Race morning went off without a hitch. We randomly found each other in the parking lot, I picked up my bib, and we hit the port-o-potties with time to spare. I ran into Britt on our way towards our pace group, who looked cute as ever while she was dancing to try to shake off nerves. So glad we got to meet!
In no time at all, we were off and running. We settled into a 10ish pace, and the first miles ticked off uneventfully. It was already hot, and the sun was brutal, but I was feeling really good. It was fun being in a supporting role, with someone else's goal in mind instead of my own. (10:04, 9:57, 10:03, 9:55)
During mile 5, we stopped to walk through a water station. And when we started running again, I knew Michelle was struggling. She could no longer hold pace. Her breathing was labored. In short, the heat was kicking her ass. It soon became clear that we needed to abandon any time goal, and shift to a "finish in one piece" goal. (10:26, 11:56, 10:30)
I was feeling bad that she got such a crappy day, but what can you do? She was visibly upset around mile 7 or 8 - it's tough to watch your goals go out the window - but I tried to pep talk her out of it. I was worried that I was being annoying, but she assured me I was helping. We continued running when we could and walking when she needed to. (12:12, 11:36, 13:21)
During mile 11, there was a long potty stop. I refilled my handheld at a water station while I waited for her. Her stomach was not being nice to her in the heat. Her hands were swollen. I spent the rest of the race making sure she drank often. (14:05, 12:17)
The last mile was rough for her. I played the "run to that street sign" game a lot. Her watch was way off, so I updated her on where we were. We focused on continuous forward progress. And soon, we were close to the finish, and ran it in. (13:42, 10:52 for the last 0.12)
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| cheerleading for my sis |
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| almost there! |
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| post race with bling |
I am hoping that her next race is nicer to her. But that's the thing about race day - we have no control. This was a great lesson in taking what you are given and rolling with it. Not easy, for sure, but it'll serve her well in the future.
Congrats to your sister for toughing it out! It's awful when the heat gets to you - it must have been great for her to have you there! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteHilarious (not) that last year this race was freezing, windy, and rainy. Gotta love Chicago!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I agree that it's great to be there for someone else during their race. It's such a nice feeling to know you're helping them out and I'm sure they appreciate it afterward even if they want to slug you while it's happening.
It sucks that she got a horrible first race day, but you both look great in the finishing photo!! Congrats on running smart, it isn't fun to give up your goals when it isn't in your control. I hated the heat on Sunday too. Bleh.
ReplyDeleteNo how matter how you all crossed the finish line. I bet it was amazing running with your sister. I would love to run with my sis, but she has a bad back and that is not an option. One thing my sis does though is she is at all my races cheering me on, along as their close. I'm sad because she will not be coming with me when I do the Grandma's Marathon, but I know she will be their in spirt. Way to support each other through a tough run.
ReplyDeletePenny, there truly is NOTHING better...she kept me going until the very end, and I love her even more today (if possible) than I have my entire life.
DeleteGlad you have run together all the race. It's hard to run a half under the heat but you did it. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteGreat last pic with beautiful smiles.
If you look closely BK, you'll see the tears in my eyes...I sobbed like a babe...
DeleteIt was so fun to run into you!
ReplyDeleteMan it was such a crappy day, I think Michelle wasn't alone and a lot of people ended up abandoning any hopes for a goal time finish. But you did a great job of supporting her, I'm sure she appreciated that more then she could even say. Love that you were so focused on her that you didn't even have time to think about yourself. Gosh still can't get over how hot it was, and then yesterday how cool it was. What the heck is up with that??? Annoying, but what can you do.
So glad you could be there for your sister!!!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when I paced my friend at the Chi Town Half. I was so focused on how she was doing/feeling/etc that I didn't really think much about myself or how I was feeling or how much farther we had to go, etc. Kind of a nice distraction.
ReplyDeleteWay to go in supporting your sis and finishing this helish race!!! I am happy you did not struggle with the heat much - Busse is so brutal! And I hope your siser is eventually able to run as strong as possible in hot weather (aka, not feel like she is dying, lol)!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Bobbi.....you and Michelle really gutted one out on a tough day! Two bad-ass ladies!!!
ReplyDeleteHeat can REALLy beat you up, can't it? I have had races blown because of heat. I hope she is proud of her finish. Oh, and it is not going to be super hot for us, is it? Pleasenopleasenopleaseno
ReplyDeleteIt better not be, since she signed up for it as her redemption race! :)
Deletethe heat is the enemy...always...congrats on finishing the race! nice that you were able to do it with her!
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats to Michelle! It does totally suck to be dealt that hand on race day, but whatchagonnado? We've all been there! Just once I'd like to run a race when a surprise COLD front comes through! Why does it never happen that way?
ReplyDeleteI know how rough it was out there, and you are an amazing sister for trucking through that heat - Congrats to both of you on surviving :)
ReplyDeleteIt is sooo upsetting and depressing to know that you train so hard for a race and something crappy happens like weather or injury. You do all the right things and still get derailed! Sucks a lot! I'm sooo happy that you were there with your sister physically and mentally. I've been your sister (heck, I am your sister in every race) and I am always beyond grateful for either my friend or the random stranger who decides to stick it out with me and help me to the end. I wouldn't be able to finish 90% of my races without people like you - AWESOME!!!! High 5 to you and your sister. Hope you are both hydrating and resting well this week to recoup from what the heat took from you!
ReplyDeleteThe heat and sun were brutal! Kudos to both of you for pushing through. A character builder for sure,
ReplyDeleteHow great to run with your sister - nice job! Hope we get spared the heat at Grandma's . . .
ReplyDeleteBobbi...You were my rock on Sunday. I felt (still feel) like such a damn loser...I know I finished, but it was pathetic at best. My mind got the best of me, and before I knew it my body nearly gave up...I saw all my hard work go down the tubes, and it was heartbreaking to say the least. I normally can run 5-7 without a hitch, but this day I had no such luck. It hurt, I couldn't focus, and simply wanted to lay in the grass and cry. But you kept with me, even a touch ahead of me so I HAD to keep going...Thank you...days later just seeing the pics and reading your post chokes me to tears. Let's pray for a stronger run (for me) in 3 weeks! I love you dearly...
ReplyDeleteYou are such a great sister! Congrats to you both for surviving a tough day!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to run with a sister. I am running an 8K with my sister on July 4th! And yes, there was a half marathon here last Saturday, and it was hot. People were wiped out by the unexpected heat.
ReplyDeleteGood job in the heat. I raced in Rockford on Sunday and it was the same. Running with a sibling is a special experience. I ran a half with my brother last year and it was a great time. Congrats on finishing with smiles.
ReplyDeleteYour sister is so lucky to have you!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! This is a great race report.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the bad weather - it is a horrible feeling dealing with the effects of heat, and can throw things for a loop so much more than most people realize. But congratulations on finishing the race strong - you make a fantastic team! And the conditions at the next race will be that much better to make up for this one!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the race is such harsh conditions
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both you and your sister on a great race!
ReplyDelete