The Novi Half Marathon--

Who decides to run a race less than 24 hours before the race starts? That would be this girl. I had been going back and forth about races for this last weekend for a couple months. I had really wanted to do the Hightail to Ale downtown, Run with the Cops, not from them and the Novi Half. For some reason I just kept putting it off. Hightail to Ale sold out (and I am still mad at myself about this one) and the weather was icky so I skipped Run with the Cops but I wanted to run.

Saturday morning I talked to my mom and we decided to head out to South Lyon and see if we could still sign up for the Novi races (Half and 10K). Kona running company was running this so I knew it would be well run. I am not in love with the repeat square medals but this one was cute. My plan was if the half was sold out, I would go for the 10K for time for Wine & Dine placement.

Well, luck was on my side and I was able to get in for the Half (mom went with the 10K since it fit in her training plan). Now, I had not planned this well. I didn't know a lot about the course, what was going to be available on the course or even the area. I was just going to run for fun and not worry about time.

We got there early and were able to park right at South Lyon East High School so no need for the shuttle bus. We got ready, went inside to use the bathroom and then it was time for me to head to the start line. I got there as they were talking and it was neat to hear that a local athlete was trying to qualify for the Olympic team. He needed a 1:04 half time, YEP 1:04, that beats my 10K time!!

I got lined up and somehow I thought I was further back than I was. About 1/2 mile in I realized I had not used my inhaler and I did not even have it with me. Oops, this was not good but it was cool, no humidity and it wasn't like I had a lot of choice so I pushed on. The beginning of the race was on road but moved quickly to packed dirt roads. I knew some of the course was like this and I also knew that the rain had made potholes but I was not ready for how it was. The roads were in bad shape though Kona did a good job of marking bad spots and it was not a problem for me, not ideal but not an issue and it did not last too long.

At mile 1 I looked at my watch and realized I had just done an 8:45 mile. Another oops, I have never done a mile in under 9 minutes and I still had 12.1 more to go. I was in trouble. At this point I switched to intervals since I knew I had to slow down. I stuck to a mix of 5:1 and 2:1 based on where I was on the course. There were some cramped areas on the sidewalks but not too bad.

Overall I did not love the course. The paved parts were through neighborhoods around Island Lake which just didn't do a lot for me. There were some people out but not many and it was boring. I was just focused on me. At the 10K mark I realized I was at 1:04!! 1:04? WHAT, if I had done the 10K it would have been a PR. I was kicking myself a little but I had another half of the race to go.

Now, with hydration I have been trying to cut down on how often I stop for water. I skipped the first 2 stops since they were really close to the start. By mile 6 I realized that I had not had any Nuun which was supposed to be on the course. Not sure how I missed it but I got a small cut and kept going. At Mile 8 we got back on the dirt roads and I actually preferred this part of the course even though it was HARD on me.

At mile 10 I realized I had a great chance to PR. This was not what I had set out to do but I was super excited. I will say the rough roads took a lot out of me but as we hit the paved road to head back to the high school and the finish I knew I could do it!!!

I finished strong and came in at 2:23:36!!! I beat my Detroit Women's Half time by 3 full minutes and this was a harder course. I got my medal and headed back across the field to grab some water, a banana, a cookie and to head home.

Overall this was not my favorite race. I think I am spoiled with races with perks. GU on the course, Sports Drink at every stop (or every other one), entertainment on the course, even a better medal instead of one that looks a lot like the ones from other Kona races. I mean it was not horrible but I guess I just expected more and I am not even sure what I wanted. I just know when I left Niagara Falls Women's Half, RunTheBluegrass and the Detroit Women's Half, I felt special and like I had a great time (this is even taking Disney Races out of the mix). I could not stop talking about them and I was eager to sign up again. This one just left me blah though I am over the top excited about my PR!!!

I know the speed work is helping and I am ready to get better! Now time to take it easy before my first 25K on Saturday!!

Kona Chocolate Run

Well this was supposed to be my break out race, the amazing 10K following the marathon, my chance to move up for placement for Princess Weekend. Instead it was a flop and it was 100% my own fault.

Since Detroit, I have been slacking with training. I could go through the list of excuses that I had been using but in the end it boiled down to, I just took too much time off and I paid for it.

In the week leading up to the race, the weather did not look to promising. It was supposed to be warm (low of 56) but rain was in the forecast. I wasn't worried about rain as long as the temperate held out.

Saturday before the race we decided to make the trip over to Plymouth to get the race stuff. It was a bit of driving but I prefer to not have to worry about stuff that morning if at all possible. Plus, I wanted my jacket!!! We got there not too long after opening and there was no problem getting in and getting our stuff and getting out. The kids checked out the expo area (their favorite thing to do) and we headed home.

Sunday dawned very rainy. Actually when I woke up it was POURING. Oh well, I got ready and headed over to meet my mom and Jennifer. It was going to be mom's first 10K and I was so excited for her. The drive in was fine and we found a parking spot with no problems. No rain at this point. We got over to the start and met up with another friend Janie and her mom and friend for pictures!!! So far the rain had stopped and was holding out.

The race had 2 starts for the 10K and we were all in the 2nd wave. It was 10+ minute mile pace. I was really hoping to be towards the front of this group but life had other plans. I just was not feeling it from the very beginning. I was pushing during each interval. By the half way mark the rain started. Then the rain really started. It was really warm though so it was not really unpleasant. It was about this point Jennifer and I came upon a group doing 2:1 intervals too. Tony and crew were cheering and having a blast. We stayed with them for the next 2.5 miles then I was just done. I told them to go ahead and I would get to the finish.

It was not pretty and it was nowhere close to a PR but I finished in 1:10. The end of the race had a chocolate buffet but by the time we got to the finish the line was around the park with no sign of the end. We decided it was not worth the wait and went to the finish line to see my mom. We got to see her cross which was awesome. She did so great and I hope I have convinced her she can do more races!!!

I did love the course, it was through the neighborhoods of Plymouth and I will for sure do another Kona race!!!