There are days where I absolutely hate running in the rain, and yesterday’s was one of them. I do have to thank my hubby for opting out of the race instead of pushing Baby R and staying dry with her, because of the downpour. We just didn’t want to be “those parents” who push there kids in poor weather conditions. There was one other stroller, so maybe we just should have.
One less wet person to worry about I guess. I typically don’t mind running in the rain, but when it’s pouring and your running through ankle deep puddles, it’s not my thing. I do have to say I had fun though, and was grateful my husband was so willing to let me run, even though it was one of those mornings.
I was feeding Baby R up until 15 minutes before race time, so my warm up was a run to the bathroom. I don’t do short races well without a warm up, because my muscles don’t fire as quickly. I think I am more built to run the longer distances.
I peed with 5 minutes til race time and lined up at the start hoping to at least PR. I wasn’t going into the race thinking of a win, but I did eye the competition 😉
Before long we were off, and running through puddles. No use trying to avoid them with a crowd of people. Shoes were already soaked from the very short warm up I had.
I kept the first place female in my sights the entire race. She was never more than 50-100 meters ahead of me. Right before mile 2, I was passed by the third place female, who then passed the first place female. I stuck behind second place, dodging puddles. My shoe came untied after mile 2. I knew there was no time to stop and retie it, so I prayed I wouldn’t trip over it.
- Mile 1: 6:03 Mile 2: 6:07
The top 2 and I kept battling it out. I ran with runner 2 (who was passed back by the first, first female) for a good mile and half, and then surged ahead after mile 3. By mile 3.5, I had caught the first place female, and right before mile 4 I passed her. Maybe making my move a little to soon.
- Mile 3: 6:04 Mile 4: 6:12
I stayed in first place for the duration, running back through the parking lot and making my way onto the track, all the while trying not to trip over my shoe lace. The second female wasn’t too far behind. Marc was waiting with Baby R before we made it onto the track for a 1/2 of a lap before finishing.
As you can see runner 2 isn’t far behind…….Marc pointed that out to me as he cheered me on
Once we hit the track and rounded the corner, the second place runner made her move, and ultimately out kicked me at the end. I just gave up. I didn’t even kick it in. I had one of those race moments where I didn’t care and literally went down without a fight #runnerfail. I am already regretting it. In most races I have a strong kick, but that morning my heart wasn’t in it.
- Mile 5: 5:51
I still PR’d with a final time of 30:18 and was the second female overall. I was first in my age group, and ran a 6:03 average. It was a fairly easy course, with only two short hills, one at the beginning and one in the last mile. I lost by 3 seconds.
So maybe I didn’t give up entirely, since I finished the race, but there’s still giving up in a race, even if you finish. I believe you can give up even before the race starts, with a poor attitude and negative thoughts. I believe you can give up during the race and still finish, much like I did, by not pushing yourself and believing you can’t finish strong. And I believe you can give up by not finishing. In some respects all these “giving ups” are just as bad as the other. 
They ruin a race, and the experience ends in regret in most cases. Even though it was a PR, I still regret not putting up a fight for the win, rather letting it go so easily. Maybe I wouldn’t have won even if I would have actually tried, but at least I wouldn’t have regretted trying!!
All and all, it was a fun, rainy, soaked day and still a podium finish. I went straight to nursing after the race. Gotta love the breastfeeding days. One last race this weekend, and then a little breather.
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
Ever have those race moments where you just give up? Any races you regret not giving more?
I know exactly what you mean about giving up before you even start. I think I’ve done that in many of my races, and definitely in my more near past. I was ready to fight for Boston… maybe not place like you do, but fight for a PR, but I have lost my confidence with this recent injury… I’m not sure how to get that back. I just don’t know, but I do know that you inspire me. You have so much fight in you, I marvel at your intensity and drive. Congratulations on a very speedy race and PR! xo
Lisa, I am so excited for you and Boston!! I have no doubt you’ll do amazing, because you are a strong, determined runner.
What a solid race! I completely know what you are talking about in terms of giving up. It can be so easy to believe that you are inferior to other runners but one thing I try to remind myself is that they are in as much pain as I am!
Beautiful job – you should be proud.
Thanks Jessica!!
You are so fast, it’s awesome!! I know what you mean by giving up because I have a tendency to do that at the end which is something I’m learning to overcome 🙂 Great race even for those poor conditions!