I overslept.
My alarm was on vibrate--typically okay for this light sleeper...that is until the phone is on a carpeted floor several feet away. I woke up at the time I was supposed to leave the hotel, and likely only because I'd been sleeping for a solid eight to nine hours by then. I would have NO time for a leisurely oatmeal breakfast and pre-race Team RWB photo.
I quickly changed into my race gear, eternally grateful to have built the habit of laying everything out step by step the night before. I grabbed my makeup bag (PRIORITIES) and headed for the door.
Flat runner coming in for the win on a hectic morning.
There was ice on the windshield of my rental car and I had NO IDEA what to do. I turned the heat on blast and scraped the ice off, no time to take my time. Traffic to Keeneland wasn't too bad, but I definitely missed the Team photo. It was a CHILLY 40 degrees at the start.
I always have time to draw in my eyebrows.
The race started with the National Anthem, moved on to the state song and finished with the Call to the Post, a true Kentucky race start.
The hills weren't brutal. It was mostly difficult to find a pace when it's clear that several participants weren't comfortable totally letting go (but maintaining control) on the downhills. I thanked my lucky stars I have some trail running in my back pocket to sail me through those hills.
Somewhere around Mile 8.
I played it conservatively--everyone the night before had mentioned being wary of "the hill at Mile 9." I heard people on the course say they planned on walking at Mile 9. Truth be told, I was scared.
IT WAS NOTHING. If anything, it was difficult because we had already finished 2/3 of the race, but the actual climb itself, was nothing--again, thank you SF trail running.
After that hill, I realized I could *maybe* squeak in a two hour finish. The goal was 2:15--I did have another half marathon in a week and I didn't want to go out too fast. I realized by Mile 10, I wasn't going to break 2:00. I had played it too conservatively at the start.
Then Mile 11 came with BEER from the local sponsor Ethereal Brewery. I'm not someone who encourages trying new things on race day, but today? Why the heck not?
Just after Mile 11.
I squeaked in at 2:01:11. Not terrible when I expected 2:15. And not terrible for nearly 1,000 ft of climbing. Other interesting stats:
First Half Split: 1:01:29
Second Half Split: 59:41
Final Mile: 8:38
I'm still wearing sunglasses because I am not wearing eyeliner.
Some pros for the race: Post race festivities included a free beer from the local sponsor. There were donuts at the end. Lots of room to hangout and take photos, like the REAL starting gates from Keeneland! Also, the race organizers hosted a few tours and tastings--a nice thing for out of towners. I'll write about those and my adventures in Kentucky on separate post.
On your mark, get set, GO!
Some of my least favorite things: The giveaway tee--it was cotton and unisex. A really cute color and logo, but terrible fit and I can't wear it anywhere outside of the house. Of course 2019 will have technical tees, men and womens sizing and a choice of long or short sleeve. OF COURSE.
Heavy medal.
I had to ask what the significance of the horse and Rolex was...typical California girl.
It was a pretty race course, with opportunities to see the horse farms and the beautiful structures on and around them. I didn't get to take any pictures on the course, so I went back the next day and drove around the course. I got one good shot of a new friend.
Until next time Kentucky.
