The first leg was in June, and it was blazing hot, even at 7 in the evening. The course isn't technical - it's mainly grass - but it's extremely hilly. It's a fun, but challenging course. Last time the sun really got to me, since I usually run bright and early in the AM, before the sun's really up. I actually had to walk a couple of times last time, and came in with a time around 32 minutes - about 4 minutes higher than my previous worst 5k time! Still, I came in 3rd in my age group (25-29 y/o women), which I guess speaks to the difficulty of the course.
Last night it was warm, but not nearly as hot, and it was overcast, so no bright sun. I set a pretty slow pace for myself, because I was afraid I would have to walk again, but it ended up being a breeze. The hills were still challenging, but without the sun to psych me out they weren't a problem. It's still a hard course, and even running the whole time, I came in at 30 minutes and change. So better than my last time, but I set my pace so slow that it affected my overall time. Also, I got a really bad stitch in my side - first time I've gotten a bad one in a long time, since I switched up my stride/breathing rhythm and figured out how to stay properly hydrated. So, that shortened my stride a lot. Not making excuses, though!
I ended up 2nd in my age group. Actually, the girl who won my age group passed me at one point on the course, and she was breathing like a freight train - one guy even asked her if she was ok - and I didn't think she'd make it much further before walking, so I let her go. Won't do that again! But overall I'm happy. My goal was to run a faster time this leg, which I did, and not to walk, which I also accomplished. Winning any kind of award is a bonus.
I'll probably be running the same course - it's a great cross country course, and allegedly the hardest in the state - a week from this Saturday (the Saturday after the bar exam!). There's a 5k race at 8 pm lit by tiki torches! Sounds like a lot of fun, plus I like the course, and that'll be another chance to run it before the last leg of the Cross Country Challenge, which is towards the end of August.
My boyfriend, who has taken up running since we've been dating, has been having serious problems with shin splints. It's definitely because he basically started running by joining me on my 3 mile runs 3 times a week, which is a little much for a beginner runner. He's a trouper, as always, and is determined to keep running in races with me, even if it means strapping ice to his shins afterward. Hopefully by scaling back his runs and building up again we can get the problem taken care of, though.
As for me, my running shoe problems continue. After my Asics Nimbus 9 died (so sad), I got the Nimbus 10's, which proceeded to eat my toenails. I actually lost one toenail due to a bad blister. It was recommended that I go up a size in them, so I did that, but was still getting blisters on my toes. I had heard good things about the Nike Zoom Vomero 4, so I figured I'd give them a try. I hadn't worn Nikes since I got a pair of the Pegasus and they tore my feet up. But the Vomero has lots of cushioning, which I need (prone to stress fractures). Well, I've put about 10 miles on them, and I've got blisters on the sides of my feet, just like with the Pegasus. When I have a chance I'm going to call the folks at Road Runner Sports and see what they recommend. Luckily they have a no questions asked 60 day return policy!
At any rate, stiches and blisters aside, last night was great and a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to the last leg a month from now, and also looking foward to a great 5k season this fall.
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