Sunday, September 14, 2008

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.




9 comments:

Florinda said...

Congratulations on making it all the way through - and on making your time too! Wanting to get out of the rain sooner probably made you run faster, don't you think :-)?

Great to hear that it all went well, rain and all.

Mike said...

Florinda: Thanks. Yeah, getting out of the ran was on my mind. The only problem was I was freezing after I stopped running. My knuckles were purple. :)

Unfocused Me said...

Great job, Mike! Congratulations on making your goal time, and I hope your basement's dry.

Mike said...

Unfocused: Thanks! Actually, this is one of the times I'm glad we don't have a basement. Three blocks away part of the road is still under water. Those people are not so lucky.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you made it! It must have really sucked to run in the rain.

I thought it was tough for me going to the gym yesterday after some early drinks and football watching, but I think you had it tougher! :)

bluegame said...

Mike,
I am so proud of you! wish I could run that far!!!!and i must say your outfir and hat matches! what a win!

Mike said...

DC: It did at first, but I really did get used to it.

How many drinks did you have? :)

Lori: Thanks. Yes, I did a good job matching. Not that anyone could see it through the rain.

Anonymous said...

I had 5 beers. Then went to the gym a couple of hours later. I was still a tiny bit buzzed at first, but I was determined to get my workout in! :P

Mike said...

DC: At least you probably sweat that last of the beer out of your body.