15k - The Heart Mini-Marathon

Sunday morning alarm went off at 6:00a.m.. Snooze! I'll never, not be a snoozer. 6:15- have to get up in time to eat something before the run. 1/2 bagel with peanut butter and glass of OJ. I had put all my things things together last night so was more or less ready to go. Took care of the animals and headed out the door at about 7:00. The family was still nestled in bed. I'll see my guys later at the finish line.

I was late (thanks, snooze) so instead of walking to Fountain Square from my cousin's house in Covington we drove. Parking was surprisingly easy though I learned a few things: first, text Karl where I've parked so he can get in/near the same garage, and second park in a garage with an exit route going away from the race/crowd. Part two wasn't so bad but Karl was parked on the opposite side of town from me. I had been taking in plenty of water this morning too so of course I had to, well, go. I hate port-a-potties but you've got to do what you've got to do - line up.

Conveniently, our pace-runner was just ahead of the line o'ports (it is still St. Pat's weekend). We were in line for the potty when the cannon (okay, maybe it was a pistol, but it was loud and sounded like a cannon!) fired to start the race. Never fear though, when you're planning on running an 11.5 min/mile you're at the back of the pack. Translation: I was out of the potty before our part of the pack ever started to move!  The race results noted 2773 chipped runners.

We got started and headed east on 5th Street then out onto the rolling hills of Columbia Pkwy. There were bands or radio vans set up every few miles (nice distraction). And water and Gatorade stops every two miles. (Merciful.) We found a runner from our training group within the first mile an stayed with her for most of the run. The weather was beautiful, for a stroll, but pretty warm for a run and hydration became critical. I drink a lot of water in general (you hardly ever see me without a water bottle); add running and I'm really putting back the water.  We kept a steady pace throughout the first half of the run, usually between 11:45-12:00.  I'd say the heat was the biggest downside; that and the "rolling" hills.  Columbia Parkway, though not a steep hill has long running ups and downs.  When we got to the turn around (just before Delta Ave.) I felt pretty good - we were just past mile 4 and feeling strong.  About a half mile later and I looked out into the distance and saw Downtown Cincinnati - I noted this to my running partners and said, "Hey, look, we've run all the way from there!"  Downtown looked so far away.  I didn't want to think of the flip side of that coin, how far we had to go to get back - I was just in amazement of how far away Downtown looked and felt so proud of us for having run so far.  We still had to get back and the sun was really starting to beat down.  Having a race start at 7:45 and you don't get much intense sun, but Columbia Parkway is totally exposed so once the sun crossed over the eastern hills it was heating up the joint.  Then we had Torrence Hill to take on.

The route took a second turn about for those doing the 15k and 1/2 marathon up Torrence.  Now when I say "up" I actually mean "UP".  The hill is steep, though the route didn't go that far up.  We got to the turn-about and Jimmy Buffet's "She came down from Cincinnati..." kicked on the radio-van that was parked there.  And there was a huge sign that said, "turn around".  You didn't have to say that twice!  I think everyone was happy to turn around.  The downhill was fun.  I like cutting loose on the downhills and running like my kids do - just kind of wild and out of control.  Gravity is a lovely thing on the downhill - it's kind of a rest break.  Unfortunately, we lost my cousin on the hill - she wasn't far from the top when we passed but it put the other runner and I ahead of her.  In an impressive feat of athleticism she caught back up to us by the next mile - I've always told her she's a stronger runner than I am.  Downtown inched closer now - yay!

At mile 7 I texted Karl (thanks, Siri for voice texting) and told him where I was in the race - sadly, he was just leaving home and didn't make it in time to see me cross the finish line.  I wouldn't have been able to find him anyway.  There were a lot of people once we passed the Proctor & Gamble buildings.  I did see one of the run/walk coaches, Mike, who ran in a bit with me and reminded me to finish strong.  As I crossed the finish line an announcer called out my name, "Michele Kay".  I didn't know that would happen.  It felt really cool!  (I hope there's a picture somewhere.)

Here are the official stats:

Completion medal.

bib number:	9716
age:	43
gender:	F
location:	Cincinnati, OH
overall place:	2298 out of 2773
division place:	178 out of 222
gender place:	1236 out of 1615
time:	1:54:12
pace:	12:17
5k:	37:23
10k:	1:15:28

There was a helper there to clip the timing chip from our shoes and welcome bottles of water.  There was also a huge line for the food which I didn't feel like waiting in.  I found my family - I swiped two bananas off the table for me and Nancy and we headed home.


It was a good run.  And I raised $300 for the American Heart Association.  You can still donate - go to my site at http://cincinnati.kintera.org/heartmini/michelekay.