Mother Nature kicked my bootie.

Today was the first BIG race of 2009: Mermaid half marathon.

It was my slowest 1/2. Ever.

And I am fine with that.

No, really I am.

Admittedly, I did not train well for this race. My training OCD hasn't kicked in yet. I did an 11 mile run a couple weeks ago---but never really got back on track after that.

I woke up this morning, drank my coffee and ate my oatmeal. I looked out the window and it seemed like the sun was coming out for my race. Yea! So much for chance of showers---take that weatherman! It was still chilly looking so I opted for my long sleeve hoodie and running skort with capris. Usually I wear a skort and tank top for a 1/2, but was afraid of the possibly ominous weather.

So, how was the race?

Mother nature kicked my bootie. The race started in Shoreline park in Mountain View at 8:30. I decided that I would listen to my mp3 to help my untrained soul get through the race. I unfortunately forgot to change the battery. 40 seconds into the race it died. I was equipped with my garmin to help me stay on track. I did my first mile faster than antipated: 9:30. I was keeping the pace pretty well until mile 3.

That is when the wind dropped in.

OK, it sucks running against the wind. Like, really sucks. But, I tried to look on the bright side that I will be running with the wind on the way back. The wind was so brutal that I threw my ego out the door and turned off my garmin. I knew this would not be a PR and I didn't want to deal with keeping track of my pace.

So, around mile 5 the trail turned from gravel to dirt. Except, the rain we have had recently turned it into mud. If you don't know how well I run in mud, check out my trail running entry back in January.
Fortunately, the mud wasn't slippery--but it was thick. I wasn't wearing my trail shoes and it caked in my beloved pink asics. My shoes became very heavy and I was running so slow that it felt like those dreams where you try to run but can't move.

After the turn around I ran with the wind for awhile. But then the wind turned violent and into a crosswind. Then the rain started. The prickly, ice cold rain mixed with crosswinds cemeted the fact that this was not going to be my race.

I finally made it to the finish line. I didn't even care what my time was.

A couple hours ago they posted the results, and it was my slowest race ever. But I did a little research and found another 1/2 on April 12th. I think I can redeem myself.

As long as Mother Nature behaves herself.