Paula and I left for Tampa on Saturday around 1pm. We were both, shockingly, on time. It was a rare event.
We hit a little traffic on the drive down (there was a car on fire that had us at a standstill about 30 miles outside of Tampa – that was fun), but otherwise it was uneventful.
I-4 — such an exciting highway.
We found the hotel (and the hotel dumpsters – don’t ask), quickly checked in, and walked to the Tampa Bay Convention Center for the race expo. We stayed at the Tampa Riverwalk Sheraton, which was within walking distance of both the hotel and the expo.
This is the 2nd race in a row where I’ve been able to walk to the start and I HIGHLY recommend it. What’s even better is that even though this was a “race hotel” I booked it on Hotwire for half the price. ALWAYS check Hotwire people!
We got to the expo close to 4, picked up our gear, wandered around for bit (I needed to buy an iFitness belt), and then got windblown back to the hotel. At that point the wind gusts were between 20 and 30mph. We were psyched.
For dinner we walked to Pizza Fusion, which was EXCELLENT.
I had half a Beet & Goat Cheese Salad and a personal pizza (The Farmer’s Market), while Paula had half a Pear & and Gorgonzola Salad and a personal pizza (Pepperoni — which I also dubbed the nipple pizza). Oh, and we also split some stuffed mushrooms that were like a party in our mouths. And yes, we ate it all.
After dinner we got lost headed to Publix and picked up a few necessities (ahem, BOGO Cinnamon Life Cereal) before going back to the hotel to veg, stretch, and then call it a night. We also snuggled for a little bit. (Just checking to see if you’re still reading.)
Despite going to bed early, I had a rough night’s sleep. I’m pretty sure I woke up every hour on the hour. I also stole the covers — and then realized I stole the covers and tried to give them back. <–Cover stealing guilt So when the alarm went off at 4:15 I was NOT ready to get out of bed. And then I checked out the weather.
[blackbirdpie id="176236925676560384"]
Oy.
This is really where my mental game began. The chanced of rain during the race had diminished, but the wind was INSANE and it was going to stay that way. There’s no way I would skip out on a race – but I was NOT in the mood to battle wind gusts. Too bad I had no choice. I was SO preoccupied by the weather I forgot to put on 2 key pieces of my running gear: my Garmin and my KT Tape. Seriously.
Weather anxiety and all, we got ready.
What do you stuff YOUR top with?
And headed downstairs. When we got out of the elevator there were hoards of runners waiting to get back on. WTH?? Ummm wrong way? Then we went outside and realized why. It was POURING. Crap.
So back upstairs we went to grab the trash bags I brought. And yes, we went BACK UPSTAIRS and I still forgot my Garmin and my tape. Of course, by the time we got back downstairs the rain had almost completely stopped. In the end they were a good idea, the trash bags kept us warm while we waited.
It was while we were waiting, about 10 minutes from the gun (or someone shouting GO!), that I realized I forgot my Garmin. I’m not even going to lie – I was PISSED at myself. I pretended to joke around about it with Paula, but I know she knew that I was upset. It was like last year when she left her iPod in my car. There’s nothing either of us could have done about it. I just had to suck it up, but it was at that moment that I realized I wasn’t PRing. It wasn’t the wind, it wasn’t the chance of rain, it was the f*cking Garmin.
And this is really one race where having a Garmin in handy. There were mile marker signs (most of them were blown over) – but not clocks so I didn’t know until the end how long I had been running or what my pace was. I know that shouldn’t matter, and maybe I am too reliant on my Garmin, but I use it a motivational strategy as well. It helps keep me in check. I tend to get caught up at the beginning of races and then die out – hard. And I can’t tell you if I did that this race. I can only tell you that my time at mile 6.5 was 1:03 and that my 2nd half was somehow faster (I think this is a lie, but what do I know?).
And the KT Tape? I didn’t remember that I forgot to put it on until Mile 2. Thankfully, my orthotics and new shoes are so awesome that I don’t think I really need it anymore — it was more of a safety precaution (my ankle actually feels great today!), but it was still a “Duh Michelle!” moment. Apparently, I’m lucky (as are you all) that I got dressed!
