DHT Press Run 21km Race Report

The face says it all...ouch! 
It was a great race!! Very windy with gusts over 70km/hr. There were some sections that were really tough but most of the course was sheltered. I ran hard from the start, I had a goal time and really wasn't sure I could do it. In fact I was pretty sure I couldn't, but I wanted to give it all I had without holding back for fear of blowing up. I know my body is capable of more than my mind will allow, and I really want to push those limits. 

I hit 5km in 22mins, and 10km in just under 45. After that I wasn't watching my splits but I knew at the hour mark I was over 13km and I knew that was on pace. I tried to do the math in my head but still wasn't sure I'd make it in under my goal time. I just kept pushing as hard as I could. The last km was really tough as it was into the head wind and up a nasty short but steep climb. The 3rd place male was only about 200m ahead of me and he was walking up the hill. I was really hoping to catch him but he turned around and saw me bearing down and took off like a rocket! I figure he owes me a thank you for that last burst of motivation! :)

My heart was pounding out of my chest and my lungs were screaming but I held on and crossed strong. I was as close as I've ever been to vomiting at the finish (but I didn't).

I didn't know my time until the awards but was happy to hear it was a PR at 1:35:42. A minute better than my previous half. The goal I set for this race months ago was 1:35 or better. I seriously doubted it going in and actually though 1:38 would be the best I could do. Thank god I chose to run at my big goal pace and risk blowing up rather than running conservatively and finishing with fuel in the tank. This is how I plan to race all year. "Balls to the wall" as my friend Katie used to say ;) 

D also had a smokin fast run and finished in 1:16 (and change). A good day for us! We were 1st male and female and for the first time I won money! The prize was 100 bucks each, which we chose to donate to the charity that the race was supporting. 

In the most exciting news of the day, I had 8 Women of Strength finish the race, with 5 running their first 10km and the other 3 running the 21km. They all did amazing and it was soooo great to see everyone feeling successful and proud of their achievement. I love my job. 

Next weekend is our 4th race in 5 weeks! Hinton Oly tri is one of my favorite races and I can't wait to rip it up!!! 

Hope everyone had a phenomenal weekend of training, racing and fun!!