I PieRogied!

I am not sure if it was by pure will (as you know I have had this title in my head since last week), or quite possibly my 12 minute mile in mile 1 (first time ever... holla!), but I got a PR at The Slavic Village Pierogi Dash this past Sunday!

It was a great race.  The course was flat and made a big loop through Slavic Village.  It was fun to race through my old stomping grounds, and the second half was on the Morgana Trail - which is a great addition to the village.  The registration/packet pick-up was organized and quick.  There were two port-a-pots for use, and plenty of room (in the shade) to stretch and prepare for the race.  They also had a table set up at the start with water you could help yourself too.

I met up with my gram (she was working the race), got my packet and warmed up.  I got there early enough to have some downtime and really stretch out the legs (stupid shins).  After I made my way to the start, I realized I might just have to pee... not wanting to miss the start (this was NOT a chip timed race) I decided that since the urge was not so bad, I would wing it.

The cowbell rang and we were off...  The race started off on a slight downhill onto Fleet Ave - I shot out a bit too fast at the start, and I know I did.  But even though I kept telling myself to slow it down, I just kept at it.  Had to keep running to mile 1.  Did I mention that the race started at 9:00AM and it was already blazin' hot?  Oh, well yeah, there was that.  Fleet was not bad, as there was small areas of shade.  As I passed my gram at mile one the timer called out 12 minutes and I almost peed myself (not literally - cause by this time, I think any of that pee that I had - was re-soaked up into my system to account for all of the sweating. Running is gross, I know. But that is a post for another day).

I stopped to walk just past the mile marker, but cut it short and ran around the corner - but with the sun being up, out and in full force I had to hold back.  (Did I mention it was sunny and hot?)  I took it slow and started some run/walk intervals.  At this point there was no shade, and I was panting toward the water station.  This is pretty much how the rest of the race went.  At one point, my body just would not start running again.  I was overheated, and my legs wanted to fall off - I had to give myself a pep-talk to get moving again.  I ran it in to the finish - with the help, and encouragement of Pierogi Pete.  I thought I crossed the finish at 41:06, but by the time they took my bib it was 41:08.06.  Either way, it was a PR for me (my first PR)!

I am not sure how that happened - just by how I felt during this race, but I'll take it.  Two firsts for me that day, a PR and I ran my first 12 minute mile!  I am looking forward to this race next year (my first race post-1/2 marathon?!) and hopefully I will be more prepared for the heat.

As I said, it was a great race.  One of the most organized that I have been too (that could be because it was a smaller race) and they fed me pierogi, smokey's, bananas and all the water I could drink after!  I hope they switch to chip timing next year though.  I trust that more than manual timing, but that is my only feedback for the event.  

Can't wait for next year!