Derry NH - 16 Miler

I had heard that Derry NH was hilly, windy, and cold. That makes for the best bragging rights so I had to see what all the fuss was about and earn my right.

As it turns out they were right. It is hilly. Mountainous actually and extremely picturesque. Unfortunately I didn't get many photos. Just the pix shown below.

Here we are after the race enjoying our SALAD, burgers, and beer. Yay! It's so fulfilling. Running a very hard 16 miler with friends in the middle of winter then enjoying the food and beer after. Sorry the photos are a little washed out. The restaurant was a little dark even at 2:PM in the afternoon.














Here I am towards the top of a very long hill. I remember asking myself why the photos had to be taken at the top of a hill when we are struggling to breath. I am hardly off the ground here. Almost looks like I'm walking. There were walkers but I was not one of them. I thought about it but decided I better not for fear I might not want to run again.

I can't say that I came away thrilled with my race. HOWEVER it was exactly what I had planned it to be. A "C" race. A race in which I was not prepared. Didn't even taper. Nope. Trained right through it. I just wanted to have fun and that I did.

I will say though. I'm rethinking this whole "C" race theory. According to TP a "C" race is a race you will most likely do. It's not very important and you will do little to no taper. The problem with the C race is that you will most likely not do well. You will not race up to par. As a matter of fact you might race pretty poorly.

My race was poor. I was pretty bummed about that. It was probably my worst race ever really. I didn't even break 8s. It's OK though. I wanted to hang with my friends, check out Derry, and enjoy a thoroughly earned beer OR TWO. I could actually consider this race a race of growth. Of coming out of my comfort zone. Of being one of the slower runners. It may have been rough on me for the first day or two as I thought about it. But now. It's all OK. I have my focus in the right place. I'm willing to saffrice a race result to obtain the real goal that I have put forth. My "A" race.

Comments

Running and living said…
You did not walk the hills? Not even a little? Well, that is an accomplishment in of itself. I ran the race last year and I walked part of that monster hill! I am bummed I did not make it this year; next year, for sure!
1/26/11, 5:13 PM
Tricia said…
sounds like you accomplished what you set out to: you ran it. dont be so hard on yourself

(and those darn race pics, I manage to often look like I'm walking too.How do they always time it just right?)
1/26/11, 5:29 PM
GetBackJoJo said…
It is a race of growth!! The C race.. it is hard to handle a C race if you like to be competitive... if you love to compete and see what you can do. But I really think they are important. They help you put everything in perspective and give you a chance to enjoy a race without all the pressure. And done correctly, a C race is also a time to be with good friends. I'm so glad I got to see you and hang out! (even if you did get a salad...)
1/26/11, 6:15 PM
Kim said…
hey, not a bad way to start the season melissa! there are 11 more months for A and B races!
1/27/11, 9:33 AM
Running and living said…
I did the Quincy Half last year and loved it. It is a smaller race and closer to me than Bedford. Also, Half at Hamptons in 3 weeks if a good one, too.

I use Feria by Loreal and love it. I am not a fan of the salon experience, I believe it is a waste of money for hair color. So easy to do it at home:)
1/27/11, 5:34 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

11/3/24 - Ocean View Half Marathon

Image
Mantra going into this race: Be like a child, respond easy to changes, let people be who they are. I was Patient. Cooler temps were helpful. I had a well thought out pacing plan and stuck to it. Relax in the run and try to enjoy it. Stay focused. TRUST in your training. Fuel before and during. Don't be affraid of the carb! I was at +9 TSB FITNESS FORM IN TP. I was 3 days into the new moon power phase. Race morning - took a quick shower to warm up. Coffee. Mary gave me half of her peanut butter sandwich, that was key. Fueling for this race went as: Water, half peanut butter sandwich and coffee, banana. Also Filled water bottle with LMNT drank most of that before race. Had to pee 2 times before the start. Temps started high 30s and were into mid 40s at finish. I only wore 3/4 pants and one long sleeve shirt, gloves. Saucony Endorphin Speed Pro. They were great. Did not wait in portojohn line. Ran around the school to the woods. Pee'd there. The course was really pretty alon...
Read more

Patriot Half Iron Race Report

Image
I'm hear to tell you that consistency and hard work pays off.  It might take FOREVER but it will happen!   I'll start off with the end results since that is what I always look forward to.  1st in my Age Group! Swim 38:00  -  (1:49/100 yards) Bike  2:51:22  - 19.6 MPH Run   1:44:12  - 7:54 pace Total : 5:20:10 And here are some pictures. I have a lot to do today so I can't write a race report but will do soon.
Read more
Image
 10.12.24 - Boston 10K for Women  This race was formerly known as the Bonnie Bell.  In 1980 I was 14 years old so my mother convinced me to run this race for the first time with her. Here we are!  I hated that race. However the pain has duller over the past 40 years or so and ironically, this race has become one of my favorite races of all time. It has an upbeat feel and a flat fast course.    
Read more