Race Wrap Up: Am I Dry Yet?

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a race this weekend. I was concerned about it because it was the longest I've ever run; not to mention race. My goal was to make it to the end. As the medal to the right shows, I did that. My secondary goal was to finish the race under two hours. Deep down I wanted to finish around 1:45, but I kind of kept that to myself. I wasn't sure if I could keep up that pace for the entire 9.5 miles. So, How did it go? Well, I can sum it up in two words. Very wet.

If you are not in the Chicago area you may not know we got a lot of rain this weekend. On Friday night through Saturday morning we got about 3 times more than we normally get for the whole month of September. I probably should have run in one of those cool suits that the swimmers wore in the Olympics. I don't think I would have looked out of place.

I knew it was going to be a rain or shine race (I asked when I picked up my packet) so I was prepared to get wet. As I mentioned in my last post, I wished for it to rain so I could keep cool. Now I know what people mean when the say, "careful what you wish for." Jeez.

When I went to bed they were calling for rain overnight and through the day but I was not prepared for the volume. I knew it was going to be bad when I nearly got stuck in an intersection due to flooding. At that point I sent Jenn a text message and told her to avoid that intersection when she came later with the kids. I also told her she should probably stay home. I didn't want her and the kids to get drenched waiting for me to drag my butt through the race.

When I got my packet they had said 1000 people had signed up for the races and walk that were scheduled. Only about half that amount actually showed up; I don't blame them. Especially the walkers, the money they raised still went to charity, so why get drenched and sick? The other 500 of us were stupid. I mean dedicated! Yeah.

I was soaked by the time I was 30 feet into the run. It was great! Actually, after about 20 minutes of getting poured on it didn't matter any more. It was almost funny in a way. Until I'd pass by someone who was outside pumping water out of their house. We ran through the residential area of Arlington Heights so I saw a lot of that. At the same time, though, a lot of people came out to cheer people on, that was nice considering the weather. It did kind of keep me going at times. Especially when I got to around mile 7. My legs were really getting tired. I think if they had their own freewill they would have taken me behind one of the houses and beat me silly. But, I am the master of my own body, so I kept running.

I did walk a few times, but only when I went into use a porta-potty, whenever I took some water, and when I ate my Sport Beans. Those things helped a lot. I highly recommend them. Mostly, I ran the whole time. I am very happy about that. Now, would I have been able to do that if it was 80 degrees and sunny? I don't know. It would have been very tough, and a lot slower. If I run this race again next year we may find out. Hopefully I will be better prepared.

I did get a nice surprise at the end. Jenn and the kids were waiting for me at this finish line. Soaked, but still cheering me on. That was a nice way to finish. Look at the nice picture they took. See, I told you it was rainy. Oh, and I did get under 1:45. Probably because I was sick of getting rained on.