Notes
I'm very pleased. This time beats last years time by a full minute and 3 seconds, & I wasn't thinking that would happen at all. Plus, it was warmer this year than last and that makes it all the sweeter that my time improved. As with last year, I placed 10th in my division. I'm just real happy with the stats on this race. It's not a real easy race (like - do I know any that are easy?!?!), but it's not killer hard either. The hills are manageable after the hills we have in Columbia.
Several folks from Columbia went. Our group consisted of Lisa, Peggy, Steve, Bob, James, Dan, and me. While there, I also saw many others from Columbia, including Tom, Phil, & Norm. We had gone up the night before, and I shared a room with Peggy & Lisa. I had had good sleep the previous week, but that night I did not sleep well. I didn't feel bad getting up, however so it was okay.
I ran with Lisa and Dan for a few feet then let them go on so I wouldn't be tempted. The start was smooth & faster than I had in mind, but I was comfortable. Had a nice surprise when Mike Tripp came alongside for a little while & we chatted until he went on. That mile is my fastest!
I brought shuffle with me this time and I used it. I was glad to have it. I turned it off when kids or crowds or water stations were around, but it was nice to have for the off times. This time I went through all the water stations. I sped up going into them & again when leaving, but I did walk several feet while I made sure I got the liquid inside me. It worked out just fine. My only concern was around mile 8 when I thought I should be eating more, but didn't want to eat. That happened in Boston and was a downfall. Not a big deal for 13.1, but it worried me a bit. I wondered at one point if I would get hot, but although it was warm, I never felt like I was in trouble with the heat - but I was mindful for a brief period of time - esp. with not wanting to eat my gooeys like I usually do on long runs.
I love running through the big open streets of KC. I especially like the last 5K of this run -- the big city streets just filled with runners, the fountains, the longer gradual hill, then the promise of the steep, but short hill at Mile 12 & then the really fun finish! The whole race is worth it to me just to have that fun finish. I felt strong and just went as best i could.
I saw Bob at about mile 11 I think. He was dealing with cramps. When I finished, Dan and Lisa were there, both having run very good races. The after party was nice - we get great swag at this race - bag, hat, CUTE PINK shirt this year (woo hoo), hat and flip flops. Hung out for a while. Got Bob in the fountain this year. Dan has already acclimated to the heat. Bummed they had BBQ instead of pancakes this year, but the band was good. They also had two free beer for all, but you had to show ID so we had to go back up to the room to get our ID. It's the first time I've been carded in a while. I didn't really drink the beer though.
A good run, a fun experience and another great weekend away with fun folks. Hooray for Summer! As soon as sign ups start I'll have my name in for next year at Hosp. Hill!