So, Coach Jason Soria suggested I did it this race this year in preparation for my Chicago Marathon. The heat training would be good for me, yadda yadda and no matter how how Chicago might be hot it will be nothing compared to what I'll be racing in here in Dallas. So, here I am -- signed up for the Hottest Half with all the crazies.
So, Sunday morning at 7am I find myself at the start with other nutty peeps getting prepared to run 13.1 miles in 92 degree heat and awful humidity. Luckily the course is flat as a pancake and I try to mentally prepare but I can't ... I just keep dreading what's ahead. I know that's a horrible way to start a race but I can't stop. Before I can size up the competition or look around we're off! Everyone is flying! Whoa! Some fast starters in this group...but then I think back to what Jason told me, "Everyone is going to go out too fast because the course is flat...hold back and CONSERVE...come up from behind on the back end when everyone else is blowing up and you'll kill this race..." So, that's my plan. And let's just say that it worked -- PERFECTLY! 
I ran quick, but not fast for the first 6miles letting people pass me and move along...I could hear their breathing and just knew they couldn't keep this up. The sun was coming up high in the sky and the heat was climbing. I felt good and knew I was in a good position to finish strong. So, about half way through I began to pass everyone and kept a STEADY pace the entire race. That steady pace brought me into the finish with a final time of 1:43:10. I knew it was good for me (my PR is 1:41) but didn't realize it put me at the top.
Paul and I didn't stick around for the awards. I really needed to get out of the heat. I was extremely dizzy after finishing and couldn't get the liquids in fast enough. I was too nausea to eat but needed the fuel -- it was rough. I felt a little better after part of a bagel but knew we needed to leave. When we got home I went downhill further...I just couldn't get the nutrition in fast enough! It wasn't until 3pm when I was finally feeling like myself and my salt/electrolyte balance was back. ugh...
I ran quick, but not fast for the first 6miles letting people pass me and move along...I could hear their breathing and just knew they couldn't keep this up. The sun was coming up high in the sky and the heat was climbing. I felt good and knew I was in a good position to finish strong. So, about half way through I began to pass everyone and kept a STEADY pace the entire race. That steady pace brought me into the finish with a final time of 1:43:10. I knew it was good for me (my PR is 1:41) but didn't realize it put me at the top. Paul and I didn't stick around for the awards. I really needed to get out of the heat. I was extremely dizzy after finishing and couldn't get the liquids in fast enough. I was too nausea to eat but needed the fuel -- it was rough. I felt a little better after part of a bagel but knew we needed to leave. When we got home I went downhill further...I just couldn't get the nutrition in fast enough! It wasn't until 3pm when I was finally feeling like myself and my salt/electrolyte balance was back. ugh...But then the results were posted online that really lifted my mood and I was feeling MUCH better then! Results revealed I was THIRD in my age group, whoa! That is such a big accomplishment for me. I was suddenly super bummed that we didn't stick around for the awards! Also, I was the 8th female finisher overall. What a great day! Makes all that training, early mornings, and for-going booze suddenly worth it!
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