So lesson learned, it is always a good idea to take it easy the day before any race. Especially when you haven't been running as much as you should. Yesterday I walked about 8-9 miles in downtown Frederick. It was totally intentional, I actually wanted to read a book, so I parked my car on a side street and walked to the local park. I did a few laps around the park, read for a while, then visited my friend who is a very talented hair stylist to get my hair done. We then went to dinner, where you guessed it, we walked around downtown looking for a good meal. By the time I was finished my legs were tired and my feet were killing me. I went home and realized that I was going to be sore the next morning.
5:24 my alarm goes off and my hubby and I make our way back down to Frederick to go to Baker Park. The same park I was at the day before. He started near the front and I started near the back like we always do. The race starts, I run almost the entire 1st mile and then I had to take a break because my legs were achy and because I was caught behind jogging strollers and walkers going at least 2-3 wide (more on that later). Mile 2 I ran intermittently and my legs began to loosen up. By the start of mile 3 my legs were good to go and I ran almost the entire last mile. I got caught behind some jogging strollers and a really rude woman in teal (more on that later). I ended the race with me running at a strong pace and passing most of the people who left me in the dust on mile 1. There was one woman behind me that kept telling her husband the entire race that she wanted to beat me, I had my ipod in, but I could hear her say this. So she takes out in a dead sprint and passes me right before the finish line. Here's the thing, I could have beaten her, but I wanted her to have that victory. I knew she was coming and I could see her gaining ground, but I felt like me racing her and beating her might crush her ego. I could really care less because I beat the woman in teal and I finished 2.5 minutes quicker than last week with my legs and shins not being in pain. I had enough victories and I wanted that woman to have her moment to shine. Besides she showed some great gumption towards the end, so good for her for finishing strong. All in all, not terrible. My hubby apologizes for no finisher picks because apparently I, in his words not mine, "booked it so fast" that couldn't get the camera ready in enough time.
Back to my pet peeves. For those of you who do not know runner's etiquette, here is my take. If you have a jogging stroller, that's cool. I actually have a lot of respect for you because it is hard enough to run, but you are pushing a small child. But please for the love of God, start in the back. You are not a world class sprinter and you hinder people from actually getting around you in the beginning. Its not fair to those who are really trying for a good time to contend with you. To the walkers that go 2-3 wide. Be aware of those who are actually trying. By this I mean, move out of the way and go single file to allow those to pass around you. Countless times today, I was bottlenecked by walkers who refused to move. I shouldn't have to run on a slant in the grass to get around you. I move for those trying to get by because it is the right thing to do. Last, and this goes to my "friend" in the teal, when passing someone do not immediately start walking as soon as you get around them, especially when they are running. It is also incredibly rude to purposely cut in front of someone to make them stumble. Once, I can forgive, twice, I am annoyed, and if it happens thrice then I call you out and proclaim you a rude bitch on my blog. So there it is... I beseech you fellow runners and walkers, please make this an enjoyable experience for all and try to not hinder someone who is trying to do well, even if they are incredibly slow like me.
So up next, I am traveling to VA with my friend Ashley to do the color run. My goal is to take some pretty boss pictures of this run. I am taking the camera with me in a baggy and I am going to try and give you some live action shots. My friend, Amanda and I are starting to train to run long distances for the spring. She is focusing on the half, and I am shooting for March 17th to run a Marathon in VA. Its the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon. I have a lot of motivation, I like Yuengling and I am Irish so this seems like a perfect fit for me.
Well, happy running!
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