Going into Hilo to Volcano 50k, was nothing shy of feeling ready. My body has been feeling strong and legs injury free thanks to yoga amongst other things.
As a runner, injury prevention is key.
The week leading up to race day was slightly different than last year. I was busier than normal with the Holiday rush and training more clients than last year. As a fitness instructor and unpaid runner, I have to keep working even though most runners would begin to take time off from fitness classes. I always say, I am not paid to run, therefore I don't deserve to take extra time off and truthfully that's how I like it. My body is used to all the crazy yoga and multiple classes a day some days.
Nick, Whistler, and I drove over to Hilo early Friday morning. The car packed with snacks, gear, and of course my dish of noodles and broccoli for Carbo loading. First stop once we arrive in Hilo is The Zoo. We always make time to take Whistler to the Zoo first and foremost. http://www.hilozoo.com
From there we casually make our way over to Race Packet pick up, which moved this year to Big Island Running Company.
By 4 O'Clock, we arrive at our hotel less than a half mile away from the start of the race. We hang out in the room for a bit, Nick usually falls asleep, Whistler plays toys, and I do a little yoga. This is just how we are. We try and keep it cool and fun for everyone.
Later that evening we headed out to get last minute supplies from Target, fill up the car with gas, and head to dinner. I typically choose Panda Express for their broccoli & noodles, but this time we found ourselves at this restaurant called the Ponds. It was absolute for us and Whistler. Nick was able to indulge in Prime Rib, Whistler had keiki fish & chips, and for myself I chose fettuccine with Mac nut pesto & a small side salad-dressing on the side. Yummy!
The best part was the fish food given to the children to feed the Koi fish in the pond. The evening was ideal. Whistler was entertained!
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| Pre-Race Dinner |
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| Koi Fish |
From dinner, we made our way to the hotel. A shower, check & check & check again that I had everything ready for race day was in order. Sleep was okay. Took a little longer to fall asleep and woke up an hour before my alarm clock due to a dream about some Pro Marathon runner sitting on my lap telling me everything I needed to know about running (which none of I remembered when I tried).
Race Morning consisted of waking up, wash face, drink 6-8oz of Vega Pre-Workout & eat a Bonk Breaker blueberry & oat bar, brush teeth & bathroom, Vaseline in all the right places to avoid chaffing, get dressed, hair up, hat on, Garmin on and finally make my way out the door. Oh and pee like a million times more!
We all went down to check out of the hotel, since this race begins in Hilo & finished in Volcano 31 miles away.
I walked to the start with my training partner & her husband. She was running the 50k for the first time.
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| Tonya & I 5:45am |
Nick & Whistler were all ready to help me along the course. They were my Super Support Crew/aid station. With this race you are required to have your own support crew to help you along the course, they are in charge of providing you with nutrition and all the other essentials.
The race started 15 minutes behind schedule, so naturally I took advantage of an open pee pee tree. Then we were off just like that.
The first two miles I ran with my run partner, not talking much because I wanted to find my rhythm. From that moment, I was on my way- on my own -in my zone. I checked my pace throughout the run, but steered away from checking time. On this course I know my pace is slower due to the uphill all the way and elevation to 4000ft. I don't want to get caught up in time and allow that to effect my mental state.
Miles in and feeling great. Nutritionals were on target and legs were in check.
Whistler and Nick had everything I needed exactly when I needed it.
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| High fives for energy |
Nick kept me on check and let me know what miles I would see them next. Before I knew it I was already hitting mile 19 and feeling fine. A little stress in my hips, but nothing I was concerned about. I took a moment to bend over stretch it out and continued uphill, the last long portion of the climb. I remember asking Nick where the turn was and he said it should be right up there. Sure enough there it was. From that point I knew there was only about 4 miles left till the finish. As I passed the finish line I noticed Noone had come through yet. I thought to myself I had a great chance to finish on top. I ran down towards the turnaround and knew I was doing well. At one point Nick told me a girl in pink was closely behind looking as strong as me. Unless she had an Ultra Individual race number on, I knew she was of no worries.
(For this race you had an option to race Individual or as a Relay team).
I came back towards the finish and knew I was definitely in the lead for females. Everyone was supporting each other along the way with big smiles and lots of you're almost there comments.
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| Home stretch |
My pace was flying through the last two miles and I was feeling great. No pains in my legs, a little tightness on the right side of my chest, but nothing that was holding me back, nor qualified for stopping me from winning. I ran through the finish line 4:38:05 later 1st female to cross and 5th overall (which was a beautiful surprise). I didn't realize I finished 5th with only 4 guys ahead of me. Next year maybe I'll be running with those guys all the way.
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| Finish Line |
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| My number 1 Support |
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| The reason I fell in love with running is because of this little dude. |
We even made time to connect with friends and talk with new friends we just met. It was really enjoyable not rushing to leave, but taking time to reflect.
Race Highlights:
• Finding 20 dollars on the side of the road.
• Great weather conditions/cool
• Having Nick & Whistler with me
• A PR by an Hour +
• First Female & 5th Overall!!!
• Seeing Tonya cross the finish line & win her division.
• Again having my family with me and to see them happy with me ♡♡♡
• No pain in my body & only one small blister on my toe. Very little chaffing!
Next Race : Big Island International Marathon March 15, 2015.
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