I eventually warmed up but can't really say I had a great race. I didnt train really hard for this race and was a bit worried about my time. But this race was not supposed to be a fast one but a goal to keep me running through the lovely, toasty months of January and February.
I ran into a friend at the start of the race and he said he was just using this race as a practice run for his next race. I saw him at the halfway point of the race and he was smiling ear to ear. He was obviously enjoying himself and taking it all in.
I usually do that but not this time. I kept watching people faster than me and thought - dang it why are they faster than me? I stared at their feet and tried to copy their stride. Quicker, lighter steps. No, lift your feet higher. I got frustrated with myself. Enough already stop obsessing and enjoy the race and admire the beautiful houses in Burlington. I did for a bit but then found myself staring at feet again. Ugh!
A sign someone was holding stressed me out even more. "Pain is temporary but internet results are forever." Yikes....get moving! My ego can't take a bad half marathon time forever!
Ottawa Pace Bunny |
There's nothing more discouraging than a bunny passing you. You feel defeated and you suddenly feel heavier and move in slow motion. Darn you bunny! I'll get you! But I couldn't catch the little bugger.
I managed to squeak in with a chip time of 1:55:57. Take that bunny! I was happy, it sounds sooo much better than 1:56. My stats were pretty good too coming in 29th in my age category of 201 women 50-54.
But I didn't run my own race. I was trying to run everyone else's race. I do that a lot. Instead of being happy and proud of my own accomplishments I look at everyone else's. I need to take a chill pill, do the prep work, be confident and just do my best. Enjoy the race, my own race.
Now I really need to go and do some fartleks, tempo runs and speedwork. Next time I'll get that bunny!