It’s Tuesday, so that means it’s time for Tuesdays on the Run. I know today we are supposed to talk about race day mistakes, but I’m still trying to recover from our long drive. Instead, here’s my race report from state #34!
Riverboat Series: Missouri
April 15, 2017
2:20:24
Temp: High 60s to high 70s
What I wore: visor, tank top, a Skirt Sports Happy Girl, compression socks, and Altra Escalante
A few months back, it occurred to me that if I do the Heartland Series in May, I’d be left with a donut hole in the shape of the state of Missouri. Since I knew Beer Geek was not able to take the week of spring break off, I hatched a grand plan. I decided I would find a race in Missouri and I’d take the kids to St. Louis for spring break. Luckily, I found a race (Missouri was added to the Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series the year after I did the series) and I have enablers in my life. My parents agreed to meet us in St. Louis to sightsee and Beer Geek agreed to fly out and join me at the race (and do the long drive home for me.)
I will admit that after almost a week of being on vacation where we stayed up too late and didn’t always make the best food choices, I was a bit worried about how the race would go. Also, I’d done one run longer than 8 miles since the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Oops. Luckily, that one long run was 15 miles and it went great, so I knew I’d finish one way or the other.
Beer Geek and I showed up at the start about an hour before the race and picked up our bibs and my “starter” medal. We spent the next hour chatting with old friends and hitting the porta potty. Ok, it was me hitting the potties. Many times. Yep, my stomach was letting me know exactly what it thought of all the rich food I’d been eating on vacation. Finally it was go time and I headed out with a goal of keeping my pace under 10:30 per mile.
The course was 1.1 miles out on a paved bike path, turn around and come back to the start. The far end of the course had some shade and a nice breeze, but much of the course was hot and sunny. It was mostly flat with one little hill on the way back. Half marathoners did this loop 6 times.
My first mile went well, but as I hit the turn around, it became apparent that my stomach was not done with me yet. I ran the second mile pretty quickly, knowing that porta potty was at the end of the mile. I took care of business, but then had to battle to get my skirt up! I love the Happy Girl, but when I’m hot and sweaty, it’s a challenge to get back on after a pit stop.
Thankfully the rest of the race went really well, despite the last few laps being quite warm. I ended up taking my handheld water bottle for the last two laps (something I very seldom do at these races) and ditched my tank top for the last lap (something I pretty much NEVER do.)
In the end, I was happy with my 2:20 finish given the bathroom issue and the heat at the end.
The good:
- I love Mainly Marathons races. It’s like coming home every time I see them.
- Salty noodle soup after my 3rd lap. So needed at that point.
- No chafing despite being completely sweaty and gross at the end.
- All the foods I ate at the end.
The bad:
- My stomach issues at the start of the race.
- The heat by the end of the race.
The ugly:
- Getting in the car for the 8 hour drive to Ohio that night. I was more than a little bit stiff when we got there.
Would I run this race again?
I love Mainly Marathons and this was a nice course. I wouldn’t go out of my way to run it again, but I would definitely run it if I happened to be nearby.
Perhaps my food choices prior to this race were actually my race day mistakes. How about you? What mistakes have you made?
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I was in Missouri this weekend too! (But on the other side, in KC) I usually do ok with my pre-race food choices, but Ive had issues with what I have eaten pre-long run. Great job, especially with the stomach issues and heat!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…7 Mistakes To Avoid At Your Next Race
Food is something I need to watch for too- I have a habit of eating new foods the day or night before- not a good idea! Also not drinking enough is something I’ve done…that never ends well!
Meliss recently posted…Training Tuesday: Long again
You are definitely brave taking off your top but having run a lot of hot races, I get it. I suppose that’s the upside to such a short loop. 🙂
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Are you monogamous?
Such a neat race idea! I’ll have to check out where in TN they race!
Eight hours in the car after?? You are a saint! Great job, especially in the heat and with the tummy troubles.
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Infertility Awareness Week Virtual Walk to Support Your Infertility Warriors!
Congrats on your race! Great job considering you had to stop for the potties – I’ve had some stomach issues on my last couple of runs so I’m hoping to work that all out before the GW Classic this weekend! I really like the finisher’s shirt too!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tunes Tuesday: Pump Up Songs of the 90s
Ugg, I can see were stomach issues and heat would not be a delightful combo. Good job pushing through though!
Sounds like a great race despite the tummy issues. And your skirt is adorbs!
Rachel recently posted…It’s Finally Race Week! Spring Training: Week 14
So sorry about the stomach issues! That’s my worst nightmare! Glad it quickly cleared up though and you had a solid race. Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Shathiso recently posted…Lady Khama, 10k Trail Race Recap (4/17)
It is tough to stay healthy during vacation. I try, but when else would I get to splurge on food like that? It’s called vacation for a reason.
Congrats on the race! I have learned the hard way that I fall apart in the heat. Sounds like you were able to finish strong!
Laura recently posted…Racing Mistakes I’ve Made
Congrats on another state! What is it with husbands working through spring break this year? Mine was away on business for most of ours. Good for you for planning a getaway and a race!
Marcia recently posted…Racing Mistakes? I’ve Made a Few
Most recently I ran in a top that I hadn’t road tested enough… and got some chafing, thankfully lip balm makes a pretty good “body glide” in a pinch.
vicki recently posted…Vintage Park Half Marathon Recap
Congrats on adding another state- super cool! and look at you with no shirt on! Looking good lady! I have to plan my races at the beginning of the race cation because I am not so disciplined once the action part starts!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Make no mistake-It takes a Village!
That medal is pretty good, and it sounds like a fun series – especially for someone trying to run in each state. Not sure I’m a fan of a course that is a 2 mile loop over and over again, though. 🙁