Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!
This week’s topic is: My Worst Race(s) & What They Taught Me
Worst races can happen for many reasons. So here are a few of my worsts:
Worst Weather – this would be a tie for the Lake George Half Marathon and the Love Run Half Marathon. Both were run in a COLD downpour for the whole 13.1 miles. I was freezing and wet and very uncomfortable.
Love Run 2014
Lake George HM 2011
Worst Pain – this would be again a tie for the Runner’s World 5k and the Freihofer’s Run 2013. Both were run with foot injuries. I had a stress fracture in my right foot for the RW race and a broken bone in my left foot for the FRW.
TW 5k 2012
FRW 2013
What I learned: I am stronger than I thought. I can push through anything if it is important enough. I enjoy racing enough to run even through less than optimal conditions.
Worst Feeling (Physically) after the race – This would be after the Saratoga Springs Half Marathon. I had a virus and it was hot and very humid. I felt sick the whole race but stuck it out. After the race, I almost passed out twice. UGH!
Saratoga HM 2014
What I learned: Hydration is very important. Summertime may not be the best time for me to run a half marathon.
Worst Feeling (Mentally) – This would be after the Santa Clarita Half Marathon in CA. It was my 5th half that year and I trained really well for it. I was expecting a PR. Well, it didn’t happen for whatever the reason (rain, jet lag, altitude, etc.) When I knew I wouldn’t, I kinda gave up. Afterwards, I felt very disappointed and that ruined the whole race experience for me. My friend also did not run well. So we both just wallowed in self pity.
St Clarita HM 2011
What I learned: Do not place so much importance on getting a PR. Anything can happen during a race and completing it is a victory in itself. Just enjoy every race experience.
Happy Running! What did you learn from your worst race?
My First 5K and More... 
Wow, I can’t believe you’e races with a broken foot! It sounds like you have pushed through some tough conditions and learned alot from the experiences!
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I think we’ve both learned we are way tougher than we think. They are all lessons AND victories!
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yes they are!
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I hate running in the rain. I am debating whether to sign up for the Philly Love Run but I doe want it to be a repeat of the condition like last yr.
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You were there? Wasn’t it awful?
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I heard the Love Run half marathon was brutal!! I also agree that not worrying about a PR is a good way to go. My goal this year is to not concern myself with race times at all…I’m hoping to stand by that statement!
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Good luck. I always say that and then in the middle of the race, I change my mind.
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Oh gosh! More than one? LOL. I have plenty too. I picked the worst of the worst, I guess.
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Great reflections! I love running in the rain when it’s warm (as it usually is in Florida), but I detest running in the rain when it’s cold! And wow on the running on broken feet! Thanks for linking up with us today!
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I always have a plan and a back plan lol usually it doesn’t take long to figure out whether it’s going to be a great or so-so day. I mostly learned at an event I did in July that was super hilly, to just walk if you aren’t feeling well, I had some real heat exhaustion and it’s scary and isn’t worth it – also never race in July again lol
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My worst half was one with knee pain so bad I had to walk the last 3 miles (only time that’s happened so far). I learned to take more time off if I feel an injury happening or starting, I eventually learned about taping, too, because of that one.
Those lessons helped me bounce back from injury much, much quicker this time & even though it was painful, I was able to keep running this last half.
Of course it was kind of ironic, because aside from Vegas, it was my flattest half.
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