Granted, I have not been too diligent at blogging on here and I should be taken to task for it. Then again, I now have three blogs that are essential for me and so it does make the time factor in. These are the links to the other two:
Shakuhachi Adventures and Therapy via this blog!
These along with writing with pen and paper, running, biking and spending my time with family really consume a lot of my day. Still, I will have summer to get better at it hopefully.
Last weekend on Sunday my final half marathon of the year, well in fact my only half, was raced. As I was not super prepared for this and allergies had been beating me up the last three weeks, nothing phenomenal was expected to happen and I simply wanted to finish the race and in a decent amount of time. Before the race, there was time to snap photos of my running family. Many of these were shot by Dena and I appreciate that she not only did that, but supported me at the event. Ann also ran this half marathon and finished well.
The first six to seven miles were actually going very well as I kept my pace near 8:00/mile and ran decently. When running through some cottonwood trees near Sr-14 and Pearson Airport, I noticed my breathing changing dramatically. My Claritin had kept the sniffles and nose issues at bay but did nothing as regards the breathing. This alone decimated me as I continued the race. About mile 9 or so it had gotten so bad that my running was 10:15 or so in pace and I was walking more as the inability to breathe made running impossible. At the ten and a half mile mark or so I simply knew I'd have to walk most of the next 5K to the finish, though I would run the last 500 yards if possible. And that's what I did. My hip was being really cranky with me and there was nothing I could do about that though the cramping in my calves and quads were not too bad
Finally, I was able to run the last part over the finish line at 2:28:46, the second worst half marathon I have ever run. I certainly beat myself up quite a bit about it then and for the next hour, but I got over it and was happy I had finished. Guess I shall have to just roll the dice this time of year and hope that the allergies keep at bay. Last year was a good one but the previous before that also a mess like this last race. One never knows. I shall train wiser for next June and hope that it's a better result.
Here are some photos from that day. The weather really cooperated well and it was overcast with a slight breeze. The course was back to that of the inaugural race back in 2011, making it a new one in someways.
This year marked the fifth that the Vancouver USA Marathon has been running and it was even better than ever! Brian Davis, the Energy Events director and owner, has done very well with his company and devotes a ton of time to it's development and continued success. Since that first year, many things have changed and from what I can see, all for the better. The shirts, medals, activities and operation have progressed nicely to make this one of the truly wonderful marathons in this country of ours. It has been called a "hidden gem" and it is indeed that. Below is a photo of the medals from the last five years and how they increased in not only size but detail and with even more love. Many thanks to Brian and his crew for this delightful race!
After the race, the temps started to heat up. This was going to be the start of some rather hot weather as the week progressed. As most know, I do NOT do well in heat over 85° or so and melt or pass out :-P The forecast this next week looks to be a scorcher and not at all fun. Therefore, I shall be laying low and staying indoors as much as possible. it is going to be a long, hot and dusty summer by all looks of it. Stay hydrated, cool and in A/C if possible!
My apartment has never had AC for over 20 years and so we shall cope.
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