Frederick, MD – March 30, 2014 – Time: 2:02:22 – Overall Place: 438 / 495 – Age Group Place: 39 / 47
This was my longest distance to date and in preparation for one of my main races, the Iron Girl Half (WTC willing), the following month. Overall I felt AWESOME leading up to this day. I rested the week before and I felt strong on race day. I did not want to go, but I have learned one thing since I’ve been running… Runners run in all types of weather …even when Windsnowrainsleetageddon comes to town. I just trusted my legs and put my game face on.

I know I did not have on the proper clothing, but when the elements are pelting you from every which way, does it matter? Everyone was soaked and cold. Despite the weather, there were still people running in tank tops and shorts. Is that die hard or crazy?

The course was an easy out and back with a few inclines, but nothing major. Perfect for my first time. Miles 1-4 were okay. I felt good and listened to my feet to keep pace. I was too cold to look at my watch or even care. After a while my hood and glasses were just pointless. By mile 5 I could no longer feel my feet or fingers. Seriously, look at my face. I think it was permanently frozen. I was so cold, but I just pushed how I felt into the back of my mind. I just wanted to finish. The next few miles I could only move based on the beat of my music because I couldn’t feel my legs. I was zoned out. I don’t usually run with music, but I don’t know if I could have finished without it. “8 Mile” came on at the right time when I needed that extra push!

I was slower than my target pace, but given the weather I really didn’t care. I was proud I put my feet on the road and completed the race. When my 9 year old son told me I was “gangsta”, I knew every moment was worth it.