My last race of the season was this past Saturday at the Reagle Beagle 25k in Bath Township. It was a challenging and fun course and I was happy to walk away with the masters win and 5th female. Steve was also first master male and 5th overall. Many of our friends were there racing or volunteering and there was R. Shea beer at the finish so it was a good day all around!
The year went quick and it was full of highs and lows as most seasons are. Overall I had many successes including setting some new records in various distances, another BQ, some overall and masters wins and a lot of blood, sweat, tears and fun along the way. Here's a quick recap below:
March: ran the Leprechaun dash 5k in downtown Willoughby, took 2nd female won $40 and a pair of St. Patrick's Day themed Goodrs. Race started and finished at Willoughby Brewing so enjoyed a post race beer among friends. Next up was the Hinckley Buzzard Day 25K, which was a mudfest this year. I suffered and also managed a 2nd place finish. Finally March wrapped up with the inaugural Get Lucky 50K. It was my longest run for Boston Marathon prep and I managed a small PR of 4:37 and change and first female. Post race food and beer were provided at a tavern in downtown Canal Fulton.
April: ran my second Boston Marathon and it was not my day. Struggled with GI, overheated and walked some of the hills this year finishing in a 3:54. Decided to race the Canton Hall of Fame Marathon and try again for BQ, came up a little short at 3:42 thanks to a stop in the med tent around 16 for calf cramp. Managed 3rd ag versus 2nd in 2018.
May: survived the Cleveland Marathon. It was just way too hot to race the second half. Finished 4ish and enjoyed friends and post race beers. Raced the Medina 1/2 about a week later. Great and challenging course - also a hot day. Ran first half fast died on second half ending up around 1:44. Good enough for first in AG. Went to PJ Marleys post race for hard-earned breakfast and brews.
June: Eagle up 100k became 50 miler thanks to a really bad GI day. Not sure how I survived the 50 only adding maybe 10 mins from previous year. Still finished 1st female in 8:50ish. Then ran the inaugural Mingo Madness 15K, which was a tough and fun race. 1300 ft of elevation in 9ish miles. Manged 1st AG on dead legs.
July: Recovery month. Raced the Andrea Teodosio 5k in downtown Akron. Tried to remember how to run fast. Hot day. Ran 21ish, 1st AG.
August: this was a good month for me. Set new PR of 1:37:23 at Hofbrauhaus half marathon. Fun post race party with friends. Steve also PR'd and we we both won our AGs. Then we raced the Winking Lizard Shot in the dark 4 miler in downtown Cleveland. It was hot and I felt like hell before the race but managed to run 27ish and win female race! That was fun although running that fast hurts. Post race Great Lakes beer was delightful. Then ran the Moebius 50k as last long run pre-Erie. Twisted ankle then fell on 3rd lap so called it at 18 miles.
September: this was an up and down month. Erie went well. Although a little warm I felt strong and managed a little marathon PR too of 3:29:04 versus my 2018 time of 3:29:33. Got my BQ. Steve also PR'd so we celebrated post race. The Akron Marathon was not a success for me. I felt crappy early on in the heat and legs were flat and I cut it short to the half. A couple days later my sinus infection hit so I think I was fighting that during the race.
October: Rough month. Missed Doan Creek 25K due to being sick. Then ran the Crowell Hilaka trail half. Got lost on second loop so turned into a fun run but nice to run with and see so many friends.
November: The year ended on a positive note with Veteran's Day 1/2 masters win, good for $150 for me and also Steve won the men's! It was a tough, hilly course in the Ravenna Arsenal. Then the Reagle Beagle last week we both won masters again and it was about 1200 ft of gain. So, the legs are tired :)
Now I am ready for a break! I know Steve is too. We will recover in December and keep a base heading into 2020. Next season I will race less but longer beginning with Get Lucky 50k, Boston Marathon # 3, Cleveland Marathon, Eagle up 100K then Canal Corridor 100 round 3 in July. After that I will take a break and regroup for fall. I am debating a triathlon in September to mix it up but we'll see how my training goes.
Speaking of the Cleveland Marathon, I am excited to once again be a race ambassador! If you are signing up make sure you use code "RUNCLEPAM10" to save 10% off registration!
