One Miscalculation During a Race, Space Coast Half Marathon 2013

Have you ever miscalculated something during a race and regretted it?  Sometimes what seems like an insignificant decision or change at the time can be a costly error on the course.  Perhaps it wasn’t getting the body glide every place it should it have been, maybe you forgot to pack enough “fuel” for the course.

I recently ran the Space Coast Half Marathon in Cocoa, Florida and was excited that there were going to be pace groups out there.  My husband and I run at different paces and are never together during a race….so a lot of time it’s a lonely road of sorts.  Surrounded by other runners, but alone with your thoughts and your goals for the race…so I was happy for the opportunity to join a pace group for this run.

Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Medals

I joined up with the 2 hour, 10 minute group for the Half Marathon.  This meant a pace of 9:55 per mile…one that was faster than what I had run before, but I figured I could at least start with this group and then drop back a bit if I needed to.  I had run my last half marathon the month before in 2 hours 15 minutes, so I figured this was a great next goal.  This was my first miscalculation of the day.  As the race started I could feel that this was a faster pace than what I’m used to settling into, but I pressed on determined to keep up.  As the miles added up, so did the feeling that I’d made a grave error in my reasoning.  I was able to keep the group in sight until around mile 4 to 5 and then they pulled away and I was back to being on my own.  And it wasn’t pleasant, I knew now, with a majority of the race still ahead of me, that I had gone out too fast.  By the turn at mile 7.5 I was in trouble…I was sore and I was dehydrated.  The second miscalculation…once you feel like this, it’s too late to “catch-up” on fluids.  For the first time ever I experienced pain in my chest and arm from the dehydration.  It was going to be an uphill battle, but I knew I could finish, even if I had to walk.

Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Course

I watched a couple pace groups pass me, and when I saw the 2 hour 15 minute group pull away my heart really sank.  I wasn’t going to even make my time from the last race, which had been a PR for me.  Granted, you’re not going to run a PR every race, but it was hard to swallow that I wasn’t going to at least hit that time.  I wanted to walk….I really did….my mind was trying to rationalize the need to walk to me…but at least I ignored that and kept going.  The pace wasn’t fast and I’m pretty sure the form wasn’t pretty, but I kept jogging.

I ended up finishing that race at 2 hours 22 minutes….definitely off my best time, but I had done it.  I’d also learned a valuable lesson….start slower and then try to push more at the end.  It had seemed like such a good decision at the beginning, but it ended up costing me time at the end.  In fact, it ended up with me using a heating pad later in the day because I could barely move my leg.  Lesson learned and duly noted….I won’t be making that mistake again.

Sporting my new Space Coast Half Marathon Medal
Sporting my new Space Coast Half Marathon Medal

Guest Blogger – Carrie Bryniak

carrie-bryniak
I am your friendly Travel Professional with Kingdom Magic Vacations and a runner as well.  My first RunDisney Race was in 2010, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay…and since then I’ve been hooked on Disney races and others.  Some of my favorites are the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, the Turtle Krawl 5K and the USA Beach Running Championships.  If you’re a runner and you need help with travel plans for a race, don’t hesitate to contact me!  I’m here to help you and support your efforts!

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