Phooey!!!!

So, the Flushing Meadows Corona Park 13.1 was not to be a success for me. It was for Joe. And for that I am happy. It was pretty darn cold. Only 43 degrees and a stupid wind that just kept getting stronger as the morning went on. Last year, I did this race in a short sleeve shirt. This year, I had on two long sleeves, gloves and a winter headband. My buddy Barbara would say that was overdressed. But I have news for her...I was still freezing! Especially since there was no good sun to soak up.

The first half I was right on track. A little ahead even. I was so jazzed when I passed the halfway mark. And I guess I let that go to my head. Because shortly after that I lost my focus and logged a horrible mile that I never did recover from. I should have fueled better. I should have fueled earlier. I should have worn the pants that wanted to, even though they were in the laundry. (The ones that I wore were my least favorite...they fall down a lot.) I should have dieted more. I should have trained harder.

Good news: I finished.
Better news: my ankle is no worse for the miles.

Worst moment in the entire 2:16:42...when a actually swore at a kind soul trying to give me a drink. I wish there was a way to go back and apologize. And even worse, I think it was a kid. He was trying to give me a gatorade and I just wanted water...which I had asked for with the kids before him but they didn't respond. I figured out too late that the gatorades were in the colored cups. The waters were in the white cups. I shall remember this for the next race. Joe says I'm not a nice person when my glycogen stores are depleted...he is right. So I need to manage that better with proper fueling during the race.

Around mile 10 was when I knew for sure that not only was I not going to make my goal (that I knew around mile 8 or so) but I knew I could not make a PR. I wanted to just give up and walk so bad. I figured, what's the point of working hard now? Two things kept me going. 1) Thinking about Joe waiting in the cold wind at the finish line for me. 2) All of the people who would at some point read about how I did. I did not want to have to post that I had given up. With those thoughts in mind, I was able to pick up the pace a bit in the final mile, and even got back on target pace for part of it.

So I know that I can do better next time. And there will be a next time. Taking a short break to let Dr. Steve and Dr. Holly keep working their magic on my ankle. And then it will be time to get serious for the Long Island Half in May.

Thanks to all the folks who have asked how the race went!! I appreciate all the support!!!