take 3.
Love this town. Love this race.
For the past 2 years, this has been a group trip, with the Smith's, Butler's and Gossard's sharing a house and a few days in NOLA. Once again, we registered for this year's race whilst still in NOLA in 2016.
Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, in the weeks and months leading up to this race, I thought I would be unable to go. A shame really, as I'd committed to heavy training for the Cowtown Ultra 50k, and felt good. My plan to race less and train more in 2017 was taking shape.
Several weeks before RnR NOLA, I upgraded from the half to the full, as my Cowtown training schedule would call for a long run the weekend of RnR NOLA. I had completed several runs of 19 - 20 miles in the weeks leading up to the race. I was much better prepared than was for Chicago or Dallas in 2015.
A few months before the race, several FWUNCO friends registered, including: Jeff, Debbie, Tamara, Imelda, and many others. I was bummed that I may not be able to attend.
Finally, with just 17 days until race day, I committed to going. I was going to try and make the trip "cheap", and, knew I'd have limited time in NOLA. I chose to ride down on Saturday with the Butler's, hit the expo, sleep, race, and fly back on a cheap SWA Flight on Sunday night. I'd miss the fun of NOLA, but, at least I'd get to race. Lindsi was kind enough to let me go even though she could not.
I'd been fighting a serious upper respiratory infection early in the week, and got a steroid shot on Wednesday. Sleep had been an issue, and, overall, I felt like shit. Not good on race week.
On Saturday, we rolled out at 5 am. It was a fairly quick and painless trip, with good company. We arrived early afternoon, and went to the VRBO rental. The house was closer to the expo and race start than in year's past, and was really cool. It was a 2 bedroom home, but, the owners were kind enough to add a mattress to the floor last minute for me.
We caught the streetcar to the expo, and got checked in. I saw a few FWUNCO friends there, but, didn't have much time to visit.
We headed back to Mulate's for a quick meal, I determined that it would be my main diner, while the rest of the crew was going out for another meal. I was pretty wiped, and wanted to go to bed early. So, some chicken pasta and a beer. Then home to chill. Gear laid out and bedtime.
I had an "ok" night of sleep. My sickness, etc, made sleep tough. We were up early and traveled by cab to the start line. Painless.
I was able to connect with the FWRUNCO crew pre- race. While we were all assigned to different corrals, we were able to all start together. For Jeff, Imelda and me, the plan was to target a 4:30 finish, or, 10:20 per mile.
We got out to a slow start due to traffic, but, hoped to maintain 10:30ish through the 1st half, and speed up as we got nearer to the end. We were tracking close to our 10:30ish pace, but, our group was no longer all together, as Debbie went ahead and a few others got dropped. It would be Me, Imelda and Jeff for most of the day. The weather was mild but humid. We were are fearful that it would be hot by the end. The 1st 13 miles were good. Good city, scenery, music, and company. As we approached the 13 mile mark, we knew that the half marathoners were done, and we were just getting started. We passed the park where the race ends and took a left. The crowd thinned significantly, it was getting hot, and there was a lack of shade. But, for the moment, we felt ok. As we neared mile 15, all 3 of us began to get a little quiet. The heat and fatigue were kicking in. I'd had some stomach cramping much of the day, and, by mile 18 I knew I needed to stop. After a 3-4 minute stop, I resumed, knowing that it was unlikely that I would catch Imelda and Jeff. The route took us out to Lake Ponchartrain for a turnaround, and then back towards the park. It was hot and windy. I found myself taking frequent walk breaks, and logging a few 12 minute miles. My target finish time had shifted from 4:30 to 4:45 to 4:50. I struggled through the last 6, but, was determined to finish strong. I sped up down the stretch and clocked a 4:49:33. 19 minutes slower than hoped, but, a 9 minute PR over my 2015 Chicago Marathon time. I was surprised to see Jeff and Imelda in the finishing chute when I got there. It turns out that they both had some issues late in the race. Tough day in tough conditions, but, good to have it done. The FWRUNCO crew hung out for a bit after the race for beers.
Jackets earned. Box checked.
I caught a cab back to the house for a quick shower and a super quick trip to bourbon street. I had just 90 minutes before I had to head to the airport for my flight. I saw my FWRUNCO friends just briefly before my cab arrived.
I'll be back next year...for the half. And, I may have talked a few buddies into joining. :)
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