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10 Contributing Factors to a Great Race

I didn't see any news stories about it, but the stars and moon must have aligned on Saturday because it was the best day for running. Ever. A series of races to raise money for St. Jude Research hospital is held every year during the first weekend of December. The first contributing factor to it being the best day ever for running was the weather: slightly overcast at gun time with a temperature of 42. Perfection. This perfect day came sandwiched between a snowstorm and a rainstorm reminiscent of Noah's time. The riskiest variable of any race day is the weather, and the runners of the 10th annual St. Jude festivities truly lucked out. The second contributing factor to the best running day ever was the adherence to and completion of an incredibly well-written 16-week training plan crafted by my good friend, Jennie Vee Silk (I still want to say Keith!). It kicked my ass, but in a totally good way. I completed 76% of the plan as written and logged 300 training miles to prepare for the race. The third contributing factor to a great running day was carb loading the day before. This was my second half marathon, and I've carb loaded before both, and both have been great races. Even with the GI ickiness that comes with it, this will be part of my regimine every time. The fourth contributing factor to it being the best running day of all time was the decision to latch on to a pace group. The plan was to run with the 3:45 marathon pace group until the half split from the full at mile 12.5. So, I lined up with them at the start, met some folks, talked about the weather, the course and strategy. It took my mind off my usual pre-race jitters. Before I knew it, we were on our way, running across the start line to the tunes of Elvis. I didn't think about anything but keeping my footing for the first mile or so - I just kept my eyes on the backs of the pacers' shirts. It became evident about mile 3 that they were not running a steady 8:35/mi pace, which is what would yield a 3:45 marathon finish. They were running more like an 8:08/mi pace. I was feeling great, so I went at my own pace with confidence that I could reach my goal. The fifth contributing factor, and maybe the MOST motivating, was running through the St. Jude campus. Up until the point along the course where you turn into the campus, it had been just another race. After running through the campus, it became a purpose. To see the streets lined with patients, families, staff, etc. all cheering us on and screaming "thank you" brings tears to my eyes even now. Needless to say, it was my fastest mile and the one that felt the most effortless. The sixth biggest contributing factor was the amazing crowd support. There was no point along the course where there was a lull in spectator support. And, the volunteer support in terms of water and Powerade at almost every mile is almost unheard of in a large race and ranked number seven in contributing factors, since the day warmed up with the sunshine and I needed lots of fluids! The eighth contributing factor to it being the best running day ever was running a 1:54:05, a 3:18 min PR over my last half marathon. I could have run a faster race; I didn't leave it all out there on the course, but I had SO MUCH FUN!!! I enjoyed the running experience for all the reasons mentioned above and never once wished for it to be over. In fact, when I turned into Autozone Park at the end, I thought to myself, "Oh man, it's already over?" Not that I really wanted to run more, but I wanted to experience more of the race environment, making this contributing factor number nine. I usually am cussing to myself by the end of a race. Not this time. And, the tenth contributing factor to why it was the best running day ever was watching my father-in-law and husband finish the race in the times they hoped for. This was my father-in-law's first half marathon at age 62 and he ran a 2:11. Pretty awesome. And, my husband DID leave it all out there on the course and creamed his last full marathon time by running a 2:56:04! There is no doubt I will return to St. Jude as many more years as my legs will allow me to compete!