Wednesday, September 12, 2007

IU Mini: After The Race

Final thoughts on this race...

Things I liked about the MINI:
  • Crossing the line in a 13.1 mile race... A year ago that thought was laughable.
  • The hills... I figured out what needed to be done and stayed with the plan. The fact that it intimidated others (ie. walking up) gives a runner a big advantage.
  • Seeing the IU campus from a different perspective.
  • Energy and enthusiasm of other runners.
  • See Kelvin Samson & IU basketball team participate in awards ceremony.
  • Good food after the race.
  • Met a runner from upstate NY near my hometown who finished in the top 150.

Things I didn't care for about the MINI:
  • Muggy conditions. Besides a very brief sprinkle at mi.5, the rain held off.
  • Stinking, pesky yellowjackets.
  • Turn around points where people could cut away from because they were not carefully watched.
  • Local news coverage was strangely sparse for such an event. Wanted to read more about it.

Life after the Mini:
Kelly & I milled around after the race and then enjoyed a soup and salad at Olive Garden. Slept an hour when I got home. Did not feel too bad the next day. Just soreness on the sides of my upper legs. Took a nice 4 mile walk. Decided that I will plan for a full marathon in 2008. Resumed running on Monday (very easy running).

Overall, a very positive experience and wouldn't mind doing this race again next year with plans for further strength and endurance training before I toe the line.

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