Allstate 13.1 the ending.

Did I finish the race?

 [Oh they totally gave me a shout out over the finish line for coming all the way from Raleigh!]

You bet your ass I finished!  Official time?

2:44.  Two minutes slower than the OBX half last November.  Then why do I feel better about this race?  Overall, this was a stronger performance for me.  I felt healthier, stronger, and faster.  Here's how the two races compare for me.

 [OBX]

[Atl]

I don't think this is the most accurate interpretation of the elevation differences between races.  The Atl 13.1 was hilly!  I meant there were massive hills throughout the race.  OBX was flat with the exception of the massive bridge.  Atl made me feel strong because I rocked all the hills!  I mean when someone passes you on a hill, it's a bit depressing.  When you pass them later on the hill, it feels like you're the most badass person in the world.

[OBX]

[ATL]

I think my improvement is obvious based on the split breakdown.  I almost had all negative splits in Atl!!  That was one of my biggest downfalls of the OBX half.  I started off too quick.  I learned from that mistake and definitely improved in Atlanta.  I don't like that 13 min. mile in mile 2 or mile 10.  My mentality for the race was to not focus on my pace though.  Ultimately it paid off.  I focused on being strong.  Being proud.  Being lucky.  Being there in the moment.  My feet connecting with the ground (a la yoga style) and just being.  I didn't stop.  I didn't get calf cramps.  I even sprinted (my version of sprinting) to the finish line.  I couldn't be more proud.  My two best splits were at the END of the race and while tackling some massive hills.  Lesson learned?  It took my one crappy race to make the next better.  AND time is never the most important.

I have never felt so good about myself after a race.  

I am strong.  Because I can run.

I am proud.  Because I can do this.

I am lucky.  Because I can not only run on my own two legs, but I can do it for over 13 fucking miles!

So when is the next race?

Recappin' it :: Allstate 13.1

I honestly do not even know where to begin with this race.  I'm still riding off the high of it.  It took a lot of extra stress and anxiety to actually get myself to Atlanta to make this race happen.  It did happen though, and I couldn't be more lucky.

Let's back track.  I got off work on Friday and drove straight down to Athens.  5.5+ hours of driving alone with bad tires is not fun.  I got to hang out in Athens with friends that I would miss on Saturday.

I tried every single way possible to have someone pick up my race packet so I could attend Terrapin's Hop Harvest Festival for at least an hour or so.  It just didn't work out.  D and I headed out, got some new tires, and had lunch together.  Since D had the event and couldn't come to cheer me on at the race, I got my dad and sisters to go with me.

My sisters adore swimming, so we hung out at the pool hotel before heading out to get dinner.  It was great to be able to hang out with my dad and sisters that I don't get to see too often.

Race day morning came quickly; the alarm was set for bright and early at 5:15.  I woke up to a sweet good luck text from CAP(M).

 [Race day outfit complete with skin sake to prevent chafing!]

 [I don't even like bananas but this is the race fuel of champions]

[Race day mantras.]

The race started at 7am, but the hotel shuttle stopped running at 6:15.  I got on the 6:00 shuttle.  Believe me, an hour is a fucking long time when it's 50 degrees and you're in a tank top and shorts.  I maintain the tank + shorts were a perfect selection and weather in the 50s is absolutely the best for running.  

[Prepped and ready at the start line]

[Trying to keep myself warm]

I am not going to get all technical about my splits and stuff (I'll save that for another post).  Let's get to the race day pictures (which look ridiculously better than last years...barf!)!

 [I can't remember exactly where this was in the race.  Since it was sidewalk, it had to be later.  Unbelievable I'm smiling]

 [Definitely in the last 3-4 miles of the race.  Damn how am I not sweaty and ridiculous looking?]

 [Last mile of the race (maybe less) after rocking it up some massive hills]

[Last mile and I'm actually running! And oh hey calf muscle!]

I had so many emotions going into this race.  There is just something about doing something this big that really gets your worked up.  One thing I loved about the course was the variety.  I ran on big roads, through beautiful neighborhoods (with massive houses), and a beautiful park and greenway.

Did I finish?  What was my time?  Comparison between the OBX Half and Atlanta?  Check back on Saturday!  I can't wait to finish the story...

(Also, shout out to Vanessa who hosted the giveaway that allowed me to run this race for free.  She's also the best ever for pulling out all the stops to try to help me find someone to pick up my race packet!!)