“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
This is how I started my email to Coach Bennett to let him know how the race went (my apologies to Charles Dickens) – pretty much sums up this race day.
A couple of weeks ago I ran the inaugural Newport 10 Miler with my running buddy E. Let’s just say this run did not go as I had hoped — in a nutshell, my stomach mysteriously decided to not cooperate just a mere 2 and half miles into the course. I have no idea what set it off because I have become boring and predictable in my pre-run/race fueling. But, it was not happy and any attempt at picking up the pace was met with serious discomfort….not a great way to spend the remaining 7.5 miles!
By the mile 4 water stop, I was walking – I urged E to keep going saying I would catch up. And while I kept her in my sights for the next 2 miles, by the mile 6 water stop I did something I’ve never done in a race before – I came to a deadstop! Not good! This race really was a mental battle – there was a lot of self talk going on – I used every mental game I could think of to will myself through those final miles.
So what about “the best of times” part?
The course was beautiful! Seriously Newport is a beautiful spot to run – we were either along the water or running among the mansions. The wonderful scenery helped to be a much needed distraction.
Jill, Nancy, Samantha, me & Amy
A chance to meet-up with these wonderful ladies is always good!
Got to finally meet the lovely Kim, co-leader of Black Girls Run Boston. She hung out with E & I at the start and best of all I spotted her with just over a mile to go – she became just the focal point I needed to push hard and we ended up crossing the finish line together!
Despite my stomach distress, the rest of me felt really good and still managed to will myself to tie my 10-mile PR! And while I wish I had been able to run every step with E, she absolutely rocked this race and is now talking about joining me for a half marathon – so proud of her!
The race itself was a good one – a couple of first year kinks like running out of some of the post-race food and poor planning on the t-shirt distribution…but those were minor. They were super-responsive to questions pre-race; it was a beautifully laid out course; and, they had a great group of enthusiastic volunteers at every water station. I will definitely be back to run this one again next year!
I am amazed that you could get a PR while feeling so bad–just proves you are in great shape right now! Congrats to you and to E!
I love the town of Newport-could be a good excuse to visit again sometime.
I think I forgot how beautiful Newport is – I need to drive down there more often!
Come join us next year – we need to finally meet 🙂
Yes E needs to be at that ZOOMA starting line running the half!!! I’m sorry your belly was not nice that day…but kudos for pushing on and still tying a PR!! I was tempted to stop at the mile 6 water stop since it was the men’s rugby team…LOL!!!
Too funny Nancy…and yes seeing the men’s rugby team did lessen the pain a little 😉
Wow sorry about the GI distress but to tie your PR is amazing! COngrats! Sounds like a fun one!
Congratulations!! I love all Newport races, they do such a great job in that town!
So sorry about the stomach issues. I’ve had races like that and it’s so frustrating. Congrats on tying your PR though! That’s incredible!
That took a lot of mental strength to not only continue the race but to tie for your current PR. I’m amazed by you 🙂
Thanks Lynda – Hopefully those mental games will serve me well in my next race!
Me too Michelle! Sorry you weren’t feeling it, but I’m really glad I got to see you again. Next up BAA 10K, right?
It’s always good to see you Amy! See you at the 10K 🙂
Oh no- stomach issues are the worst! Congrats on staying strong and finishing with such a great time in spite of it!
Glad it was such a beautiful place to run. Sorry you weren’t feeling better.
It was so great to finally meet you and figure out how to comment on your blog! LOL Hope to see you again soon! Will you be at the Run to Remember?
Check me on twitter: @lipstick_plims
Jill it was great to finally meet you too! Yes I’ll be at Run to Remember – hope to see you there!!