Crazy Running Legs

Living life in moderation...one run at a time

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Iron*Girl Clearwater Weekend – Part 2

April 11, 2011 by Michelle 16 Comments

My alarm went off at 4am. I cried. Actually, I sat there for a good 10 minutes checking email and reading blogs (if you want to check out a wonderful post — read Stephanie’s — nothing to do about running, but it helped me wake up). Paula texted me (even though she was just outside my room – ha) to get my ass ready. If she insisted.

We got up, ate breakfast, and were out the door by 5:15. Amazingly, I didn’t forget anything and we were on time. Paula drove the 2 miles to same park they had the Expo and parked her car. There were 3 trolleys waiting when we got there. We hopped on one immediately and we were at Pier 60 within minutes. I’m REALLY glad we got there early because a) we heard it was nightmare later on (not enough trolleys) and b) we got to use the bathrooms (and not porta potties) twice. We did have about an hour and 15 minutes to spare, but it was nice not stressing about anything.

Trolley

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Around 6:45 we moved towards the start line and….took picures. We were pretty close to the front, but there weren’t corrals (not sure if this was a problem for the ladies closer to the back). The race started on time (exactly 7am!) and we were off.

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Behind us

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Showing off my new Sweaty Band - Paula's trying to make out with me

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People kept staring at my bib. Maybe it was doing tricks when I wasn't looking?

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We were right on the beach!

Because we were close to the start, there wasn’t that usual wall of people to run through. It was SO nice! The first mile I really had to pull back the reigns on my speed. I get waaaay too excited! I saw Meghann and Katy (it was like a celebrity siting!) and was tempted to keep up with them – but made myself slow down.

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Fast start!

Good thing I did because right after Mile 1, we hit Bridge #1 (of 3). This causeway was not terribly steep (there’s still a pretty good incline though), but it was really long. I did appreciate the nice downhill though πŸ™‚ Once that was over I felt relieved. Bridge #1 – Check.

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Here we go...

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After that we ran into Belleair, which is actually where the condo is. In fact, we ran right past the Country Club where we are staying. This area is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. I would pay money to run here. There were a lot of little rolling hills and then around mile 5 we started a slow, gradual climb.

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I ran past Paula!

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I was feeling pretty good at this point. I was averaging a 9:20ish pace – I think. I honestly did not look at my Garmin for pace (just mileage) for the majority of the race. It was nice!

Around Mile 7 we hit Bridge#2. She was a mean nasty bridge — the Belleair Causeway Bridge. This bridge was hella steep and it kicked my ass. I considered walking at several points (many people around me were), but I kept trucking. Again, the downhill was fantastic – but short lived. We hit a small climb right afterward and then crossed another bridge (which I STUPIDLY thought was Bridge #3. WRONG.).

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Bridge #2

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I could not stop taking pictures of this view!

Miles 8-11 were pretty boring. I slowed down a lot during this time and struggled to push forward. There were a few ladies I kept playing frogger with (I’d pass them, they’d pass me, etc) and I could tell that they felt the same way I did. It also started to get really warm and humid. We were running down Gulf Blvd., but couldn’t see the ocean. It was just hotel after hotel.

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At Mile 11 I saw a bridge. I thought to myself, “Surely we turn before this bridge because we’ve already ran over 3 of them.” WRONG AGAIN. This bridge (I don’t even know the name of it) is what I like to call the SNEAK ATTACK. I’m not going to say this bridge broke me (it didn’t really), but it slowed me down and I did walk for about 30 seconds. I started running againg when this 70ish year-old women came zooming past me. Man, she REALLY schooled me. She also motivated and inspired me. I wanted to scream — “You go girl!” To her.

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You see the sneaky bridge in the distance?

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After the bridge I hit the final mile and somehow managed to speed up. It was kinda cool – there was only one or two people around me and I felt like everyone was just cheering for ME. I loved it. Ha ha. The best moment was right before the finish — I heard people screaming my name and I KNEW it was Tiffany and her mom Connie. I heard them before I saw them — but I was thrilled that they stayed and cheered for us! It was pretty freakin’ awesome.

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Mile 13, baby!

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ALMOST THERE!

I then crossed the finish line. Official time: 2:05:30.

I FINISHED!!!! I am an Iron Girl. I finished 7 Half Marathons in 7 months!!!

After the race and I finally found Paula (I completely missed her finish) we met up with Tiffany and Connie — for, you guessed it, more pictures!

