July 4th, 2013 8 a.m. – Merrimack YMCA
Hot, Hot, Hot is the best way to describe today’s race. i had no idea what to expect with this race because there was limited information available online and I had forgotten to pick up my bib number the night before, so I did not have the chance to ask questions. We arrived around 7:30 and I was surprised to see so many people milling about. I got my number and t-shirt (heavy cotton, not a tech shirt like my last two races) and headedoutside to get ready. It was so hot just standing there and I prepared myself for running my hottest race yet. There were definitely more people than I expected for this small race. It was professionally timed, but there was no start mat, so I only got a ‘real’ finish time. The start was awful and I was caught off guard when the horn sounded (no countdown). i had trouble with my Nike+ app and then my headphones wire got tangled in my arm band. I fiddled I with it all as I was swept away with the runners all around me. I got things worked out and then settled into a groove. I was lucky that much of the router was shaded. There were two water stations, which I slowed down for. at the first one, I poured water over my head and at the next one, I simply wet my lips (because I have not learned ow to drink from a cup while running). Since this was a local race, I saw lots of familiar people, which was fun especially when I was running by them and could wave. I felt better than expected and knew I was on track for a pretty good run, compared to my practice run a few days prior. As I approached one of the last turn offs, spectators lined the street, but I could not find Brian and Brenna. As you can see from this picture, when I saw the clock, I pushed myself a bit harder as I approached the timing mat.
I was disappointed because I knew my phone did not the accurate data. I knew I finished in less than 30 minutes, which was great considering the weather. I finished 270 out of 585. Here are my official results.
270 274 Sandra Muldowney 42 110/334 F 25/79 F4049 MERRIMACK NH 29:59 9:39
