On the Road to RD

As I mentioned yesterday, I ran a race!

The Flower City Half Marathon.  Nice medal, huh?

It was a cold, but sunny morning.  I arrived bundled up in cold gear, gloves, and ear warmers.

I got to the race about 15 minutes before the gun, which was just enough time to hit the bathroom and get in line without freezing.

I got rid of the gloves about 4 miles in, but regretted that decision instantly.  For a good chunk of the rest of the race, my hands were strategically pulled up in to my sleeves.

The race route provided a nice little tour of Rochester’s downtown, East Ave., and Park Ave. areas, before getting mean with the hills.  We trudged up the hill at Goodman (one that I always run down), then through Highland Park and into Mt. Hope Cemetery.  My legs were screaming and my breathing was heavy, but I managed to pass a few, and even more as things evened out.  I think my my hill training, albeit very little, helped. Either that, or the hills simply helped warm me up, because after moving out of Mt. Hope and on to the canal/U of R stretch, I felt much more relaxed.

I was able to pick off a few more people, but was passed by one — my neighbor from across the hall!  Nice work, Kendra!

I finished the race strong, but I can’t help but be a little disappointed by my time.

Results
Time: 1:31:32
Pace: 6:59
Overall Place: 106/2252
Female Place: 20/1299
Age Group Place: 5/280

I really, really wanted to break a sub-1:30, but after 6 weeks of training, I suppose I’ll take my time.

A 1:29:59 time would require a 6:52 min/mile pace.

I have 6 more weeks until the next one, so shaving that time off is TOTALLY do-able.

Let’s look at the positive here:  This is a big PR for me.

This past fall at the Rochester Half, I ran the 13.1 miles at a 7:32 pace with a total time of 1:38.

I’m making progress.

_____

Now, I want to switch gears.

There was a death in the Wenatchee family.

…..

It came as such a shock when my little brother told me yesterday.

J.D. was such a good kid.  So sweet. So generous. So wise for his age.

How could this happen?

…..

And it made me think of the people in my life.

I want to go and do and live and love and laugh all to the tenth power.

…..

“Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life.”

…..

That’s the plan.

Love you all.