Cowboy Hazel

I ran a really shitty race today. I might feel better about it if I knew the cause, but nothing comes to mind. I ate right yesterday, didn't drink too much last night, got an okay amount of sleep. I didn't start too fast, didn't take the hills too aggressive. Everything seemed to be going to plan.

Well, everything except for that whole running fast thing... Early on (like mile 1), I felt drained and knew I would fade soon. By mile 4, it was happening. I slipped to the upper 6's. Then, about 5 miles later, I slipped even further, to low 7's. Eventually, I finished in 1:31:18, over six minutes away from my target for the day. That overall 6:58/mile pace was not even target marathon pace. Shit.

The only good news was that the rest of the morning went well. I ran into Elizabeth and her friend before the start, then met up with Antonio, Baker, and fellow GMR runner Rick in the corral. Saw them all again at the end and then loaded up on the best post-race spread ever. Plums, waffles, bagels with lox. Amazing.

So, this race will definitely be on my calendar for 2010. I have a feeling that lox will taste even better when served with a side of redemption.