Capital Pursuit 2007

I did Capital Pursuit today, a beautiful 10 mile run in downtown Des Moines and through the Drake University area of town. This was my first race since I began training regularly. I was a little nervous this morning, mostly because I knew this is typically a pretty fast field. The course was secured for a 12 min pace. Yikes....My paces lately have been pretty high, depending on the day, some in the high 12's, 13's and even some days I have been in the 14's with more walking. I've been joking about whether or not I needed to memorize the course. I knew I would finish with some walking, but I also wanted to have a decent race and get an official time. My husband encouraged me to treat it like any other long run and also just to have fun.

I felt pretty out-of-place at the start. I didn't really know anyone and they all looked like amazing athletes to me. I did strike up a conversation with another gal who had a water belt on -- we were practically the only ones. I felt like such a novice and joked, doesn't anyone else need water? I told her my fear was the stations would be closed when I came through. She laughed but I told her I was hoping for around 13 pace. She was so encouraging and nice and said a year ago she had 70 pounds to lose after her 4th pregnancy and could barely move. I told her she looked amazing. Then someone came by and congratulated her on her last HM pace of 8:30. GULP. I asked for her to cheer for me at the end!

Finally we got going and I felt pretty good. Most of the pack had left me by about .5 mile! The first mile seemed to take forever and I thought I must be doing a good job of conserving. 10:59? Uh oh. I kept moving and didn't seem to have any ill effects from the quicker pace. I found some other women back of the back of the packers. For the first 3 or 4 miles the course continued to be secured, and I tried to keep with the 12min cop car. I had to fall back alittle but kept it in my sights and only walked through water stations. Some gals were run-walking and I stayed with them somewhat.

At mile 5 we were all together and I saw my husband and kids. I said, "my babies!" and got a little teary. They had gatorade and a little cup of Sports Beans. They tasted awesome. I caught the walkers and each took a bean. Then I left them for good! What a boost. This was a strange part for me though. I was nearly maintaining a 12 pace, totally shocking myself (and I think my hubby too) and for all intents and purposes, having the run of my life, yet, I was behind the cop car and nearly last. I tried to tell myself not to be lonely or get down and just think of it as my normal run. It was a little hard, though, definitely humbling, but fun and I was so happy that I was running well and my body seemed to be holding up.

The water stop at 6 was out of water and packing up. After that, I struggled to stay with the pack up van! :) No problem, I had my own little crew. Hubby kept driving ahead and stopping. The kids would yell, "GO MOM GO!" Thank God, because I hardly saw anyone else!! One lady asked me, "what is this?" My smart alek reply: "the back of the pack!" I turned the corner at 7 and thought, 3 miles, all down hill, I can do this!! I continued to see my crew and then the pack up crew. I think 8.5 to 9 was maybe the hardest, but not that hard and I kept moving. I kept thinking that I couldn't believe how well I was still moving and feeling.

When I got back into downtown for the last mile, I started seeing people leaving with medals. I really was the only runner I could see looking forward. I never looked back though. I thought it might make me sad. Most people cheered and that kept me going. I could still see the cop car! I should have never looked at myself in the storefront windows, I thought I looked horrible but also was proud that I was finishing. My sweet crew was a few feet in front of the finish, they cheered me in and saw me get my medal. I walked over to the gatorade and then back to my crew. I remembered to stop Garmin at the gatorade stand and was astounded to see 2:04 for 10.24 miles ~ 12:10 pace !! I really hadn't looked that much and had originally thought I would be around 2:15 or even 2:30 possibly. I must have started Garmin a little early and of course, didn't shut it off right away, but I was still fairly amazed. ** official time** 2:00:58

We were standing there a few minutes when one of the gals I had passed (I think there were only 3 or 4!) came in, I cheered for her but I don't think she heard me. Right then, they started taking down the finish line!! It hit me then, that I should at least get an official time!! I walked back and saw Tom Green from Runner's Lounge and my shoe guy and spoke to both briefly.

For my first real race, I really don't think this could have gone any better. My hydration and energy were great and my body held up. Feet are a little sore but they were troupers. I never really was that winded, which I just can't believe at this pace. I am humbled by the 900 or so people that finished well ahead of me and wonder if I could've pushed myself a little more. I will update if/when I get an official time. My crew was the best. Thanks Curtis, Nate and Jay!