Oh man, what a race….
We drove to St. George, Utah on Thursday and hit the expo Friday morning. After, my training buddy Ashley and I drove the course to check out what awaited us.
Me and Ash at the Expo #InBobWeTrust
There were SO many ups and downs, ups and downs that I began to worry if I’d even finish the race. I had not prepared for that undulation. And I knew me–hills are just not my strength.
This is NOT an all downhill course. Do NOT be fooled.
Nevertheless, I knew I was there to get to the finish line and get there with a smile.
———-
Race morning had us getting bussed to the start. We took the earliest one as I like to have plenty of time for things to settle if you know what I mean. But I had some issues….and that threw me off the loop for a bit. Whatever, I had a race to run.
I ran alone and had absolutely no idea what my race strategy was going to be. I just ran and the first mile chimed in at 8:28. I was fine with that as even though I wasn’t sure what my goal was, I knew my PR average was around 8:30.
But as I ran, the miles kept getting faster. I only looked at my watch when the mile would beep. I was just letting myself run.
Early miles smiles
I knew Veyo Hill was coming at mile 8. I knew that there were more after that, and I knew that it was going to suck. The only goal was to NOT STOP, and I didn’t, but man it was getting hard to move.
Going into the halfway mark, I was in dour spirits. The hills had crushed me. Thoughts of bagging it started creeping in. When I couldn’t bring myself to quit, I told myself a sub 4 would be an amazing time and if I could pull that off, it would be an accomplishment.
But I knew deep down inside I wanted to PR.
So I began to fight.
The sun would throw a punch, and I would just keep going. The rolling hills would get in good ones, but I would just keep going.
I could start to feel myself wearing down and wanting to give the race the W.
But somehow I’d find the strength to keep punching back.
The 3:45 pacer caught up to me and I said YOU WILL NOT PASS ME.
The last mile I ran as hard as I possibly could. I was beaten. I was broken. But I was not defeated.
I ran and fought for it.
You bet I passed teal shirt girl.
3:44:43
I have never been so happy to match my PR in my life. I am not the least bit upset that I didn’t beat it, that I didn’t finish 18 seconds faster. I worked SO HARD for that time. So freaking hard.
I’ve come away from St. George ridiculously happy. I’ve seen how my mental strength has grown by what transpired on Saturday. I had so many outs. So many excuses to use to give up.
But. I. Didn’t.
I’ve come away motivated, pumped for the next one (Phoenix next year). I thought St. George would be a bust, a miserable race to end a difficult training cycle. Not even close. I am so, so happy.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your love and support. You all have no idea ❤
–Have you fought with a race and won?
You amaze me. That is all. xx 🙂
Love you! ❤
Congratulations on a great race! That is an amazing time especially considering how you were feeling about a month ago when things weren’t going well. You ARE a strong runner, don’t ever doubt that <3.
It’s so hard to not let that doubt creep in. I know I’ve come a long way by how I fought it. ❤
This is amazing lady, congrats!!
Thank you so much!
So incredibly proud of you! What a great race. I knew you would have a good one. And when the timing is right you have a BQ inside of you. 100%!
Thank you so much Sarah!! I’m resting for a few weeks and then putting the big girl pants on!
Well done Helly looks like you deserved that great time.
Thank you!!!
Great job, Helly. The fact that you didn’t quit demonstrates how much mental strength you have now. You’ve come such a long way.
Last year you had a great training cycle to produce this time. This year, you only needed a less successful training cycle to do the same thing.
I know it’s a bit disappointing to not BQ this year, but even a less than optimal training cycle provdes a foundation for an incredible race in the future.
Definitely. I was NOT confident going into BQ training this last time but I sure am now!!!
Yaaaay, I’m so happy to read this recap! That’s still an AMAZING time, and you earned it.
Thank you so much! Yes, my first 3:44 was a surprise but this one was fought and earned 😀
SO F*CKING AWESOME HELLY!!!!!!!!!!! If you could mentally and physically throw down this well when the last month or two of training weren’t what you were hoping, I am incredibly confident you will get that BQ. Girl, there are big things coming your way and I am so excited to follow you through that journey! Congrats girlfriend!
This was such a confidence boosting race. I honestly did not think it was going to be and went in with a little bit of a negative attitude, lol! But I’m glad I was able to get myself together and not settle. I’m ready to get things done and get that BQ!!
Congrats on a great race! I loved hearing how you fought back when the course got tough. You’re an inspiration!
Thank you so much!!!
Seriously, great job! I can see the battle in your splits and I love the way you described it. So many runners have been there. I know your struggle and I know your triumph. It’s a great feeling!
Right?!? It sucks when you’re going through it but it is a sweet feeling at the end!
Congratulations!!! The more I race, the more I get that “winning” on the day isn’t about a particular time goal, it’s about giving it everything you’ve got & not giving up. Pretty amazing, especially considering how rough the last part of your training cycle was! Well done! 🙂
Totally!! I’m def chalking this one up as a WIN! 😀
GET IT GIRL. I fought with the Chicago Marathon and won. But I had major help with one of my friends running with me (surprise) for much of it. But it was still a battle. I had to fight with Twin Cities as well. And those are two of my favorite races.
Thanks, Suz!! You are one of the strongest fighters I know!
I’m so proud of you, Helly! Look how far you’ve come – both mentally and physically. Amazing job!
Thank you!!! I will get to Boston at some point, lol!! You’ll just have to re-qualify 😉
Pingback: Some St. George Extra and What I’m Doing Now | hellyontherun