
Ultimately I finished in 2:15, so I suppose it's nothing to sneeze at! Am I disappointed? Of course. Did I execute my race plan? Most of it. Did I make a good decision? Yeah, I think so.

Follow-up for post NWM:
1) REST AND RECOVER from a long season filled with fun racing, new skills, new opportunities.
2) Re-connect with SP re physic/strengthening etc
3) get back in the water and on my bike to build base for IMC

Photos are coming soon! Watch this space!