New England Series: Rhode Island
May 19, 2016
2:22:09
Temp: low 50s
What I wore: hat, tank top, a half zip, a Skirt Sports Happy Girl skirt, Features compression socks, and Altra One 2.5
This was race five of the New England Series. (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts preceded it.) The race took place at the Coventry Center Park in Rhode Island. It was a really short course, so we’d have to do 11 laps. Luckily, it was all paved, with only one hill to speak of.
I was feeling a little rough. My right glute was staging a protest and decided it did not want to participate in the race. This made running a little bit of a challenge. However, the weather was basically perfect and Beer Geek told me we had no time constraints, so I just went with the goal of sub 11 minute miles for as long as I could keep them.
The beauty of a short course is constant interaction and plenty of opportunities to snack. I had a great time chatting with a bunch of different runners and just kept up a steady overall pace.
My actual pace fluctuated as I took advantage of the downhills and struggled with the one hill. The pain in my glute (truly a pain in the ass) got steadily worse and I could tell I was compensating as various other body parts started hurting. Despite that, I was having a fun time and I was having very little problem holding a sub 11 minute pace.
Finally I got to the last lap and Beer Geek joined me. As we neared the finish, I realized I could beat my second fastest day if I picked up the pace. So I did. I have to admit, I love to finish a race with an all out sprint using whatever I have left that day.
Since we weren’t in a rush, I decided that it was a good day to invest in a massage. It was totally worth every penny! Sue did most of my massage and then Mark did some (very painful) work on my glutes. But when I got off the table, I could walk normally again. Woot!
I had told Beer Geek that I needed a lower key day. The running + driving/hiking everywhere + not enough sleep was wearing me down. So, we took it a bit easier. We, of course, hit a brewpub for lunch.
Then we went on a little walk.
And then we checked out Mark Twain’s house, which was really awesome.
The good:
- My body much preferred this course to the previous day’s course.
- The massage that fixed my issues.
- I ate all.the.foods after the race, including some super yummy fried rice.
The bad:
- My left glute and the one hill each lap really didn’t like each other. At all.
- My stomach was resistant to food for the first half of the race. Thankfully the awesome volunteers added gatorade to my nuun (at my request) so I got some calories in.
The ugly:
- My left glute, left quad, and right knee were all kinds of pissed at the end. Funny how overcompensating messes everything up.
Would I do it again?
I would if I were in the area. I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to run it as it was not one of the greatest of the MM courses, but I didn’t mind it. I’ll likely hit it again when we do our year of running.
29 states (plus DC) done on my quest to run a half marathon in all 50 states! 18 of 23 states done in my journey to Mercury!
Sounds like a solid end! Was your glute bothering you any other day or was that new when you started running #5?
Heather recently posted…Post Chicagoland Spring Marthon thoughts
I’m impressed at how you just pushed through to get this one done. Yay for the massage! And the beer.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Running Free
you are a machine. Seriously, this is an amazing feat! I’m sure New England is just gorgeous right now.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud v22: Summer is Here
I really don’t know how you do it, Erika. I’m amazed by your repeat participation in this race series. I can only imagine how heavenly that massage felt!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016 Fit Foodie Weekend Recap
Nice job on finishing a tough race. Always love a post race massage too. Hope you are taking a few days off this week
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Summer Celebrations Made Easy with Chobani Mezé
LOVE post race massages. Also, I totally love the medal!
Carmy recently posted…The Injury Prevention Guide for Runners
You continue to amaze me with all of your half marathons! Congrats for pushing through despite the glute issues!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Random Race Thoughts
Oh my gosh girl you are a beast this is amazing. Way to go. This race looked like fun. Best wishes on your road to 50 states!
#57!? Truly, a half fanatic lol Well done! Congrats on a strong finish. If I can make a sprint for the finish line, I always end feeling good about the race, it is the ones I drag in that never feel quite as fun lol
I have been there when body parts will not cooperate and other things start rebelling…I have a personal rule to never judge if I pushed myself too much until I have a good nights sleep. Typically good sleep cures a lot!
Awesome work!
I love that you are completing races in all these states. What a fun way to see the country!
I hope you are able to get your glue some TLC. It sounds like you are in need of lots of rolling and stretching.
Jenn recently posted…race report: beson4 corporate run 5k {5.19.2016}
Great job despite your glute issues. It is funny how one body part can wreck the rest! Glad the post race massage helped!
Toni recently posted…It is time to start over and begin a new chapter
You are awesome! I would totally run that series if I had the time! Glute pain is terrible but you pushed through! That massage must have been amazing! So very sad that we had to cancel our meet up. I ended up getting sick along with the kids so wouldn’t been much fun company. Looks like you made the best of the day anyways with some great beer!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Five Ways to Get Motivated to Run this Summer!