It was cold, I had a side stitch from mile 1.5 til the end, IT band flared up around mile 6, my butt cheek started acting up around 6.5 and at mile 9.65 I puked and still managed a PR! Not sure what’s more impressive, that intro or the run on sentence to announce it.
This year was the 5th year in a row that I have participated in the Hermes 10 miler. I can still remember the first time I ran this race and it was held in Downtown Cleveland. Now it conveniently takes place on the Westside of Cleveland (aka the best side!). I can’t imagine ever not running this race, definitely a favorite of mine.
The race started and has a nice downhill as you are getting out of the park so it makes for a fast first mile. My goal was to run 7:30 miles.
| Mile | Time |
| 1 | 7:04 |
| 2 | 7:21 |
| 3 | 7:25 |
| 4 | 7:43 |
| 5 | 7:43 |
| 6 | 7:50 |
| 7 | 7:44 |
| 8 | 7:43 |
| 9 | 7:37 |
| 10 | 7:27 |
For such a flat course, my splits were all over the place. You can see at mile 6 I started to slow down. My IT band was bothering me and I didn’t want to push it. By the time I got to mile 7 though I just wanted to pick it up. I didn’t think I had any chance at PRing but thought I could still run a decent time. I would honestly have been happy with an pace under 8 minute miles.
At mile 8 I was trying to do the math in my head (which always makes for an awesome distraction) and was sure that my finishing time would be 1:16:3something. At mile 9 there is a nice downhill and I decided to ignore my watch and just run as best I could. Well that didn’t last long, I looked down and saw 9.3miles and 1:12:00 and thought “holy crap! I can actually still PR!” I picked up the pace and as soon as I did I got the “OMG I am going to puke” feeling. So first I dry heaved and then yep it happened. I pulled off to the side and just missed puking on myself. That’s hot.
But…I puked…and rallied! Probably only lost about 10 secs. Some guy in orange wind pants ran by and said “Awww come on, your almost there, you got this”. Thanks orange pants guy, that was all I needed to hear. Started running again and was cutting it extremely close to my PR but crossed the line with an official finishing time of 1:15:21. NEW 10 MILE PERSONAL RECORD!!!! 10th in my age group out of 178. My previous 10 mile PR was from 2008, that was another tough one to get.
Anyone have any interesting stories of how they got to the finish line? Been stopped by a train, ambulance, or puked and rallied? (yes I have experienced all 3)
That is awesome! You are forever #TheLogo
the puke and rallies are amazing, although I have never felt like I was going to puke in a race but can’t imagine I could rally after doing so. CONGRATS on the PR! I really hope the IT gets better very soon!!!
I expect the puking to possibly happen, but an ambulance and a train in previous races?! crazy! Just proves that NOTHING stops you lady!! Nice work!
I have never reached the puke threshold but have come close. I agree for a flat course my pace was all over the place as well! I hope your IT band gets better. Those are the worst. Job well done!!
It’s amazing you love to run so much after all the obstacles you’ve had (especially the puking more than once!). Great job and congrats on the PR!!!!!!!!!!
I sure hope your IT band gets better soon!!
Way to go Jess! Congrats on the PR especially after a puke and rally. Hope your IT band feel better soon. During the Shot in the Dark two years ago, I had to stop and wait for a bus before crossing W25th.
That is so hardcore! I love it! Congrats on the PR. I came pretty close to puking in the last .2 of my first marathon. Kept it down though. I’ve been having some IT band issues too. Hopefully going to get that buttoned up on Wednesday. I hope you are recovering!
Pingback: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Training Week 15: Not Giving Up | mojamala2
Forgive me as this is the first time I can read blogs in a week. HOW DID YOU NOT MENTION THE AFOREMENTIONED AWESOME PUKE AND RALLY TO ME?!?!?!
Props girl!
Pingback: My Battle With The IT Band Monster | mojamala2