Life's little adventures, accompanied by a running watch

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Cancelled Race = a new PR, of course!

This post is not my way of ranting about a cancelled race.  Quite the contrary.  I’ve heard and read some really nasty comments regarding the cancellation of this race and the threat to other races due to impending snow/wind/rain/sleet/locusts….

OK, no locusts.  But lots of that other stuff.

Yes, it sucks when the race you paid for and have been training for is cancelled.  I for one was using this half marathon as a training run to help me through the New England winter.  Even though the forecasts have changed a few times since the race was officially cancelled, I commend them for cancelling sooner than later.   Many will disagree and many will agree, but here’s how I decided to deal with this change in my plans.

  • Because I had time to prepare, I was able to run my 13+ miles today – ahead of the storm. 
  • After my long run, I grabbed Meaghan, who WILL be running her race tomorrow, and we drove up to the beach to pick up Scott and my T-Shirt and goodies.
  • The race crew put on a “winter adventure party” to share all of the food, goodies, t-shirts, GU, and other “expo-ish” stuff.
  • At this winter adventure party, they held the “world’s shortest half marathon” – a 13.1 meter course (equipped with Start and Finish banners and even a time clock!) set up inside the hotel ballroom.
  • At the end of my “world’s shortest half marathon”, I received my Finisher’s Medal!
  • Since neither of us are big beer drinkers (and Meaghan had to think about her race the next day), we took off and visited a nearby running store to pick up race day fuel for her.
  • Lastly, we grabbed a delicious lunch at one of my favorite places and just had some great girl time.
So bummed I didn’t snap a picture of the “world’s shortest half marathon” set up, but ending on a good note, I left with a medal and a 13.1 meter PR!

Race t-shirts and my favorite Gatorade & Gel flavors!
Add in a few Lindt chocolates for good measure :)

Hope your weekend plans/races/etc aren't too impacted by weather!


21 comments:

  1. Sorry it was cancelled, but glad you are taking a good attitude toward it and got a finisher's medal, nonetheless!

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    1. Granted, this race (for me) wasn't my A race, but really, what good is it to have a temper tantrum over it? It is what it is. People can blame/sue Mother Nature if they're that angry :)

      I'm such a medal person, so this was HUGE :)

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  2. Congratulations to you for turning a negative event into a memorable day that you'll laugh about more times than if you had run the course. Hey what was your finish? Dave b

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    1. Thanks! I think I got a speedy 5 second PR :) And didn't even break a sweat!

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  3. Love your attitude. I know a few girls who were running too and they seem to be going on with their life with smiles too. :)

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    1. Thanks Amanda! It's good to see people "go with it" and not take it so seriously that it becomes a negative thing. I like being part of that cool crowd :)

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  5. Lisa, I am OK with the cancellation as well. Life happens. Better be safe. What I am not OK with is not having a make up day for it. Most winter races do have one (e.g., Derry!). The race was v expensive and most of us did not have the luxury to travel 2 hours to Hampton just to pick up our shirt and do the 13.1 meter race. They could have at least mailed the shirts... I am disappointed in the the race directors here and I will think twice about participating again. Glad that you had fun yesterday:)

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    1. Totally understandable - I was most definitely in the sweet spot (close enough to not make a full day out of it). I remember the days when Derry did not have a "snow date" and we always crossed our fingers. One major blizzard fixed that.

      We woke up to rain this morning (which will further aggravate this decision), though not sure what the coast is looking like. Perhaps this decision and the resulting "fail" of the forecast will change their policy of not having a snow date in the future.

      Hope you got your long run in!!

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  6. Love your perspective on the cancellation!! NE weather is always unpredictable!!!

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    1. This year certainly has been tough....NYC Marathon was a crazy cancellation, then a handful of races this past weekend. Major bummer for everyone, but you nailed it, the weather is consistently unpredictable.

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  7. Oh my goodness that sounds like the most adorable race ever! I commend them for setting up the event in the best way that they could. Most likely the registration fees go to a good cause and hopefully people can find solice in that?

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    1. I thought it was a good way to use up the supplies that would've gone to the post-race party. There were a few local XC team organizations listed as part of the $$ recipients, so at the least, I've donated for some new workout uniforms!

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  8. Love your attitude! And congratulations on a shiny new PR!!! :0)

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    1. Thanks :) I was lucky to live close enough to participate, cuz it was kinda fun once you digested the cancellation.

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  9. That's really cool that they still gave you the medal! Way to be positive about it all!

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    1. Thanks! I LOOOOVVEEE my medals, so even though it wasn't legit (for 13.1 miles), I'll take it :)

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  10. I admire so many things about you and your attitude Lisa, and this just adds to the list. I'm sorry your race was canceled, and I admire the way you handled it. (even if I'm not surprised you handled it so well!)

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    1. Aw thanks Mandy....I could say the same about you! So, I will!

      I'm excited to hear of your next marathon. Though, still waiting to hear about your first ultra. C'mon, you know it's coming :)

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  11. I wish they would have officially cancelled my trail race but they left it up to us. The trails were a sheet of ice with sideways rain/sleet. Ugh. Mother Nature. Way to keep a great attitude about it!

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    1. Ouch, that's rough. The same weekend mine was cancelled, my friend had Hyannis Marathon - cold/rain/wind. Hers was not cancelled. Oh well, can't plan any of this...we do our best w/ what we get right?

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