Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
This past Sunday I ran my 70th half marathon and my 39th in my goal to run a half marathon in each state. I was supposed to go last year but had to cancel a few weeks prior to race day. I cannot remember why I didn’t go but let’s continue with my recap for this year.
My flight to Denver left at 8:35am and I arrived after 10:30am. While waiting at the airport in Chicago, I did some research on transportation to/from the airport and hotel. SuperShuttle was $30 each way and the Denver Airport Trail was $9 each way. Once I landed, I quickly walked to the platform and purchased my ticket. As soon I got inside the train, the doors closed and I was on my way downtown.
Once downtown I walked a mile to my hotel. Luckily it was ready and I left my stuff in the room and went out to get something to eat. I ate a burger and drank a beer and felt so much better afterwards. Then I took a Lyft to the expo. It was OK. I haven’t run a RnR race in years so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I did buy some shoes and socks.
There was a poster and a shirt being sold at the expo with the finishers names.
I like the color of the shirt that was in the goody bag. Still not impressed with the rest of the stuff.
Sunday morning I got up at 6am. The race began at 7 and the start line was about 10 minutes away. I got ready and drank coffee while eating a Clif Bar. It was in the low 40s and I had debated on whether to wear shorts or tights. I went with the shorts and compression socks. I also wore a Oiselle Wazzie Wool layer underneath my BibRave shirt and never got too hot nor cold.
I had specific instructions from my coach on the paces for this race. I wrote it down in a piece of paper and also on my hand. I was determined to stick to the plan since this race was supposed to be a long workout. I’ve been doing really good in my training and figured that it would be an “easy” run. Spoiler alert: It was HARD! I didn’t realize that the altitude was going to affect me that much.
The first 2 miles were supposed to be at warm up pace. I started off faster than I wanted to so I took some walking breaks. After mile 2, I was supposed to run 4 miles at an 11:50 pace. I couldn’t do it. I began to feel very tired and could not pick up the pace. At one point I accidentally hit the lap button. I really struggled the rest of the race. I was basically counting down each mile. I also felt lightheaded.
At one point a spectator told me that I was doing good and that I had 2 miles to go. I started to cry because I wanted to be done. I was still feeling tired and struggling. 🙁 I don’t think I’ve ever struggled so much during a half marathon.
I thought the course was OK. The weather was perfect for running but it was so sunny and the sun was in my eyes for most of the race. I was squinting so much and I think that and the altitude are the reasons I got a headache. It was a bit better when I got to City Park. It was so pretty there but that got boring after a while. <<I think I was just in a bad mood. 🙂
For most of the course there were no spectators. It was quiet. There was plenty of water and Gatorade at the water stops. The course was mostly flat with 2 or 3 uphills. The best part was getting to the finish line because it was downhill. As soon as I knew I was close, I took off. I was so happy to be done!
The medal is pretty cool and I am happy to have earned it.
Another race done and another medal.
Thanks to Athlinks for the reminder that this was my 70th half marathon and that I have now completed 162 races.
Linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.