The race itself was, like last year, great. The bridge to Davis Island didn’t piss me off as much this year. Partially because I didn’t pass a slew of walkers who decided to start up front. This year the coordinators attempted to do corrals (they only had 2 though). I still think a timed corral setup would work better (have more corrals and release them every 2 minutes) – but what do I know about race planning? Nada.
After getting over the bridge I had no problems with space or anything really. There is a water stop EVERY mile (this was a moot point as I carried my own water bottle) and there were people outside their houses cheering (at 6am!). We didn’t really hit the wind until Mile 3-4. Even then, it wasn’t that bad. Then I came back over the bridge and the wind (coming off the bay) hit me like a ton of bricks.
I know what you’re thinking. DANG she is HOT when she’s running.
I felt like a punching bag. From Miles 5-9 the wind was mostly at my back, but every now and then it would gust from the side and I swear you’d think I was drunk running. I was ALL over the place!
Mentally, I was done at Mile 8. I have NEVER felt like that in a race before. NEVER. I wanted to walk. I wanted to quit. I wanted the wind to go away. The closest I ever felt about being done with a race was in Savannah at Mile 23 when the 4:30 pace group passed me and even then, I knew I was going to finish. This time I wasn’t so sure – BUT I did remind myself that if I could run an effing MARATHON, I could run 5 more miles.
I challenge you to find an uglier race picture.
And I did. Begrudgingly. We hit the turn around at Mile 9 and I was treated to a huge gust of wind in my face. AWESOME. I told myself to KEEP GOING. I screamed it in my head over and over again. At mile 11 the 2:00 pace group passed me. I fought them for a bit, this wasn’t going to happen again, but I couldn’t keep it up. The wind was just too strong. Since I started before them, I wouldn’t have sub-2′d anyway – but I would have been about a minute faster.
The key to a somewhat decent race photo is pretending you don’t see the 800 photographers on the course.
When I FINALLY made it to the last mile I gave it all I got. Sure, it wasn’t my best race – but it wasn’t my worst and I was going to end it strong.
Alllll by myself
And I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy for a race to be over.
Have I mentioned how cool the medal is??
After the race I ran into Carissa (actually, I screamed out her name – ha).
Turns out we were running within seconds of each other for part of the race!
I also saw Katy — who was rocking 3 out of the 4 Gasparilla events. What a champ!
And then I finally I found Paula! I knew she had met her goal because I saw her a few minutes behind me before she hit the turnaround.
I was SOOOO happy for her!
We picked up our post-race goodies and attempted to find beer – but instead we found a vacant area that wasn’t set up yet. Boo!
So instead we showered and headed back to Orlando. Where I celebrated with this…
And snuggled up with my little cheerleaders like this…
Yep, even if I have the worst race in the world – I’m still the center of their world.
Overall Thoughts: Gasparilla remains one of my TOP races. I will definitely race this one again! The race is well managed and organized and it’s not super pricey (half the cost the Disney Princess). I love medal, the shirts (Nike Dry Fit long sleeved), and the Publix loot.
I don’t love my time, but it’s nothing to be upset about! It was a minute or so faster than Miami — and even though I felt completely beat up yesterday, I feel great today. So Sarasota get ready. I’m out for revenge. Just hope I remember my Garmin.
Your turn…. what’s the dumbest thing you’ve forgotten — and why?
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Awesome post! I laughed out loud twice…twice..OUT LOUD! I would’ve died without my Garmin. I may be too reliant on it, but I 100% think it makes me faster. Stealing 1 of your pics for my post tomorrow…i hope that’s ok!
Hope to see you soon!
carissa recently posted..Fit2Flex 50 Challenge – Week 3
Steal away lady! Congrats again on SUCH a great race.
And I will seak you out at The Winter Park Road Race. Even if you’re working it!
Okay, I would have cried, like big fat tears down my face cried if I realized I didn’t have my Garmin in a half marathon. My last 5k the battery died halfway in, but really…it was a 5k, who cares.. half marathon..sobbing would have commenced. So, yes..completely understand how you can be so attached to it! Mostly, I just wanted to say congrats for pushing through and not quitting! Weather can be such a bitch. We had the golf on this weekend and saw the gusting winds on the course, so I can just imagine what it was like out there. Fantastic job all things considered!