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I'm squinting in ALL of these pictures.

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Medal

We then walked around/grabbed food and then waited in line for the trolley (about 20-30 minutes – not too bad). We then headed back to the condo for some cold showers (there was screaming, but it was necessary we SMELLED SO BAD). We loaded the car (and I forgot stuff – awesome), hit up Starbucks (Paula had her FIRST ever Starbucks drink) and headed back to O-town where I foam rolled away all (or at least most) of my aches and pains.

Overall – I really enjoyed the race. I always have fun with Paula before and after. I don’t know that I will run this one again — unless it’s like labor/delivery. Bridge anemesia. I do recommend though. This course is GORGEOUS. This course is also REALLY REALLY hard. I earned that Iron Girl title.

And now…I’m ready to take a break. I’m still going to run (my blog wouldn’t named crazy RUNNING legs if not!), but I’m going to take it easy for a few months. I might even consider doing a little tri training with Tracy πŸ™‚

Have you ever been relieved to finish something you REALLY enjoyed?? I love racing – I really do – but it’s definitely time for a break!

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Filed Under: Friends, Races, running

« Iron*Girl Clearwater Weekend – Part 1
My Thoughts on Being a New Runner »

Comments

  1. Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run says

    April 11, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    You got some really great “during race” photos! I wish I didn’t put my camera away but then I also think I died a little inside during this race. πŸ™‚ I loved beginning and ending at the beach. It was a good race to finish the season and mentally prepare for the next one!

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 11, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      I did like starting and finishing at the beach — I wish there more of the beach though.

      High-five for putting up with me for 9 races!! Here’s to many more πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Corey says

    April 11, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Great race, Michelle!! Looks like a beautiful day and great scenery for a race. It stinks to be running a race and thinking you’re at “THE big hill” and then later realize that was just a tiny hill and you’re about to run up the worst one πŸ™‚ haha. I know everyone says it’s so important to be familiar with the course, but sometimes mentally I think it’s almost better if you don’t know what to expect!

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 11, 2011 at 6:41 pm

      Ha! Yes – sometimes it’s better to be surprised. Sometimes you think you know the course and you have no idea. The worst is when the race directors change the route and DON’T TELL YOU (it’s happened to me more than once sadly!). It was really a great day. I worked hard for that medal — and it was worth it!

      Reply
  3. Meghann says

    April 11, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Congrats on the race! It was great meeting you and Paula in the trolley line!

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 11, 2011 at 10:10 pm

      It was great meeting you too!! Great job on your race πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. d.a.r. says

    April 11, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    Congrats on such a challenging race! The views are spectacular! Totally jealous from my landlocked state…

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 11, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      The views were gorgeous – the pictures don’t do it justice.

      Come down and run with us!!! I hear a Disney race (or endurance event) calling your name πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Cate says

    April 11, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    Wow! Seven half marathons in seven months is impressive! Way to go on getting such a great time too because those bridges were tough.
    nice race pictures too! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 11, 2011 at 10:00 pm

      Thanks — and great job to you too!

      Reply
  6. Aron says

    April 12, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    LOVE this race report with all the pics! Congrats on ANOTHER half marathon – you are awesome!!

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 12, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Angie says

    April 12, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    Well, I guess you deserve a break. Another great race. Love all the pictures!

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 12, 2011 at 10:02 pm

      Ha ha! Thanks. I’m sure I’ll be itching for a race soon πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Lauren says

    April 12, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Congrats on the race!! And on your 7 half marathons in 7 months! That is extremely impressive!! The pictures you took throughout the course are amazing. Those views are so beautiful. But I can totally understand not wanting to run it again even despite the beauty of it. The marathon I ran last fall was like that – incredibly scenic portions that went along the ocean and by cranberry bogs, but it was one tough course that beat me up. Don’t know if those views were worth all those climbs, haha

    But congratulations on staying strong throughout the race! Enjoy your well-earned rest πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • crazyrunninglegs says

      April 13, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks!! The run along the ocean and cranberry bogs sounds AMAZING! I’ll have to live vicariously through you Northerners enjoying spring running season now. I know I said I’m ready for a break – but I’m also kinda jealous. Ha ha.

      Reply

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Meet Michelle

I'm a working mom of three who somehow became a runner. I also like to eat, drink wine, and laugh. Sometimes I'm dramatic and I definitely don't EVER get enough sleep. Read More…

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