I LOVE running, perhaps a little too much. I like how it makes me feel. I like that it is individual and I don't have to rely on a teammate. I like competition and the thrill that comes from it. Therefore, I love racing and, even more, PRing.
This morning I got up at 5, had something to eat, and busied myself for the next hour and a half before I drove down to where the 5k I was running in was starting. I ran in this same race last year and clocked 23:03. I don't run 5ks usually, and I REALLY wanted to PR. I have been trying to work on my speed while training lately. I knew I could break on through to the 22's...it was in me.
I was pleasantly surprised that my stomach was as calm as it was this morning. Perhaps it was because I knew the course and it was in my hometown, or maybe the stars were just aligned for me. At the starting line I got my iPod cued up and ready to go so when the gun went off I would be ready to run. And, off I went.
I knew that if I wanted to PR I would have to start fast, and that I did. I ran the first mile in 6:56, and it felt soooo good. The second mile was into the wind, but I was still feeling good and ended up clocking a 7:20 according to my Garmin. The third mile was glorious, as the wind was now at my back. Although I was running on a straight road, it felt like I was running downhill. My last mile was 7:17ish. I knew when to sprint to the end, and ended up finishing the race in 22:24 (7:12 min/mile). I got a nice flying foot trophy for placing in my age group, but more importantly I was happy and proud to join the ranks of the sub-23 5k group.
Diabetes-wise, I tested about 20 minutes prior to race time and got 108 on my machine. I had a little Gatorade because I wanted to start at a higher number. When I was done racing, I tested again, only to find out I was 245. This has happened to me for my last several races, where I get high numbers. I know when I race I have a lot of adrenaline going through my blood and think that might make my numbers high? Does this happen to you?
In other news, I have decided to run the half marathon at the Quad Cities Marathon and not the full. I've been having some knee/leg issues that have prevented me from logging the appropriate number of miles. I am hoping to become stronger and PR for the half. In a way I feel like a failure for not doing the full, but the good thing about marathons is that there are tons of them. I can do one next year. But for now, I'll stick to the half.
My life as a runner, perfectionist, athlete, 20-something, and type 1 diabetic.
Congrats on your PR!!
ReplyDeleteI too get some very high numbers after running short/fast races or doing speedwork. Definitely due to a release of adrenaline. I also used to get high numbers before a marathon, but after running a few I don't get nervous anymore and the numbers now stay in check.
The only solution that works for me is to eat something before and bolus as I would for an easy run. Normally the extra bolus helps with the adrenaline boost, yet sometimes it can be too much insulin so be sure to have some glucose with you.
Good luck at the Quad Cities Half!!
Wow - awesome job on the PR! That must have felt SO good!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that after my faster-paced runs I tend to go higher too and I was told too that it is due to adreneline, but not to treat it because it will likely drop on its own shortly after the race.
Good luck on your half!!
Congratulations on your well-earned PR!
ReplyDeleteI do not reduce my basal rate for a 5K as I do for most runs. I keep an eye on what my trend is post-race. I usually eat something and take a healthy bolus.