PTI Run The Runway

I was super excited this week, looking forward to a race on a very flat surface. Also, how many times does someone get the chance to run on an actual runway?

Everything was fairly well organized. I ran into a friend while waiting for the shuttle bus to take us to the race location. I was told when I picked up my race packet the day before that around 700 people had already registered - but as I stood there waiting for the race to begin, there were a whole lot more! I believe to the point that the race was delayed by 20 minutes. No fun - the sun was out full blast and no shade coverage. Finally the start gun goes off and I wore my GPS watch so I could get a more accurate reading of my time and not have to worry about looking at the clock come finish line time.

Heading out the runway the sun was behind me and there was a lovely breeze. I started out a bit faster than normal but within the 1/2 mile mark I was back to my usual pace, because IT WAS SO DAMNED HOT out there! It really affected my speed this go around and the black asphalt sure didn't help the situation. I had my small bottle of water with me so decided not to stop at the water station at mile 1 in hopes of helping my time. But as I turned the curb to head back to the finish, the sun was blaring in my face (I did have sunglasses on) and the breeze decided to stop. I kept telling myself to keep going and not stop, I had made it that far. I knew the water stop had Gatorade and I normally do not drink it (b/c of the sugar and sodium) but I knew I needed something a bit extra to get through that last mile. As I approached the finish line I had nothing more to give (I usually kick it into high gear) so just kept at my pace. Finished at 38:25.

Glad I was wearing a bandanna as sweat was pouring in my eyes by the finish. Of course, I really needed water but guess what? They had run out and awaiting more! LUCKILY I was able to grab a handful of ice, wrap it in my bandanna and stick it on my head (to attempted to cool down) while I waited for the shuttle bus.

Overall a decent experience but the lack of water, bad bad bad! I then had to get home, get cleaned up, eat and head to work for the day. Talk about being useless!