Sunday, May 31, 2009

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!! 

9 comments:

Julie said...

Congrats Amber!! What a smokin race!! And big kudos to you for donating the prize money to charity...WOW, I wouldn't have even THOUGHT of that. Me and my greedy paws would have been thinking of all the pink things I could buy...So good on ya!!

I have to say, your dedication to improvement motivates me to push myself. Love the Balls to the Wall! Hahahahaha!!

You are a ROCKSTAR!!!! :) :) :)

NJ said...

Congrats on the PR! That's awesome! I love it...husband and wife both get first. Good luck in your balls to the wall season...you know we'll all hold you to it now that you said it!

Deb said...

Soooo awesome speedy lady!! Way to go!!

cherelli said...

Congratulations - pretty darn quick run!

Shannon Wicks said...

Congratz to you both on a great race!

Jenna said...

Great job!!! So is Balls to the wall your mantra...lmao!!

Kelly B. said...

Good run Amber!! Wow...that is funny about the guy looking back! And generous of you two to donate the money back...I would have done the same...but wait...I likely never will win money!! but the thought is nice...hahahaha!!!

Lisa Ulrich said...

Congrats on the amazing race you speedster! That is an awesomely fast time and you should be proud of yourself for choosing to take a risk at a harder pace instead of holding something back and going more conservatively!

Amy said...

Congratulations! That picture is awesome, too, btw. You did so well.

So thoughtful that you both donated your winnings too. What a good deed.