3 Races…. 1 Weekend…. part 2

by Meghann on March 1, 2009

3 Races…. 2 PRs… 1 Fucking AMAZING weekend of running!!!!!

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That’s right, I survived my Half Marathon this weekend and it was amazing. The rain held off until the end and I was smoking my split times each mile. In the end I killed it coming in below my goal and shaving over 7 minutes off my previous personal best! :)

I am officially a hardcore runner and I feel great.

Thankfully last night I as able to pass the heck out at 10:00 and slept peacefully until the alarm went off at 4:30. I hopped up, ready to take on the next day of racing.

For pre-race fuel I had a Bagel with a smear of Blueberry Cream Cheese and a Big Ole Apple.

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The race started at 6:00am and we were thankful the predicted early morning rain was still not bursting from the sky. Caitlin and I came prepared, waterproofing our gear and accepting the challenge of the bleak forecast.

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At the starting line, my legs felt great and adrenaline was pumping through me.

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As the race started and over 11,000 people started to cross the same start line, there was a bit of a stall and major congestion starting off.

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I lost Caitlin almost immediately at the beginning. I was on my own and this race was mine for the taking. I weaved in and out around the crowd for the first couple of miles. Around mile 2 it finally started to thin out and I was able to set a 9:00 minute pace I had been comfortable with the day before.

I kept my head in the game and just focused on running at pace. I turned the volume of Ipod to high and went with the flow. I passed pace group after pace group and each time I did there was this wealth of accomplishment running through me that I was beating that pace.

Mile 5 I took two Orange Shot Blox and let them dissolve in my mouth for a boost of energy. I took two more at mile 10 and was given an orange slice at mile 11. I took water from every station, but did not stop or walk while drinking. I think I have officially mastered the double sip then throwing of the cup.

After mile 7 there was a 3 mile stretch down Bayshore that had us running directly into the wind. It was the most tortureous 3 miles of the race and I saw my pace suffer tremendously because of it. Luckily there was a turn around point that had us finishing off the race with the wind at our back.

At the turn around point I was able to spot Caitlin in the crowd going to opposite direction running about 1/2 a mile behind me. It felt good to see her familiar face.

Then it started to rain!

THANK GOD it held off until mile 11! Everyone started to shout and honestly at that point I welcomed the rain. Luckily it was very light rain that didn’t last for long.

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When I saw the finish I knew I had to give it all I had because I was SOOOOO CLOSE to coming under my goal of 2:00. I picked up my speed and was THRILLED to see my final time at 1:58:56!!!!!! I was shouting up and down thrilled with excitement for beating my goal.

Split Times:

  • Mile 1: 9:15
  • Mile 2: 9:03
  • Mile 3: 8:53
  • Mile 4: 8:55
  • Mile 5: 8:56
  • Mile 6: 9:00
  • Mile 7: 9:07
  • Mile 8: 9:13
  • Mile 9: 9:27
  • Mile 10: 9:26
  • Mile 11: 9:11
  • Mile 12: 8:58
  • Mile 13: 8:40
  • Finish: 0:48

Race States:

  • Distance: 13.1 miles
  • Time: 1:58:56
  • Average Pace: 9:05
  • Average Heart Rate: 174
  • Calories Burned: 1278

Being my second PR in two days, you can bet I was a big emotional mess at the finish line.

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Caitlin and I were in pain but thrilled with out accomplishments.

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A guy walking by had hot breakfast sandwiches in his hand and I grabbed a small Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Crossiant which I devoured in less then a minute.

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Best damn Croissant Sandwich I ever had!!

Around mile 3 of the race I could feel my shoe rubbing against my ankle thanks to a too low sock. I had pushed the pain out of my mind and refused chance my time by stopping and fixing the problem. When we were walking back to the car I finally got a glimpse of my heel.

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I was shocked to see soo much blood on my heel and can not believe I managed to run with this.

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I guess this makes me hardcore?or just incredibly stupid…lol Tis the price a small price to pay for running 25.5 miles this weekend.

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After a nice hot shower and some good stretches I re-fueled once more with a Cranberry Walnut Multigrain Muffin and some Fruit Salad.

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Now its time to back up and head out. I am very excited to meet some wonderful bloggers this weekend for a Gasparilla lunch met up. And of course I believe there is some Blizzard in the future a la Caitlin!

{ 80 comments… read them below or add one }

Betsy March 1, 2009 at 3:49 pm

I love the pic of you nearing the finish – great big smile! :) Congratulations, sounds like such an awesome experience. And you’ve got the battle scars to prove you did it too! Ouch!

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Holly March 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Wahooo! That is awesome, girl! You have to feel SO GREAT. Well, except for the heel….OUCH. Congratulations and enjoy your Blizzard for me! And I added you to my Blog Roll – hope that’s okay. :-)

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trustingmyintuition March 1, 2009 at 4:19 pm

congratulations on an amazing weekend, girl, and those two PRs!!!!! Fantastic :)

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Meaghen March 1, 2009 at 4:23 pm

Congratulations again on another amazing race Meghann! I can’t believe you ran 3 races in 2 days. You are hardcore! Way to go on the two PRs too. Nothing feels better than that. Ouchie on that heel. I cannot believe you ran with that and were able to tune out the pain. I think that is truly the mark of a real runner to be able to do that! Enjoy your runner’s high!

