^WHERE:  Davis, CA

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

I'm back in Davis doing a favorite 1/2 Marathon.  Unfortunately, I'm without my favorite side-kick, Troy.  We were hoping that he would do the 10K but he strained his back just a few days before.  Though it isn't the same, I must press on. 

I'm hoping to keep up with Rich Alesci and go under 1:30.  With Napa Marathon coming up and the challenge from Dave Campbell to beat his 3:18 time, I want to push to see what my body can do.  I was able to run 1:34 in the CIM Marathon relay 2 months ago so I think the goal is possible.

I'm on the starting line, about to start, when someone notices my race number is the wrong color...oops!  I almost started with the 5K!  I jump out.  I'm relieved that I have a few more minutes then expected.  Five minutes later, I'm toeing the line again with Rich and ready to go.  Leonie, Baby Reid, Rich's family, Troy and the girls are smiling and waving.  It's so good to have great support out here!  Ready, set, go!

It's crazy the first 500 meters, but then it settles down.  I'm looking very closely at my watch, making sure I keep it at 6:50 and no faster.  I see Rich up ahead but resist the temptation to push harder.

Mile 1 is 6:48.  Perfect.  Yet I don't feel really snappy and the pace feels quick.  But it's only the first mile so anything is possible. 

Mile 2 is 6:51.  I hear a voice, "hi Robin, " and look over to see Carrie Chavez.  "Awesome!  It's so good to see you".  She seems to be running the same pace so I stick with her. 

Mile 3 is 6:51.  Right on pace and continuing to hang with Carrie.  Her teammate, Patrick, comes along side and she introduces us.  The three of us are working together.  I notice that I still feel flat and it's getting hard to hold this pace.  My heartrate is just above 170, higher than expected for this early in the race.  I continue to hold out hope that it will get better. 

Mile 4 is 6:51.  I'm really happy that I'm holding the pace!  It's great to have Carrie and Patrick.  We're naturally taking turns pulling each other along.

Mile 5 is 6:54.  As we head towards the "big hill" in Davis (the overpass), Leonie is waiting and cheering.  She recognizes Carrie (also a good friend of our college roommate, Liesbeth) and cheers for her, too.  Leonie tells me to shoot for 6:50's for the last 3 miles.  I tell her "okay", thinking it very realistic since I'm shooting for 6:50's throughout.  A little concerned that I'm falling off the pace, I push up the hill.  Carrie reminds us to keep the same effort on the hill to avoid wasting precious energy. 

Mile 6 is 6:52.  Good!  Just got to keep this up!  My heartrate has climbed to 176.  My body is feeling fatigued.  I brush the concerns away and remind myself that today is for God's glory.  If it's His will for me to get that time, nothing can stop that.  Carrie, Patrick, and I continue pulling each other along and we each seem to share the lead in our little pack.  I take an Espresso Hammer Gel and get a boost.

Mile 7 is 6:50.  That's good!  But then I notice that my HR is 180!!  I hope I can hold this pace!

Mile 8 is 7:03.  Whoa!  What's going on.  I feel like I'm giving the same effort but the pace is way slower!  I'm going to try and close the time gap this mile.  I notice my nose is running more.  I look down at my jersey.  It's a nose bleed.  I think, "Not now."  I fumble along trying to stop it.  I finally get past the embarrassment; realizing I can't change it and I don't want it to stop my effort.  I press on and work to catch back up to Carrie and Patrick.

Mile 9 is 7:01.  I'm back with Carrie and Patrick.  The bleeding has stopped.  I'm determined to bring the pace back down to 6:50, now that I don't have to focus on my nose.  But my HR is 182 and I know that I'm getting into the "red zone"!!

Mile 10 is 7:02.  I just cannot seem to run any faster.  And now my HR is coming down to 177. I take another Hammer Gel to try to get the energy back up.  After what seems like a long time, we finally hit an aid station and I can clean off my jersey.  Carrie and Patrick start to pull away again and I just continue trying to close the gap.

Mile 11 is 7:15.  My HR is 182!  Wow, I realize "the wheels are starting to come off"!  Carrie and Patrick pull away farther. Still, I hope for it all to turn around.

Mile 12 is 7:27.  My HR is still high at 181.  I'm slower yet working harder than ever.  Discouraged, I start to cry.  I'm reminded that I'm doing this for the Lord and it helps me continue to persevere.  I no longer see Carrie.  I'm hoping that she's fairing better!  I really just want to lie down and not be in such misery.  I'm getting close to the finish.  I pass a girl and tell her to hang in there. 

Mile 13 is 7:23.  HR is 185.  I push as hard as I can around the last corner and dig to the finish.  I'm barely hanging on!  I see Anna waiting for me; she's eager to go!  I slow down enough for Anna to grab on.  We cross together.  It's so great, but so painful, too.  I lay down right there to recover, catching my breath.  Anna grabs me a medal, brings it over and puts in on me.  I give her a big hug and then find a spot to sit down. 

That was tough.  I'm disappointed that I couldn't hit my goal and even start to feel sorry for myself.  The Lord reminds me to be content and that it was the race He wanted for me.  I must trust that this will prepare me for the marathon ahead.  This season is about "Facing Challenges With Faith" and that's certainly the goal!

Anna Getting Face Painted in Preparation

Anna & Dollies Ready to Go!

 Anna just like Mommy was a few years back!  Now she has her own double stroller!

There she is!

Ready, set...

Finish Strong Girls!

Great job sweetie!!  Mom and Dad are proud!