We did it!
I finished my 3rd James Joyce Ramble yesterday! I have a soft spot in my heart for this particular race. It’s one of the only races Dr. G. and I can run together, due to kiddo logistics. It’s also the very first race we ever ran together, back in 2002, when I finished with a 1:06 time. Ironically, it also fell on my birthday that year, just as it did this year (and why, yes, it is fabulous to be 29!).
Oh, and this course is CRAZY hard. The graph below does not fully illustrate how brutal that hill at the 3.8 mark is.
And I am super proud to say I accomplished all my goals.
My final time? 58:43, barely ahead of last year’s time of 59:09 (and 4 minutes behind my 10K PR time), but still a teeny bit faster. I’m trying not to dwell on the fact that this is the first time (probably since the last Ramble) that I finished above a 9-minute/mile pace, and instead focus on the knowledge that I felt waaaay more comfortable this time around. Plus, a new course PR? I’ll take it.
And I had negative splits, too. In fact, my last mile was my fastest – just as I was hoping for. And unlike previous years, this race kind of flew by (thanks to my 13.1 training and the gorgeous weather: high 60s/low 70s, slight breeze, plenty of sun.) The birthday gods were looking out for me today.
A few other thoughts – both positive and negative – from the race:
- It was so amazing to see all the runners decked out in their #bostonstrong gear. It truly felt like a community coming together, and I feel blessed to have been part of it.
- I experienced some weird foot issues. The ball of my left foot ached the entire race, like I could feel the pavement with every stride. It sucked. I can’t think it’s my sneakers, since they’re brand new, so maybe it’s my socks? Anyone else experience this? Any tips?
- Because of what happened at the marathon, the race filled up, and it was incredibly crowded. I didn’t get into a groove until well after the first mile because of all the traffic. I think the time has come for the race organizers to consider staggered start times, or at least seeding us by pace. It really does make a difference.
- I woke up and realized I somehow managed to leave my favorite Lululemon Pacesetter skirt behind in Florida. Total bummer.
- Best. Post-Race. Snacks. Ever. Thanks, Harpoon and Whole Foods!
Since I officially put my post-Disney detox on the back burner for the day, I allowed myself to get pampered by my lovely family, including my favorite Thai peanut noodle salad for dinner and an amazing chocolate and white mousse birthday cake for dessert.