Sunday, November 20, 2011

St Pete Women's Half Marathon


Official Time:  2:48:11

I spent the morning of December 13th sifting through races looking for a year end 5K, hoping to meet a New Year's Resolution that I have been carrying since 2008.  I realized while sifting that I had not posted my thoughts about this race - the St Pete Women's Half - an event I truly enjoy and have participated in two years in a row.

The reason for my hesitation...?....

I contracted a nasty stomach virus at this race.  Lasted 5 days.  Could not eat solid food and was limited to only Powerade as a fluid (stomach would not hold water, believe it or not).  The nausea, cramps, fever, etc were intense and needless to say, this impacted my view of the race.  When I hit mile 7 I doubled over with cramps, found a restroom (for the third time) and stumbled back on to the course only to encounter several other ladies suffering from the exact same malady.  Without hesitation each said they got sick after drinking the Gatorade at the earlier water stops.  One poor lady was sitting on a curb, youth runner in tow, unable to get to her feet.  My heart goes out to them.  Little did we know at the time that our suffering was only beginning.

I can now put this on my "Been there, done that" list and move on...

It isn't an uncommon experience for runners and I have no idea why it is tied to the Gatorade but I don't intend to repeat the performance *chuckle* once was more than enough.  Three of us were picked up by the trailing vehicle at Mile 7 and transported to a turning point slightly further in the race.  We were asked by the Race Director NOT to complete the event.  The turning point was a split between the finish line and a four mile section that included Tropicana Field.  Very disappointing.  The community of St Pete (Vinoy to be specific) does not like the road closures on Sunday morning so the time limits have to be enforced.  I get it, I do, but that doesn't make me happy with the turn of events since Tropicana is one of the highlights of the course.  I didn't complain though, I hurt far too much to even contemplate that section much less finish it, so I headed for the finish line and was awarded a medal by a beautiful young lady in military uniform.  Go USA!

My total distance covered (via Garmin) was 9.2 miles, start to finish. My official time was 2:48:11 which included three lengthy port-a-john stops (lines) and one slow ride in an SUV.  I am not listing this as a PR but am grateful we were allowed to finish and post times for the event.  

This race is well managed and mapped on a gorgeous course.  I would never discourage anyone from participation and cannot place blame of the contaminated Gatorade on WRM, after all, the water stops are managed by volunteers.  It is what it is and I'm sure it was not intentional.  

I will however make a mental note to provide my own water/fluids during a half in the future.  Sealed bottles pre and post race are safe but the powdered mixtures served from reused milk containers or sports coolers do not guarantee cleanliness or adequate temperature requirements.  Water should be a different story, depending, of course, on whether it comes from new distilled gallons or tap water stored in containers.  Thanks to this race, I will be paying attention going forward.

Happy Trails to all !