This actually makes me feel better because I feel ridiculous letting a stupid Garmin impact my mental state!
Thank you sooooo much! When is your half again?
Memorial Day weekend.
I’m so excited for you!
Did you post a pic of the shirt and I missed it? Is it a pirate shirt??!! Do people dress up like pirates?? I want to do this next year! And I want those pizzas. Yum. You dominated, way to overcome all those obstacles and not quit!
Ricole Runs recently posted..Snow White as a Real Housewife: Not So Sweet After All
I don’t have a picture (I’m wearing it in the last picture – but it’s not like you can tell!) – but Meghann has one on her blog. (although the colors are blue/green — not blue and yellow).
There is a pirate and yes, people do dress up like pirates!!
Despite the wind it sounds like a really great race!
Dumbest thing I’ve ever forgotten for a race? My shoes…yep, that’s right. My freaking shoes.
Sarah recently posted..Dumplings and flour everywhere!
oh snap… i so know how the weather can mess with your mentality!!! my 1st marathon was in the rain and the trashbags before the race to help block the rain and wind = a lifesaver!!!!! also… those medals are AWESOME!! drunk running FTW
Congratulations on getting through a tough race, and so sorry about your Garmin. That is definitely tough. I almost missed the start of my last half due to it being in a different town (about 2,000 miles from here), but anyway in my haste didn’t get my GPS device started in time and so I was always off from the race mileage. Then their chip mats didn’t work!! Very frustrating. Race and learn. Good recap and this does look like a fun half.
I just saw where we are getting a Pizza Fusion in Charlotte today. It’s in a cute and hip area, and figured it would be good. But so excited now after seeing your pre-dinner food!
Thank you!
I have had that happen to me with my Garmin too (although I was in Orlando and my Garmin was just being stupid) and it was SO IRRITATING. And in that race I ended up being 18 seconds short of going sub-2!!
Apparently there was a Pizza Fusion in Orlando but it closed
So sad!!
Girl you ROCKED it. YOu are so my idol. Miss you on LJ though.
Thank you! I am there lurking around sometimes
Just not posting anymore.
This should make you feel better. I have Endomondo instead of a Garmin (want one bad!). It’s on my iPhone, which I brought. Did I turn it on? Nope. Dummy. Had no clue about my pace. But I enjoyed this race – my first.
UGH!!! I thought about using an app on my phone to track my time, but didn’t want to have to keep pulling my phone out to check. My luck I would have dropped my phone!
Congrats on finishing your first half!!! It was definitely a great race.
I love those medals! You gave it all you got. Great job!
What a recap…you looked like you were so sad in one of those pic that was taken of you! I wanted to hold you and hug you..great job pushing through..you are so dam strong! Not like the little girl who use to say .. “I can’t”!! So proud of you.. Way to go Michelle!!
I wasn’t as sad as I was disappointed! But, every race a run is a huge milestone for this girl who refused to run a mile in high school
Thanks for your neverending support – and always telling me I CAN.
Congrats girl! Even when you don’t PR you are wicked fast, I wish I ran half marathons as fast as you! LOL
PS I HATE it when I forget to charge my Garmin & it dies mid-run, that’s the worst! I think I rather not have the Garmin at all than have it die on me.
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..The 20 Minute Treadmill.
Thank you!! And I know I’m too hard on myself. I just know I can do better!!
I think any time you are without your Garmin it is lose-lose.
You are SO STRONG! Way to push through! Also, I tried Cupcake wine for the first time this weekend (post GMAT celebration). I think I was subconsciously channeling you!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Funky Monkey Wine Co.
Thank you!! And woo for Cupcake. It’s my go-to cheapo wine — gotta love it
What kind did you try?
Your post is too Funny. Forgetting stuff for a race really sucks. I forgot my iPod in the car when I ran the Richmond Half Marathon last year and didn’t realize it until we were about to start. It was the first time I had run without music in years.
Sorry you had a sucky race, but the even sounds like fun.
I also have race photos that are way worse. They are shockingly bad.
Heather recently posted..Half Marathon Training Week 2
Even though I was in a poor mental state – it was definitely still fun and beautiful!
UGH on leaving your iPod behind. If that had happened last year (like it did to Paula) I would have FREAKED. Thankfully Marathon training has taught me how to run without music!
