Freezing our butts off before the 9 a.m. start. 19 degrees
Last week today's weather called for 45 and sunny. We were greeted by wet fog and 19 degree temps at the start. There was an ice skating rink surrounding the porta potties thanks to Saturday's brief thaw, which made for an interesting pre-race potty ritual. I left my ice skates at home thinking they wouldn't be required for a half marathon. I was mistaken, apparently. I wish I had a picture.
We started right at 9 a.m.. It took me a few miles to warm up and start feeling my fingers and toes again. The course began on the road and at mile one we turned onto The Ralston Creek bike path which was mostly covered in ice and snow forcing many more walk breaks than I had intended. There was no way I was risking falling and injuring myself in a race where the entire purpose was to keep up my training through the winter. We enjoyed the solitude and quiet of the cold and the fog. The course winded through tall trees, pretty snow-covered meadows, a golf course and then up the side of a mountain, switchbacks and all. It was a challenging course in the foothills which was a nice break from the downtown half marathons we typically run. It was more of an adventure race and Angie and I had a great time.
There was a gal behind us, though, who wasn't having so much fun. She insisted on telling all the amazing volunteers (who gave up their mornings to stand outside in the freezing cold so we could have a safe and enjoyable race) about the "worst course ever"! Hello! It's February. In Colorado. Where it sometimes snows in the winter. Which she voluntarily registered and showed up for. I eventually told her that in a kind-hearted way and she smiled and said she had just moved here, etc, etc. At least she didn't bite my head off but I couldn't let it go. She was actually very nice and was making the best of it.
Here I am at mile 3.5
Mile 8ish; Frozen reservoir in the valley.
This was coming down the mountain. It wasn't actually snowing,
but the Google enhancement sets the tone nicely here!
Mile 12, after a long climb up into the clouds and a "speedy" decent to a bit warmer climate. That was supposed to be a copy of Tate's "Freezing Face". Feeling pretty good with 1.3 miles to go. (The course was a touch longer than 13.1.)
Angie and I both finished the race with smiles on our faces and very cold but intact bodies. There were a few slips and slides on the course to get the adrenaline pumping a bit, but luckily, no falls. We were happy to be done, thankful for hot chocolate with whipped cream, homemade banana bread made by the race director, a warm car and The Golden Diner where we went for breakfast. Pancakes. Bacon. Coffee (the way I like it). All illegal on the WLC (see previous post), which brings me to the "slip up" portion of this post.
My fall off the WLC wagon was intentional, well planned and greatly anticipated. I had been planning my cheat meal(s) for weeks leading up to the race. Up until this morning (race morning), I had only lost 5 nutrition points total; this was way better than I did on this challenge last year so I am feeling pretty proud of myself and my clothes are fitting better, to boot. The mindset for me has always been to race then reward myself with yummy food for a day or two then get back on track. It's all in the mindset. I CHOSE to cheat and planned it. I could have CHOSEN to pack my WLC compliant recovery meal, but I chose NOT to.
I perused the menu and chose my meal wisely: decaf coffee (with sugar and cream) as I was still feeling like a icicle, chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and an amazing green chili smothered omelet (most of which went home with me in a box). I enjoyed every bite of the pancakes and bacon.
I only had one pancake (the size of my head) but you get the idea.
It was as good as these look. Trust me.
Then I stopped for chocolate chip cookies at Tony's before going home. Yum. I was going all in on Sunday and it was all delicious. Worth every nutrition point that I burned along with the 1400 calories I torched on the trail.
I almost forgot to mention the pizza I shared with the boys at
Jason's hockey game that night. That was pretty tasty, too!
Watching Daddy down below.
The Zamboni always holds their attention better than the hockey game. Sorry, Honey!
After one more day of not so great food choices, I am back on the wagon whole heartedly and am looking forward to the next 23 days or so to finish the challenge strong. With my Ironman "IronFit" program starting in just 2 weeks, I don't have much of a choice! He's to the next adventure! And thanks to Angie for a great day of running and eating!
No comments:
Post a Comment