Race Recap ~ Run

5-P system (prior planning prevents poor performance) is something my Dad always would tell me growing up. Thanks Dad, because I used the 5-P system when packing my T2 bag. I threw in a dry pair of socks and a light running shirt. I knew the weather was going to be cooler, what I didn't know is that I was going to need a full body condom.


As I transitioned from the bike to run, so did the rain. It was a just a light drizzle, which was tolerable. So I headed out of T2 to a crowd that was even more amazing than the crowd at the swim transition. I saw a few friends, family, and of course my hubby. They all were chanting my name. I am not that narcissitic, but it was really very cool and energizing.



Okay Heikkila 13.1 miles left...lets get moving. I started out slow, but I am not a fast runner anyway. I average 10 to 11 minute miles. The problem was despite the clean socks and the extra energy from the crowd, my feet were very numb and cold. I think it took about 5 miles and some warm chicken broth for them to warm up. I jogged the first 6 miles and felt good, but tired. There were a few rays from the sun that my body enjoyed.


The Run was a two loop course. I felt comfortable with the run, because it was on my training ground. The course is on the Greenbelt in downtown Boise, which I have run hundreds of times. I finised the first loop and headed out for my last 6+ miles. I looked at my watch and started to calculate in my head when I wanted to finish and how much time I had till they closed the course. Fatigue had also totally set in. I was tired and I think the bike portion really stressed me out. I was never really in a groove on the bike. No excuses, but I re-evaluated what my goals were for that day. My goals were to finish a Half Iron Man. I knew that I could walk the rest of the run course and still finish. So I did a walk run. It was not my best performance, but I finished!