Honored Hero 20-Mile Run Race Report

This was a game day decision for me, so I registered at the race.  I was deciding between running 15-16 miles on my own (a more reasonable distance given that my longest run this season was the half marathon two weeks ago) or sucking it up and doing a 20-miler in an organized setting.  I figured if my buddy Dan was running 100 miles through the streets of LA to fight childhood obesity, I could do a measly 20 miles on the Trinity Trail.  I didn't have the best pre-race day fuel... I endulged in some good beers yesterday while watching college football, and Cliff and I had a nice dinner at Edelweiss, a German restaurant where we had a "$20 for $40 Groupon."  Fortunately the tummy held up okay.  I had some flatbread with almond butter for breakfast along with my probiotics, a double dose of acid reflux medicine, and my allergy pill.  I stopped for some coffee along the way.  The double dose of acid reflux medicine seemed to work wonders, so I will have to keep doing that. 

I knew the last five or so miles would hurt since I hadn't properly built up to 20 miles on my long runs.  My goal was to start off conservative and try to hold a 10-minute pace.  Also, I didn't want to walk like I did last year.  The course was all on the Trinity Trail, so it was pretty flat.  However, the weather was unseasonably hot and humid, and the wind kicked up quite a bit on certain stretches. 

Splits: 9:38, 9:53, 9:53, 9:57, 9:52, 9:52, 9:47, 9:44, 9:59, 10:13, 10:05, 10:05, 10:34, 10:28, 9:46, 10:21, 10:20, 11:02, 11:04, 12:00

Garmin Time: 3:27:06, 20.22 miles, 10:14/mile pace
Chip Time: 3:27:03
Place: 5th out of 11 girls in the 30-34 division

The piano dropped on my back those last three miles or so, but at least I expected it and I remained mentally tough.  I walked through the last few water stops, mostly because I needed multiple cups of water because I was so overheated.  Other than that, I didn't let myself walk.  I was just over 20 minutes faster than last year's time, so I am very pleased with that. 

The bling...