The Seattle Rock n Roll was a race that has peaked my interest, and I considered it a goal. I needed to complete it under 4 hours as that is the race regulation time limit. I know that I complete halves around 4 hours, so it is possible, even if it is just barely. Cost was also a factor for me as the Rock n Rolls tend to be pricy. I had decided that I would save up and do this race next year, until I realized that I was already in Seattle the same weekend as this race. The universe was screaming at me, and so was my 11 year old cheerleader: DO IT!!! And so I did. This is how the surprise half marathon #5 came to be.
The Seattle Rock n Roll has many similarities to the Seattle Half. I still got to go down the I90 express ways. I still ventured through downtown. I was still racing in a city I love. This time we spent more time south than north, and I also ventured along the 99 next to the waterfront area. The amount of spectators were fewer in this race, but still many to keep one motivated. The part I loved had to do with all the bands. I lost count of how many groups were providing musical entertainment! This made the Seattle RnR one of my favorites.
A 7am start time at the Space Needle reminded me of December's half. This race began in waves. Being that I did not register until the last possible minute, I was in the group at the very back. I crossed the starting line 59 minutes after the first people started. I did not like this part, but it would be fine. I told myself that no matter what, I would finish by Noon. We followed the monorail track along 5th Avenue in downtown, ventured into the International District, and then began to move east for a bit until our long venture south. On this stretch, I was able to see a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Unfortunately for you, my picture taking was not as frequent during this race as it has been in the past, and the ones of the mountain did not come out well.
After our tour of the south end, we started a short trek east to the edge of Lake Washington. We ventured north along the lake and came to a steep portion which would be the worst of all the hills on this race. For me, the hill was fine, and no worse than 3 flights of stairs. At the top of this hill was the I90 express way. I really do find it nice to say I have gone down the freeway on foot, and without a car mishap. This is also where I met a fellow half marathoner who was very clearly slamming into "The Wall" with full force. This was her first race, she was walking it alone as her family had long finished. She was somewhat prepared, but not as much as she had hoped. I pushed her along for the next mile or so encouraging her to keep going. In the end, I did pass her, but she was frequently running to catch up to me, and would fall back again to her own pace. I knew we would not be doing the race together, but I am glad I could be there to help her past that hump. Everyone needs a cheerleader!
My own wall was not hit until mile 11. This was surprising to me in some ways, and not in others. I figured since I never hit it earlier on that it would never come. I do know that I came into this race ill prepared. I hadn't been eating well. I knew I was dehydrated. We won't even discuss that lack of breakfast I had that morning, and that two bananas and a goo were carrying me through the race. For what it was, I was doing great! The wall was short lived for me, and as soon as I saw the mile 12 sign, I was recharged and ready to finish strong.
Through the 99 tunnel, around the corner, down the under the bridge, back up the small hill, and across the finish line. All to the tune of: 3:48:58! YES! Under four hours. Four minutes faster than CDA, and before Noon! I did it! I was very proud of myself. And to think, I wasn't planning on doing this race until the last minute.
I do not know what my next race will be. There is one in my hometown in 11 days. I am thinking about doing it to say I have finally done something here. I am also doing two this fall: Spokane and Seattle half marathons. But until I decide anything, here is a very proud moment for me. Five half marathons in 10 months! I never would have imagined it would have turned into this!
