March for Nutrition 5k/ Tall Mom's Virtual Race for the Cure 10k Pt1

 I <3 Race Bag Swag!

This race started with a super case of the jitters. It was the first time I was running by myself and I was scared!! I didn't know anyone running in this race and didn't want to stand around looking like a doof waiting for the start.

I got up this morning with a serious case of tummy trouble...ugh - nerves. Two tums later and I'm out the door. Five minutes down the road and I realize I've forgotten my Garmin!! Grrr. I turn back around and call Hubster, he's standing outside with it in hand, waiting for my return. I love him.

I get to the race location with 15 minutes till start. I run over, grab my bag, shirt & bib. After spending a few minutes getting it attached to my belt I sprint my stuff back over to my car then head to the loo. I hate loo lines. After 'doing my business' I head to the start with 01:00 left on the countdown. Sweet! No waiting around looking silly by myself. I did run in to my doctor in the start area. He was shooting for a 30 min finish. Good for him!! We wish each other luck and the race starts (a few seconds after I get a nice cold wet labrador nose up my bum...thanks buddy).

This race was along a course I've run on before, I knew what was coming....and that included a couple nasty hills on the last mile...including an uphill climb to the finish. (Seriously??) So I tried to reserve my energy during the first 1/2 of the race.

One huge difference I felt this time compared to my 5k on March 6th: I did not hate life after the first mile. At this point I usually think to myself 'Why did I ever think this was a good idea? This whole running thing?'. But this race I was still trudging along in my slow jog (11:30min/mile at that point). I actually leaned my head back at one point and really enjoyed the beautiful Florida sunshine & fresh air. I walked for 1 minute at this point, it was in my plan to walk for 1 minute at 1 mile, 1.5 miles, 2 miles, and 2.5 miles. As I began back into my run I was actually smiling. I was enjoying myself! And then there was the 3rd mile...

As soon as I started the 3rd mile I felt like my tank went from full to empty, just like that. My legs felt great, my breathing was labored but not overwhelmingly difficult...but it was my stomach. It didn't really 'hurt', but rather felt like I had done 1,000 crunches. It felt sore, and empty. And I needed water. So the last mile was painful and at this point I began my 'Why did I ever think this was a good idea?' thoughts. Add that to the multiple hills ('I love hills, I love hills, use my arms, use my arms, I love hills' was my mantra the entire time!) and you have one tired runner. I really wanted to leave it all out there today, I told myself to give it every last ounce I had and that I shouldn't be able to move when I get home. I was in the game mentally....

Until I crested the very last hill. My Garmin said 34:00....I could see the finish line. But something in me clicked off. My body could have done it, but my mind wouldn't let me. I lost mentally. I walked the finish. It took me 2 minutes and 13 seconds. I was so upset with myself.

It took me a few minutes to get over my disappointment. I called Hubster and he gave me a good pep talk. Hey! I just beat my PR by a minute!! That is really awesome!!! So I cheered up...but I'm still reaching for that sub-35 min time. (Btw, my doctor didn't make his goal, but he DID shave 2 min off his PR!)

While the awards were being handed out my loneliness paid off - I met an older runner with a 3-legged Aussie that I had seen running at other races too. Because I was alone I started talking to him, asking about his dog. He said her name was 'Apple' and she ran several 1/2 marathons before losing her leg. Now she loves doing 5ks and has an average finish time of 24 minutes!! What an inspiration!!

As I was leaving the race location I saw these balloons tied up to the park sign. I thought it was neat that the race directors had put them there while we were out running...just a small touch that made me smile:

They say 'Good Job!' 'You Rock' and 'Congratulations!'

Things I Learned From This 5k:

• A Luna Bar 2 hours before is better than a banana 30 minutes before
• It will get easier with time and training
• Change up your playlist before a race, it keeps you motivated
• Don't be afraid to go alone, you'll meet new people (and dogs!)
• I need to figure out a way to carry hydration with me
• Be sure to thank my Hubster for all his patience and support 
• Be stronger than your own mind

Me - happy it was all over!!! Yippeee!!!

I mentioned before that I love love love my new spibelt!! Right? Oh..well here.
So I had the chance to use a new feature on it today: Race Number Toggles.  These were a super cheap add on to my order and I'm glad I decided to get them! It was so easy to attach my bib to my belt and not have to put pins through my tech shirt.

The SpiBelt with bib number attached: 

And All Seperated

I wore the number above my right thigh. If you place each toggle on opposite sides of the pouch it stays put really good. 

Well I hope you've enjoyed my race report. This race was also part 1 of Tall Mom's Virtual Race for the Cure. Tomorrow I will be doing a cross country 5k with a group from work for part 2. I haven't decided if I'm going to walk it with the group or try to run it. My legs are still tight from this morning. We will see tomorrow! :)

Question for my Readers (since you're all super amazing speedy runners!): What do you use to get through that feeling of pain in your abdomen when running? Does it happen to you? How can I fuel better so it doesn't happen?