Crazylegs 2009

Now that was fun! This morning I ran my 3rd Crazylegs Classic. Crazylegs is always near and dear to my heart as it was the first race I ever ran.

It was also fun because I really had absolutely no expectations going in. I wanted to run fast, but I knew that since it had only been 2 weeks from Illinois, I would really have to listen to my body and not do anything too stupid.

Because it was not a goal race, this morning was completely carefree. It was in the 50s and lightly raining. It was actually ideal race weather, but I was a bit bummed because the boys (my husband and 2 kids) were going to do the 2 mile walk and meet me at the finish. They went down to the start, but said if the weather was too bad, they weren't going to do it.

Crazylegs is a HUGE race. Despite the weather, there were over 18,000 participants! The good news is that a few years ago, the race directors were smart enough to implement a wave start. (The first year I did it, it took almost a mile into the race before I could hit a running stride). I was in wave E, which meant I did not have to wait too long. Before I knew it my wave was off and running! The start is slightly downhill, but it felt like we were going FAST! I promised not to look at my watch - just go by feel - but I felt I needed a check. 6:22 pace! Yikes! So I slowed down and hit the first big hill up Wisconsin Ave conservatively. Another long downhill along fraternity row. I hit the mile marker just under a 7 minute pace. Ooops. That is too fast. The good news is that my legs felt great. Shortly after the mile is Observatory Drive - killer hills. I punched on but could tell my pace slowed. The rain was POURING and there was some thunder and lightning for about 5 minutes. It then was really fun as we were splashing through big puddles and just soaked! I remembered how crazy windy it was last year and much preferred the rain and 50 degree temps this year. Today was that breakout spring day were all the buds popped out on the trees and it was fun to take it all in. As I came close to the finish and saw Camp Randall Stadium, it made me laugh as my last race also finished at a 50 yard line. I picked it up as much as I could and hit the finish at 36:36. Nice. I hung around to see if the boys would show up and drank a beer. After 30 minutes, I couldn't find them and was FREEZING, so I ran 2 miles back to my office (where my car was) and then headed home. I was soaking wet, but it was very fun. I was really pleased with my race too. I ran strong and steady and felt no ill effects from Illinois.

Oh yeah, and this was only my 3rd run this week. I have been SWAMPED at work - but in a good way, so I'll take it. I hope to log 11-12 easy tomorrow to get back up over 30 mpw. Hopefully back into the 40s next week.