“How do you know someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”
(Jimmy Fallon)
My Walk into the Future continues to provide me with adventures and challenges to chase. The latest challenge came during the Boston (GA) mini marathon (13.1 miles) on 10/26/19. This race was on my 2019 schedule because I ran it last year and had really good results. Set my first of many personal records (PR) at the race last year.
Fast forward to this year’s race and there’s not a PR to discuss. My race time and finish position regressed this year. Was a bit disappointed with my results because I know I can run faster and have done so multiple times this year on tougher courses.
So, why did I regress during this race? Great question and I spent a day reflecting on why this race didn’t go as I planned. Turns out I simply took running fast times for granted. Not saying I didn’t train and put in the miles to run another good half marathon time.
- September miles: 44 (includes Philly Rock N Roll Half marathon)
- October miles: 29 (includes Boston mini marathon)
I did assume my Boston mini marathon race results from 2018 would automatically translate to the 2019 race. The course was the same, but the weather was significantly different this year–mid-50s in 2018 and mid-70s with high humidity this year. Also, needed a better hydration plan since the temperatures and humidity were higher than normal for an October morning.
My race mistakes are all easily correctable and I was back in the gym the next morning correcting them. My physical race prep will still resemble what I’ve been doing but working on the mental aspects, so I never enter a race with assumptions again. I improved my half marathon times this year by entering every race with a chip on my shoulder—got ahead of myself for this race but the corrections are being made.
Lesson learned—never take a race or finish time for granted.
Boston mini marathon weekend
Boston (GA) is a nice little town 40 miles northeast of Tallahassee (FL). The people are friendly and have a blast for the entire race weekend. The half marathon is just one of the events they host for the weekend. It’s the kickoff event but most of the weekend action happens once the runners get out of the way.
Vendors setup before the sun comes out to get ready for visitors. The Boston butt BBQ competition is fierce with BBQ outfits from multiple states vying to win the first-place prize money. Most of these folks provide samples of their competition level BBQ after the race. There are other vendors with additional items for purchase (cakes, pies, fish, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.). Almost has a carnival feel to the day once the race is over.
The parade starts right after the race awards are presented. I normally hit the road right before the parade kicks off since most intersections are blocked to accommodate the parade route. Great little town and event if you’re ever in the area.
https://bostonga.com/boston-mini-marathon/
Next race
Will venture down to Orlando for the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) half marathon on 12/7/19. I ran my first ever half marathon at the OUC event back in 2013. Hard to believe but I’ve been chasing people at half marathons for 6 years now. Never thought I would run another half marathon after the first one but now I’m traveling the country making memories with my friends. Pretty cool transformation for me as I continue to Walk into the Future.
Looking forward to my training as I prepare for the OUC race. Also excited to catch up with family and friends while in the Orlando area. Already got my post-race lunch location picked and can’t wait to eat shrimp and grits! 😊 Plan to visit my favorite reggae spot, Bob Marley’s at City Walk too. Will be another fun adventure for me!
“Running won’t solve all your problems. But then again, neither will housework.”
(Unknown)
How do you bounce back from a set back? What lessons have you learned when things don’t turn out as planned? Thanks!
Walk Into the Future 