Clare is Running

Today was the last long run of the season - the Trout Creek 15K Trail Run and my first proper trail race! The website described it as an "absolutely beautiful and challenging 15K trail run that winds through the pines, oak hammocks, and lakes using single and double track trails in Trout Creek. You will also enjoy running on the elevated berm for something a little different. " They provided pictures of the types of terrain to expect too which was really helpful. The weather was forecasted to be in the low 70s, my nutrition and training plan has been perfect all week, and I got plenty of sleep the night before so I felt really good about how it was going to go. Mike left a cute note for me on the door before I left to pick up Luciana...:)


When we got there I remembered how pretty Trout Creek really is :)


Within a few miles I realized that I was completely out of my depth. Running on the trail was much slower so any chance of a PR was out, the tree roots were everywhere and I kept twisting my ankle. I found it really frustrating to be in such a pretty place and not be able to soak up the scenery since I had to stay so focused on the ground ahead. My left ankle really started to hurt, I felt stupid for wearing Newtons that are clearly not designed for that kind of thing and I was just having a completely miserable time. The only break we got from the roots was on the 'berm' which was so so hot...

I completed my very first 15K today at the gorgeous JB Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey (JB Starkey Park website) at the Earth Day Relay For Life which benefits the American Cancer Society.  We dedicated this race to Mike's Dad who tragically loss his battle with cancer in 2005.


To prepare for this race, I have been doing my long runs at the same time each week (and the same time that the race was scheduled to start) to get better used to the Florida temperatures. Whenever I see that blood stain on my running shoe I remember how hard I've trained - gross I know but I'm so proud of that stain...


I felt ready but very nervous the night before and couldn't sleep until about 2 a.m. We got ready and hit the road at 6 a.m.


It was a really small and informal race which did wonders to calm me down :).


Great T-Shirts too!


I started out feeling prepared and strong :)


The race itself was really pretty with lots of wildlife to enjoy, but really hot! At the turnaround point they had left a cooler so I loaded up my sports bra with ice which really helped for the next mile or so! I had added some new tunes to my ipod and we chatted with some of the other runners on the course which was also a great distraction. I didn't really struggle too much until about mile 8 to be honest and at that point only a mad person stops running, right? I finished my 9.3 miles at 1:45:27 which I was totally thrilled with!


I love my new race bling and may wear it for the rest of my life...


I never thought I was capable of running a 15K and I may not have been if Mike hadn't been right by my side not only for today's race but for all of the long training runs (thank you Mike - you have no idea how much I love you...) And today...I really felt like PopPop was with us too...we miss you and we love you...

We got up at 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 26th for our second Gasparilla, the big, annual classic race weekend event in Tampa. I was signed up for the 5K and Mike for his first 15K. We were both really tired! Mike's goal was to finish in under an hour and a half and mine was to just re-engage with the whole 'love of running' thing which hasn't been there lately for some reason :(. I really loved Gasparilla last year - it was only my third 5K and among 11 thousand runners I felt part of something so much bigger than myself. It's hard to get a good time at this race with that many people which takes off the pressure too:).


The Expo at the Convention was fantastic as usual and we 'kitted out' with tons of new running clothes...:)


Here's Mike on the right going over the line at 7 a.m. for his 9.3 mile race!!! I felt so stinking proud of my hubby :).

And he's in - in under an hour and 15 mins!!!


If I ever get a medal for completing a 15K I will sleep in it for the rest of my life...


The 5K lined up for a 9:30 start and it had started to get really hot which I always struggle with. It was high 70s with the sun just beating down on Bayshore and no shade. I had to dig deep...


And then I remembered the 15K wheelchair race. The winner completed 9.3 miles in only 31 minutes. At one point apparently he actually broke the speed limit on Bayshore ;)


And then I saw 23-year-old Iraqi war hero, Joel Tavera, running with a prosthetic limb. How can you not feel totally inspired?


The winner of the 5K broke the course record at under 15 minutes...OMG!!


During my race I have never seen as many people fainting and throwing up. One guy who looked like he was in his 70s fell and had blood pouring all down his face. Several runners had already stopped to help so I kept running but it was hard to relax with so many people who looked like they were dying. One guy nearly did according to the news story they published later. Apparently the girl who gave him CPR was actually in a Wonder Woman costume...how ironic :).


I have to admit, I was grateful for all of the walkers who were in the way since I was so hot I don't think I could have ran any faster anyhow :). I was very happy when I was done! (Bib 8332 in the picture below...)


Mike had a great experience and I found out later that my chip time was 31:10 which I was actually really proud of! I didn't exactly 'feel the running love' however - I'm going to have to do some work to get used to the heat since that probably isn't going to change and I do live in Florida :).

So that's 5 events done so far for 2011 before the end of February and my goal was only 6 for the year. I think I'm going to take a little break. I think I deserve it :)