Short Version

2:32:36

OA: 496/816

F: 307/558

AG: 93/161

Long Version

Last Sunday (9/21), I ran the Beat the Blerch HM in Carnation, WA. This was my first “destination” race and my second time on the west coast. I should preface the rest of this report by saying that I haven’t been able to run much in the past six months (since just after registering for this race) due to a bad run-in with ITBS. My goal going into this race was to just finish uninjured and to have fun. It would have also been nice to finish in under 2:45 – the time it took me to finish the Frederick Half, which destroyed my IT band.

My flight left DC around 8 on Saturday morning and, thanks to changing time zones, I arrived in Seattle around 10:30.  I spent the rest of the day sightseeing and picking up my race packet. I’ll leave out the part about how my phone (aka GPS) died and I got lost trying to navigate my way to and from packet pickup and my hotel.

Here's me on top of the Space Needle.

It was a really clear day, so I got a nice photo of Mount Rainier.

The half started at 9:30 Sunday morning. Part of me wished it had an earlier start, but it was nice to sleep in before a race. First things first, I visited the port-a-potties and waited in line for a picture with The Blerch (Matthew Inman). He had apparently requested music from the Lion King and the Little Mermaid – and some “adult” music that I didn't recognize – to be played throughout the day…on repeat.

Here's me with the Blerch!

I watched the marathoners line up and take off and then realized, just minutes from the start of the half, that I needed another trip to the port-a-potty. I made it back to the start just in time. The Blerch gave an opening speech of sorts and then we were released in waves.

I started off too fast, but I knew this would likely be the longest consecutive run for the day, so I just enjoyed it. Around the 3-mile mark, I decided to take my first walk break (5 minutes) and it just zapped all the energy out of me. My next running stretch took me 2 miles, then another 5 min walk break. From then on, my goal was to run a quarter mile, walk a quarter mile – or longer if needed. My groin muscles started hurting early on and I was afraid that I might pull them if I pushed too hard. Then my calves started locking up. This was a new one for me and I had to stop and stretch a couple of times.

Here are two pictures from along the race. I believe at miles 1 and 3.

But now for some of the more fun parts of the race. Around mile 2, a “rogue” water station was handing out beer. At each official station, “purple drink,” birthday cake, gu, water, and couches were available. And, at the turn-around, Nutella sandwiches were offered, as well. Along the course, there were blerches encouraging us to stop, take a break, and so on. It was a nice distraction. I even saw The Blerch a few times along the course - he would pass me, socialize at a stop, then pass me again. He ended up beating me by about 12 minutes (in a fat suit after having run a 1:47 half the previous day!).

Around the mile 12 mark, I decided that I would walk most of the last mile and then start running once I could see crowds, which turned out to be around the 13-mile mark. I knew this was the end, so I tried to run “fast.” My left calf then locked up, taking my foot with it. Eesh! There was a small group of us running together and, a few hundred feet from the finish, the woman to my left started sprinting. I thought to myself, “Eh, why not?” and took off, as well – passing her a couple of people in front of us. Once I crossed the line, I was done. Just done. Someone handed me my medal, I got some potato chips, and plopped down in the line to get Inman to sign my book. I was too tired to eat like a normal person, so I grazed my chips like a cow. After waiting in line for about an hour, it hadn’t moved but I had to leave. Luckily, some very nice people ahead of me agreed to get my book signed and mail it to me.

Here's me crossing the finish. I'm not sure what my arms are doing. 

About a week later and I can say that this is one of the best recoveries I’ve had from a half (#4 for me, #3 this year). I don’t feel like I’ve injured anything and and was only sore for a couple of days. I have decided to defer the Baltimore Half again. I originally signed up to run in 2013 as my first half, but I had to defer last year due to surgery and now this year due to common sense.  The silver lining, though, is that I won a free entry to the Baltimore Half and DH agreed to run it with me, so we have both deferred to next year! He also wants to run a 5k with me later this year and possibly a spring half, as well. 

Thanks for reading!

Sounds like you had a good plan going in and stuck to it and made it out no worse for the wear.  It sucks you couldn't race it but with running that's how it goes sometimes.

You were in a foot cast for a spell right?  Did that injury behave itself at least?

Hopefully you get your book! 

That's a plausible reason for the the IT band which luckily can be overcome.  Great news on the book too!

That sounds like a good race to just relax and have fun.  I'm sorry about the leg cramps, but at least your ITB behaved and you have no after effects.  Good race report.

I'm glad you made it through unscathed. That is a long layoff and it sounds like you did fine. Destination races are fun! By the way, my BIL and psycho wife and three brat kids live near the university. If you heard some ear piercing screaming and tantrums it was likely them.

Sounds like fun, Nova.

So, was the "rogue" beer station handing out Rogue ale?  That and cake would definitely be one of the best HMs ever.

       Chicago would be convenient !!!

Did everyone but me race the Blerch? I liked you RR. Thanks for sharing.