I signed up for the Love Run back in October 2013 not realizing how tough it would be to train properly during the winter. I did manage to get in some long runs in the two weeks before the race so I had an idea where I would finish the race. My coach and I discussed the merits of racing versus training and I agreed to stay within zone 2 and finish the race around 2 hours 10 minutes. The initial weather forecast didn't look bad but as race day approached the forecast turned ugly. It started to rain on Saturday morning and didn't quit until Monday afternoon. Sunday morning the temperature was 48 degrees but it was windy and felt much colder than 48 degrees. I got so cold just walking to the start line that I went back to the car for gloves and a hat.
I positioned myself at the front of the 10 minute corral since I wanted to finish the race at around 2 hours 10 minutes. But, once the race started I was caught up in the excitement of racing and passing people. I felt good the entire race even though the weather was terrible. Around mile 3 we turned into a headwind and stinging rain. The rain diminished until mile 9 when it started to rain hard for the rest of the race. My coach said I could run harder for the last 5K if I felt good so I picked up the pace and even sprinted when I got near the finish line.
I finished the race 7 minutes faster than my previous half marathon PR!
A post race email from the race director said the previous rainfall total for March 30th was 1.16 inches set in 1962. The record was blown away on March 30, 2014 with a rainfall total of 3 inches! I was surprised to see more than 7000 runners finished the race. Let's hope the weather is warm and dry for next years race.