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dailygoods March 1, 2009 at 4:41 pm

i am sooo excited for yoU! you did so amazing and are SUCHHHH an inspiration! you make me feel like i can do anythign i put my mind to and i can kick this 10k’s booty! thank you so much for always showing us you can accomplish your dreams <3

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Ryan March 1, 2009 at 4:57 pm

I’m glad I got to read this after seeing you this afternoon! You did such an amazing job! Congrats :D

Hope you two made it home safely!

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Lindsay March 1, 2009 at 5:24 pm

way to go this is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!! i am so proud of you girls and i only know you via blogland… you are such an inspiration… you make me want to run haha :)

yay! have fun today and good luck w/ that ankle!

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Brandi March 1, 2009 at 5:28 pm

great job!!! Love the recaps you and Caitlin had – I felt like I was there cheering you girls on :)

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Andrea [bella eats] March 1, 2009 at 5:28 pm

CONGRATULATIONS Meghann!!! What an awesome weekend! You totally make me want to run races every week! :) I’m really proud of you…way to push yourself and set two PR’s…great job!!!

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biz319 March 1, 2009 at 5:32 pm

You are hardcore if you were able to get through that blister! That would have been my excuse to stop and grab a beer! :D

I am very proud of you!

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Janet March 1, 2009 at 5:54 pm

You guys are so awesome! I’m totally inspired by you & Caitlin. Amazing job on setting a PR – I hope you eat everything your heart desires today! :)

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Jenn (eating bender) March 1, 2009 at 6:12 pm

You are SO hardcore, girl! Congratulations on another PR – that is amazing. And even with the rain, which you were unsure about. That is great news!! I hope you are doing some “hardcore” celebrating right now!

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Oh She Glows March 1, 2009 at 6:34 pm

CONGRATS!!!!

You rocked those races….just getting caugh up now. Weeeee :) Great job!

Sorry about the blister…Ive had some nasty ones just like those and they hurt like a biotch!

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sarah March 1, 2009 at 6:47 pm

You two are amazing! Congrats on the PRs!

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Katie S March 1, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Congratulations, Meghann!! You and Caitlin are both such big inspirations!! I’m so happy for you!!!!!

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Elizabeth March 1, 2009 at 6:59 pm

You are amazing! You ladies are so inspirational, especially for a brand new runner like me. I am so impressed. I’m glad you did so well and I hope you have a great night of relaxing and taking care of yourself!

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ttfn300 March 1, 2009 at 7:23 pm

great job girl!! even with that heel… WOOHOO :)

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ayo March 1, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Did you happen to see Tony the tiger on Saturday? If you did, I was his “handler” or escort or whatever, I was looking out for you, but there was a ton of people!

Anyways, congrats!

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Meghann March 1, 2009 at 7:58 pm

I totally saw Tony the Tiger, but there was he was taking a photo and we were wanting food ASAP. If I would have known a reader was the handler, I would have stopped and said Hi…. that’s so funny!

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Bridget March 1, 2009 at 9:38 pm

You seriously make me want to just jump up right now and go running…too bad its 9:30pm and SNOWING haha. I can’t tell you how badly I want teh weather to get better. CONGRATS!!!!! You were amazing…AGAIN!!

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Ryane March 2, 2009 at 12:47 am

Hardcore FO SHO! Congratulations on the PRs – aaaawesome job.
Hopefully Monday isn’t too much of a slap in the face – hate that feeling after a great weekend!

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Erin March 2, 2009 at 8:02 am

GREAT JOB MEGHANN!!!!

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Andrea (Off Her Cork) March 2, 2009 at 8:41 am

Wooty woot!!! How awesome! Totally hardcore :D

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Joanne March 2, 2009 at 9:29 am

Congratulations! I am starting to train for my first half marathon (I’m going to train for the ny one and hopefully make it into the lottery, if not I’ll try to get in with a charity organization…I am DETERMINED). Hearing your story and seing your success makes me feel like it is totally possible. Thanks for the inspiration! You rock.

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lauren March 2, 2009 at 10:26 am

CONGRATS! CONGRATS! way to rock the races this weekend!!!

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Diana (Soap & Chocolate) March 2, 2009 at 11:58 am

Wow, lady, I am BEYOND impressed. Way to go!

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Kelly March 2, 2009 at 2:03 pm

I’m so impressed with both you and Caitlin…you both did awesome, way to go!! :)

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Natalie March 2, 2009 at 2:53 pm

holy crap!!! I’m saying OW just looking at the bottom of your heel… wow…

Congrats on completing such an amazing feat… bravo!!!!

despite the fact that there is a Nor-Easter going on and we have like a foot of snow.. I dragged myself out of bed at 5am to go to the gyml.. my motivation this morning? mumbling to myself… “if Meghann can run two races in one weekend surely I can get my ass out of bed and go run on a treadmil” lol thanks for the indirect inspiration! I did 45 minutes and I felt fantastic (until I stepped outside again.. )

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Natalie March 2, 2009 at 2:55 pm

oops! 3 races.. 3!! typo

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Sanja March 4, 2009 at 9:59 am

Wow, that is just awesome. Congratulations!

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