It was an impromptu decision. I was not trained for it. Even though I have done 13 miles during training (with many stops), I definitely didn't train regularly for endurance and strength. I just thought maybe I could finish it.
Then comes to the week of preparation. I thought I had built good mileage recent, but I started with bad foot pain from training too much (40+ miles in 7 days) and caught a flu on Tuesday with fever. Weather forecast was pointing to a very rainy day. I was worried about not making it at all, maybe too much that I couldn't even fall asleep the night before. But everything worked out somehow! My foot pain improved by midweek and I felt a lot better towards the weekend, and the sky cleared up!
On the race day, I woke up early to eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Got to the starting line and did some stretches. By 8am off I went!
I ran some easy miles, but my running app was telling me that I was running at a slightly faster pace than I anticipated for. I slowed down a bit and ignored all the faster pacers passing me. The rolling hills came between mile 3.5 to 4.5. I did ok. After the first loop I emptied a GU gel did not feel hurt at all. Then it comes the second loop - another round of rolling hills and endurance challenge. I was still catching breaths as my heart rate wasn't close to max at all, but my legs started to feel the pain - tiring out, ball of foot pain on the left came back, and the old ligament injury on the right resurfaced. My head started debating whether I should slow to a walk but my conscious mind refused. I told myself just one more round of rolling hills and do not regret after the race for not trying my best. I tried to look at the surrounding and landmark to ease my mind.
Mile 7 - this is also Mile 13, where I will be finishing, it's gonna be soon!
Mile 8 - MET museum, Guggenheim Museum...how gorgeous!
Mile 9 - take advantage of the downhill, get ready for the climb!
Mile 10 - I did the hilliest part already! Enjoy the greens and breathe!
Mile 11 - I can't believe I just finished all the uphills! Now eat another GU gel!
Mile 12 - Home stretch...this is it!
Mile 13 (.1) - Sprint to the finish line!!!
This is it! I finished!! I looked at my time and realized that I came in slightly under my goal time!!