I can’t believe you missed Kelly and I SCREAMING our heads off for you at mile 12.5! We were jumping up and down and waving our hands and everything. We thought you looked over your shoulder to acknowledge us, but you didn’t look like you were in a good place. That’s when we thought it was best not to push it. This was a tough race with the wind, but I would rather take the wind and cooler temps than the heat that the 15k and 5k had the day before.
oh, and anytime you want either of us to pace you to a new pr – we’re down. I mean, we run all the same races anyways, right?
Meghann recently posted..5 Things
I am SO bummed I didn’t see you guys (although, I did hear screaming, lol) because I think it would have definitely cheered me up! I might have to take you up on that pacing offer. I’m hoping that long runs with Kelly help. I KNOW I can run faster. I just need to get through all of that mental crap.
I agree that I’d rather have the cool weather over heat/humidity any day. I just feel like I can’t win with the wind! First Savannah and now Gasparilla. It’s screwing with me! It is now officially my arch-nemesis.
Darlin’, it seems like EVERYTHING was working against you for this race. Honestly, I think you did great all things considered, so try not to beat yourself up too much. As wise Paula once said to me, you have to have those bad/tough races to make you realize how good the great ones are. Glad you have more races to make up for this nonsense!
Also glad your ankle is holding up!
Melissa recently posted..It’s Official
I definitely agree that it’s the bad/tough races (and runs!) that help you realize how good the great ones are. Guess I haven’t had a HORRIBLE race before!! < –wow am I whiny!
There will definitely be better races — hopefully this weekend! Should we stop by and say hi to your grandparents?
Hells yeah! They’ll be partying it up in the retirement community!
Melissa recently posted..My Little Prodigy
During the Houston half I turned on my Garmin and realized I was still in biking mode. I was able to get it back into running mode but I could never see my pace or figure out how I was doing. Frustrating…but I ended up getting a PR.
Tara @ texasrunnergirl.com recently posted..Special Day
You are the exception to the rule
And obviously you deserved that PR!!
That sucks about your Garmin! At least you got to eat at Pizza Fusion. I loved the one in Orlando but they closed it down. Was the perfect place to bring Vegan friends to dinner.
The Davis Island bridge was a problem. I started towards the back and it was still really bad. A staggered start would have helped.
Hope your race next weekend goes better for you.
Dina recently posted..Gasparilla Distance Classic Expo 2012
I was so sad to see the Orlando one had closed! Boo! I never made it over there.
I was in the back last year and in the middle this year so it was a little better. I understand WHY they want to do it first, but it would almost make more sense to run up and down Bayshore first.
I still think you did amazing! I know it sucks not hitting a time goal, but the weather was not our friend on Sunday.
I know that you will rock your next half and you WILL meet your time goal! And I can’t wait to read about it!
It was great to see you after the race!
Katy (The Singing Runner) recently posted..HITS Sprint Tri Training: Week 5
It was definitely one of the hardest races of done — and there weren’t any major hills!!
I know I WILL hit my time goal eventually — if not this weekend, soon
You are seriously so awesome and such a force lady. I dont know how you do it. Even wanting to quit you dont. I’m totally late to the party on your recap but yeah, awesome. totally awesome!
Becca recently posted..Unexpected Response
Thanks lady
Congrats to you on pushing through a tough race AND without a Garmin. That’s ballsy, even if it was an error. I would’ve gone back to bed, snuggled with Paula/those boxes of Cinnamon Life, and called it a day. Love that you continue to rock race after race!
Megan recently posted..You’re Not HardCorps Unless You Live HardCorps
Thanks lady! I’ve been in a funk this week — but I to say seeing you getting back out there again has really inspired me. It’s SO hard with an unpredictable little one – great job
too bad we didn’t connect up beforehand! sounds like we ran a similar race! that wind was nuts for sure! i actually sought out taller runners and drafted! lol. i don’t know what i would do if i forgot my garmin for a race. i don’t even like forgetting it on a training run! i’m anal retentive by nature but i have to line up EVERYTHING i need for a race the night before and go through a mental checklist since i’m usually scatter brained in the morning from nerves. good job on the race in spite of all the obstacles!