In which Nat has a hissy fit.

ING Ottawa Half Marathon: (Garmin Time): 2:53:34 (I forgot to turn it off for a few...)
Time at 5 miles: 58:43 (Time at 10 miles was well around 2h10.)
Things started going to shit: 5.75 miles
Point at which there was officially more walking than running:7.1 miles
I would like to thank all the members of Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Offspring, Pat Benatar and Metric for getting me through this particular form of torment.

I really don't want to talk about it. I really don't. Not a good run. It's not the time, well, ok, the time is part of it. I am just not happy at the total complete crappitude of it all. I'm upset with myself, I'm upset with my body. I am just pissed off at me. I am pissed off because I am allergic, I am pissed off that I'm not faster, I'm pissed off that I have been feeling "off" all week. I am pissed off that I might be sick. All I know is that I can run so much better than I did. But today I couldn't. I just couldn't. It just wasn't there.

And really the time is not that bad. (For instance I did the Distance Run in Philly in 2h59 -- but that was just a point in time things.)

The first few miles were fine.
Only funny bit, we'd just cross the start line and a woman of a certain age and station, who obviously had places to be tried to run across the course, the cop looked at her and said "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" The woman look honestly shocked that anyone would speak to her. Let alone an officer of the law. Hysterical.

Then it was over to Hell. Hell has hills, lots of them. I am not sure why run through this particular segment of Hell but it takes around near a brake shop, then the local rub and tug across from a church. I know there are some more interesting parts of the City. (And like all of Quebec Hell desperately needs to be paved.)

This is where I noticed that shortness of breath is going to be an issue. I work in health care, I make a snap decision that I really need to get my ass back to Ontario if I am going to need medical assistance (the situaion in Western Quebec and their ERs is NOT good). As I walk for a bit to catch my breath. I consider a DNF. Decide that DNF is just not an option. It's not THAT bad. Beside the pain in my shin has just gone away so I may as well keep going. I started this, I am going to finish it even if I have to walk.

It's about this point that I start to feel really really hot, most of the shade is gone -- no breeze. Then I give myself a talk. "Monica qualified for Boston in Chicago. So you are going to get as much water as you can and cool yourself down." Every water station after this, 2 for my arms, 1 for my neck and 2 for my head. Unfortunately, it seemed to me that there were relatively few water stations. (Even compared to Franktown.)

It didn't get any better. The only thing that seemed to make it better, was walking. So I walked a lot. Now, on the glass half full side, given that I started walking at mile 7, and did run a bit (a wee little bit) my time is really not bad. I am just disappointed I couldn't keep it together. I think this is cold or bad allergies. BUT IT SUCKS AND I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT.

All to say tomorrow is another day, and I'll have some different perspective and be back to my usually cheery self...

Comments

[Amy]

A-friggin-men sista.

TODAY SUCKED. I wasn't too far ahead of you. I came in a 2h39 mins. Brutal.

You totally made me laugh out-loud when I read your piece about Hull. I've often wondered, with ALL the beautiful places to run in Ottawa, why take us through the shittiest part of Hull!

Look on the brightside, we did it, and we're alive to talk about it!

Way to go Nat!

[Laurel]

Have a big glass of wine and a nice hot bath with epsom salts and I hope you'll feel better tomorrow.

This allergy thing is really bad this year and the pollen is awful.

Hope you feel better soon, take care and we will talk with you later!

P.s., YOU DID REALLY WELL, way to go Nat, CONGRATS!

[Eileen]

Sorry to hear you weren't at 100% for your race. But I'm proud of you for still getting out there. Keep your chin up. :)

[Pokey]

Nat....I'm totally proud of you sista!!

Take it from someone who's had more bad races than they can count (well, wait....actually there were 3....LOL!).....the point is that you FINISHED. To me, pushing beyond all the crap and still crossing that line is a bigger accomplishment than having a walk-in-the-park-kinda-race.

Dont be pissed at yourself......you just finished a half marathon and should be PROUD!!! So chin up and eyes forward to the next time ;)

Be PROUD!!!!!! You did GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

[brandon]

i had that shortness of breath thing for awhile and then someone suggested i stop smoking right before my runs. go figure.

[Amy]

Nat,

Sorry to hear your race didn't go as you planned! But so happy to hear your finished anyway. I bet in a few days you look back and realize even starting (and then finishing) when you weren't at your best makes for a good number of "toughness" points.

Hope you are feeling better this week!

[Tree]

Your mental toughness shined, though. That's definitely something to write about. Good job - you did not accept a "DNF" and you persevered. HUGE points.

[Marcy]

Ummm now that I can officially join this party :P . . .

(((HUGS))) chica! I'm sorry you had a rough time. The worst races are often the best. I know it doesn't seem like it at the time but it totally gives you more experience for the next time :-) You rocked! Many people would've quit.

And I am SOOOO LMAO at the officer of the law. HAHAHAHAHAAA

[Nancy]

Oh damn. I'm sorry you had an off day in an event. Those should be reserved for the privacy of a solo run. Crap. It sounds like you have a great attitude about it and know that there are a million little variables that can and will go wrong. At least you got to witness the cop.

Hugs.

[Database Diva]

I understand that every run can't be great, and occasionally one is going to suck, but does it have to be the one where they are photographing you, timing you and publishing the results? That is just wrong. Race entries should come with a guarantee that you will run like a gazelle and look fabulous in every single photo! That would be more than worth the entry fee! Sorry this one sucked so hard. I hope you are feeling better.