Possum Trot 10k recap

A few weeks back while Ramona and I were watching Brandi run a 5k race, I decided that I would sign up for the Possum Trot 10k, a race that benefits the Chattahoochee Nature Center.  The night before the race I did my usual ritual of laying out everything that I would need.

Since the email the race directors sent indicated that the parking lot to the nature center would be closing at 6:15, I opted to get there early so that I was able to park there and not have a mile to walk to the start line and another mile to walk when I finished…I needed to save my legs!

When I got there, I met up with Brandi, her mom, Ramona, and her boyfriend.  We made a quick trip to the restroom and then Jill arrived.  We all walked down with her to get her race number, made one more trip to the restroom, then back to the cars to grab any last minute things we might need.  I made sure to take my energybits!

 

Brandi, Jill, and I are made our way to the back of the pack at the start line…Ramona got up close (she’s a fast one!)

The gun went off, and the race began!  I settled into my 1:00/1:00 run/walk intervals, and soon caught up with Brandi.  We ran together for awhile, but her feet were bothering her so she told me to run ahead.  I was doing okay with the intervals…only walking when I was supposed to.  And then the sun started to get to me.  The race was held on a road that ran by the Chattahoochee River, so it was nice and flat with the exception of a couple small hills, but there wasn’t much shade or wind.  I had my water bottle with Nuun, but it wasn’t enough.  I finally had to start walking a bit more.

This was my longest run since I’ve started training for Dumbo, and my longest run since I saw the doctor about my knee.  I was sporting my new knee brace but the left knee started to bother me – I assume it was sore from overcompensating for the right knee.  I had to slow down even more, and I was disappointed because I really wanted to beat my previous 10k time (1:17), but it wasn’t in the cards for this race.

I met Ramona just as she was getting to mile 4 and she told me I was almost at the turnaround.  I saw Jill shortly after and she gave me a high five with a huge smile that gave me a little boost that I needed.  After the turnaround I saw Brandi as well.  After mile 3 I took an Island Boost.  It took a few minutes but I could feel when it kicked in.  I liked the flavor (Blueberry Pomegranate) and liked that it was a liquid and not a gel…much easier to swallow.  I will continue to use Island Boost in my long runs!

We had to pass the finish line twice before we could cross it!  That’s just cruel :)  As I passed it the second time, I saw Brandi’s mom and Ramona’s boyfriend, so I waved to them and he caught a picture of me running by.

I took water at all the water stations and kept pushing through the best I could.  There was one final turnaround at around mile 5.5 and I was just ready for the race to be over.  Finally I saw the finish line.  Jill and Ramona were down there cheering and Ramona’s boyfriend took a few more pictures of me.  I heard the footsteps of someone behind me and was determined not to let them pass me!

I cruised through the finish line, disappointed with my time, but happy to have finished it.  My official time was 1:24:35…not what is indicated on the clock.

As soon as I crossed, I headed over to the group and waited for Brandi to finish.  As we saw her approach we all started cheering her on.  After she crossed, we headed up to get our shirts.  Jill and Ramon said that we HAD to get a group picture with the Possum, and I had no idea what was in store for us.

“Pluto…I don’t think we’re at Disney World anymore!!”

Is that not one of the scariest mascots?!  She (I’m assuming it’s a she because of the babies in the pouch) bent over and the babies fell out.  She put her hands on her head as to say “oh no!” It was funny, but a little disturbing at the same time.

After the race we had plans to hit up the Peachtree Diner to refuel.  Jill couldn’t join us due to prior commitments but hopefully she’ll be in for the next one!  I’m not sure why the kitchen felt that I needed three ramekins of butter!  I didn’t use any of it, but it was pretty ridiculous.

I had a great time at this race and would most definitely do it again.  I would show you a picture of the race shirt, but I somehow managed to tint it pink.  I think washing my new Sweat Pink tank did it, but oh well!  I can wear it around the house :)

This was my last race before the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th.  Until then I’ll be continuing my Dumbo training and trying to stay injury free!

Until next time,

LiveJournal Tags: Possum Trot,Chattahoochee Nature Center,Sweat Pink,energybits,yurbuds,Swiftwick,Mizuno,Under Armour,Pro Compression,KTTape,Amphipod,10k,Peachtree Diner,Peachtree Road Race,knee injury,Nuun,Island Boost