Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Big Race

The morning of the race - before the start.



Whew, so if you've read my blog for any amount of time (like even two posts) you know that this past weekend I participated in the Tri Fall Creek Falls Race. Its a triathlon at a beautiful state park that consists of a 1500 m swim, 40k bike and 10k run. I was on a relay team so I just did the run (duh . . . like I could actually do that whole thing). Let me just say that the athletes we saw this weekend were amazing. Truly amazing.


Next, let me say that my team was amazing. I'm so proud of each of us for different reasons. We accomplished what we set out to do and we did it with style. It was a really fun time to be with a long time friend and get to make a new one. And it also definitely gave me the bug for future races.
Me coming into the finish line


Our team came in 2nd overall for female relay teams. When I saw the run course I was intimidated. My training route here wasn't completely flat but also didn't have any major hill - this was NOT the case at Fall Creek Falls. The 10K course started out with about 3/4 of a mile down a major hill. Awesome. Except this mean that the course finished out 3/4 of a mile UP a major hill. Not Awesome. When I realized this I thought my goal of a sub 45 minute 10K was shot. Well, when it came time to run I just ran as hard as I could. When I got to the end I told myself to just put my head down and run. And I made it. My time was 44.08 and I was thrilled. If I hadn't gotten confused at the end and had to stop momentarily for directions it couldn've been sub 44 but I'm trying not to focus on that :)
So, the only major bummer for me was when they were doing our body marking the morning of the race. They write your number on each arm and then your age on the back of your right calf (in big numbers, I might add). Only, it isn't your actual current age, its the age you'll be at the end of the year. CURSES. That's right, you guessed it. I'm 29 now but I'll be 30 in December. So I have to walk around for the next week (or until this permanent marker will wear off) with a big 30 on the back of my leg. Nice.

7 comments:

Susan said...

CONGRATS!!! You rock. No way could I have done any part of that race.

Btw, you're only 29?!?!?! ACK!

Red said...

Haha! I love the big 30 on the calf, I think we need a picture. ;) At least you'll just BARELY be 30 at the end of the year. Me, I'll have been 30 a whole 11 weeks before you even crest that hill. Too funny though. =0)

I'm so proud of you, I would have been daunted by the major uphill, especially at the end, but you did it and I couldn't be more excited for you! I'm glad you had fun and reached your goal and to quote Kristen Dunst & the girls in Bring it On..."2nd place - Hell Yeah!" "Feels like 1st!" =0)

xoxo

Unknown said...

Well done! I can't believe how fast you run, girl!

Natalie said...

Awesome job girl!!!! theres no way i would run, Michelle has tried to convince me how great it is but I just cant!! Must have been fun.

Stephanie said...

You never cease to amaze me Lacey! Congratulations!

Amanda said...

Awesome job Lacey! You did great despite the difficult course...woo hoo!

Amber J said...

I am so proud of you!! Good job! Now..time to celebrate:)