Spring Training and Races

I squeezed in a Spring 5K with my cousin, her daughter, and my daughter.  We enjoyed a damp, muddy race.

With a false sense of my own abilities from my strong finish at Disney I got lazy.  I'd already registered for the Ocean City, MD Half Marathon on April 24, 2010.  Yet between Disney and OC I only ran twice a week.  I finished OC in 2:21:40 but felt less than great.  I blamed the heat and the steep bridge at Mile 12 instead of taking an honest look at my lack of training.

Next up was the Marine Corp Historic Half, a very hilly course, and my first race with a running partner.  I thoroughly enjoyed the running partner, but was keenly aware that it was because of the person and seriously doubt I'd enjoy running with anyone else.  Unfortunately for her I'd continued to think I was so awesome that I didn't need to train.  Having run only once a week since the OC race I toed the line on May 16th and took off.  I ended up having to walk a few times but managed to cross the finish line in 2:24.

Of course I didn't think 9 minutes slower than my PR was bad considering the added heat, the major hills, and the fact that I'd even taken a potty break at Mile 4 after overhydrating.  That just served to convince me I was invincible and didn't have to properly train. Therefore, I showed up at the Zooma Annapolis race on June 6th having run only 3 times since the Marine Corp Historic Half.  With a hilly course and a temperature at the starting line of 90 degrees, I decided I'd better take it easy.  I race a cautious pace and ensured I hit water stations as needed. 

I watched others be loaded into ambulances and be stuck with IVs for fluid, but I crossed the finish line in 2:24:55; very red faced but not too bad all things considered.

The heat of the day convinced me I'd never run another race in June, July, or August again...or so I thought at the time.  I headed into the summer knowing I had four races planned for the fall including Disneyland on Labor Day so realizing I needed to get my act in gear and get back to my training.