Hi Everyone

Got home last yesterday afternoon, very tired. The boy only allows me so much time on the computer so I just pasted a race report and fell into bed, then back to work this morning.

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes, and pats on the back. My race report sets out the dirty details but I am disappointed. I was really hoping for the BQ, but I knew I was going to be challenged to get it. I did feel quite strong up to 30k, even 35k, after shaking off doubts at the half. I was on target at 30K, close at 35k but my legs started giving in and my foot really started to hurt so I started losing ground. When I hit 40K it was around 3:52 and I knew there was no way I was qualifying - I would have had to run 4:20 km's and I'd be really stretched to do that at the beginning of a race! So I mentally shut down and just did a slow run/walk to the finish, although I did run the last 500m. Therefore 4:07 - if I keep running my time would have been better, but if I'd been only a minute or two off, I think I would have felt worse!

The crowd was huge and my last minute potty stop put me way at the back - took 16 minutes to hit the start line!!! Then it was kind of freaky running over all the clothes everyone had stripprd off. I almost took a couple tumbles as the stuff got wrapped around your feet. Lots of elbowing and jostling just because of the number of people - I did a lot of weaving back and forth, just to move up.

The weather was not ideal - cold, very strong winds - 25 mph, but it only hit at certain times - the buildings and crowd offered some protection. I ended up being slightly over dressed.

The crowds were fabulous - very encouraging, funny, tons of people out. Its a great city and the course is very scenic, lots of pretty neighbourhoods. I would definitely go back.

Now I'm trying to decide whether to try another run in January - I'm going to chat to the coach. I think if I rest for a couple weeks then get back at it I could do it. While I'm disappointed I do feel really good about having done it, I do feel strong, and I've come along way since May. I know I've got the stuff to do it!

The others in my training group all did amazing. My good friend ran 3:34, another PB and 7 minutes off her Boston PB, which was 7 minutes off her Columbus PB! Other female members of our training group ran a 3:20 (44 yrs old) and 3:26 (45 yrs old). And thankfully none of us fell over the finish - that was a story!

Recovering...........

Patti

I have often wondered if a race would be cancelled due to weather - now I know. Too bad Jim, it must be a big let down to be pumped for a race and then not have one.

I can't get the vision of flying potties out of my head...........

Ran a nice easy 4 miles on my treadmill today, just to see how the foot was feeling. Felt just fine

At the Expo in Chicago, I bought new shoes. I've been wearing Sacouny Hurricanes, and was checking out the deals at the Sacouny booth. Their advice was I was wearing the wrong shoes, so I've switched to a cheaper shoe - cushioning versus stability. Seemed to work today.

Patti