Fox Valley 20 miler

2nd 20 miler

September 18, 2016

St. Charles, IL

Time: 4:00:50 

Place: 394/504 overall; 232/316 female; 48/66 F 40-44

As a group leader for CARA marathon training I was supposed to be a group leader for our 20 miler. I couldn't do. I hated the 20 miler last year. It was hot, there was no shade, and it was just another long run on the lakefront path. A path on which I have been running year-round for over 2 years. I wanted an actual race. Even though the CARA 20 miler was free to program participants I chose to pay a boat load for the Fox Valley 20 miler and I'm glad I did.

Had I been paying attention to the millions of emails sent to me by the fine Fox Valle folks I would have seen the packet pickup option at one of our Chicago Fleet Feet locations the Sunday before the race. But no, I didn't so I had to sit in stupid traffic and go out to St Charles the day before the race to get my bib. 

Luckily, on race day there wasn't any traffic at 6 am. I got there with about 15 minutes to spare to find parking and take my chances in a long Starbucks line. I ran out of that S'bucks 2 minutes after the race started, ran a half block to the start line to find only half the corrals were released so far. Whew! 

the course was fantastic! I had a giant calf knot in my left leg, hence the wearing of calf sleeves. there were slight hills in the first half that helped stretch out the knot. The second half had far less "hills." It  was pretty much out and back along the Fox Valley River. The temperature was a little warmer than ideal and the sun was shinning. The mostly shaded course probably saved the day. 

I'm so bummed I forgot to wear my little clip-on spy camera so I could have captured all the cuteness of these small towns we rant through. I think I need to go back with the big camera. 

The race offered 3 distances, half, 20, and full. Being a slow runner I am always concerned about running practically alone at the end of smaller races. This race worked out well because the marathoners were running with me at the end as they went 6 miles ahead and then came back to the same course I was on. Although I liked having them there seeing the 3:30 marathon pace group pass my by was a bit disheartening. 

I've been having issues with tight thighs this year. I haven't made enough time to stretch and I didn't make it to as many post long run yoga classes as I should have. By mile 18.5 I was in serious trouble. I had to stop and stretch and walk the next half mile. At mile 19 I forwent the run/walk intervals and just ran it in. 

My dad and step mom came out and I saw them as I rounded the corner toward the finish line. I loved that they were able to come out an support me. My dad would probably never come to the city and see me run the marathon so this would have to do! 

I crossed the finish line, got my medal and found my dad and Lois. we chatted for a minute and I went back to get my post race goodies. No water bottles! what?  How stupid. I grabbed a mini bagel and half a donut and walked back. They gave me a ride to my car up the street and then we all went back to their house not too far away where I was able to take a much needed shower.