If you haven't read part one and want full context, start here.
(This is me rehashing how the race went for me. If you want to know more about the race itself, check out my review on YouTube.)
Okay, let's dig back in. Part 2, #DetroitMarthon '23: how it went for me.
I crossed the start line with my pace group and the weather was perfect. Maybe around 48 degrees, no wind, no rain. And, it was just before sunrise, so still dark. Once I crossed the start line, I felt immediate calm. Unlike Chicago last year, where I felt unsettled through about mile 13ish, I just felt calm. I had a little hip pain (expected) but it started to fade away around mile two. A relief. All I needed to do was run-follow the pacer, run, take it all in.
One thing I really wanted to do in this race was take it all in: look around, like really look around, not just let the miles pass by with no recollection (which happens to me a lot). The course took us through some pretty non-descript streets as we headed towards the Ambassador Bridge which takes you from Detroit and into Windsor, Canada (it's what the #Freep is known for).
As I saw the bridge and the big green street signs with the Canadian Maple Leaf, I started to get all the feels: this is it.
This is the race I've been training for.
I usually tear up as I cross start lines. I didn't during this race. But, seeing the bridge and the sun peaking over the horizon, yellow, orange and pink skies emerging, I got the feels. The 'this is my THIHNG; this is what I love,' kind of feels.
The pacer told us we would keep our 10:18 pace during the climb going up the bridge. It's about a mile climb and I don't know how much vert. I could feel my effort level go from about a 5/10 to about a 7/10. But, knew it was pretty short-lived and was glad I didn't have to look at my watch or think about pacing I followed the group, breathed in the fresh, chilly but not too chilly, Detroit-Windsor air. And, before I knew it, we were about to descend into Canada.
Part 3 will be another day. Stay tuned.
Shelley Aniciete
All Inclusive Run Coaching, Founder
Comentários