May 8, 2005
Hippie Chick Half Race Report 
I felt better than yesterday, but on the whole, not so great. I called my mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day, and she told me I should DNS (do not start). Of course, she didn't put it that way, but she was adamant that I shouldn't race when I'm sick. Which is probably true.
Outside it was drizzling. Oh good. But this was Hippie Chick, and Lori had given up her place for me, and 175 women were on the waiting list, so I had to go.
I didn't get excited until I was in the car. But man, I was excited. Suddenly, I had that old race fever again. And the drizzle had stopped.
Hippie Chick takes place at Champoeg State Park (remember, say it shampoo-ey), so about 45 minutes from home. I lead-footed it all the way, so I made it in an insane 25 minutes, which gave me time to catch up with Mark and Hollie. I had been planning to hit the head before the race, but there were lines around both the men's and women's entrances to the restrooms, so I decided I'd make it up on the road.
Stupid thing number one: I walked across the field to the start line, rather than taking the longer route down the path. As soon as I got a couple feet into the field, it was clear this was a really bad idea. By the time I got to the start, my socks and shoes were soaked.
Anyhow, we start. I begin walking with another PFitter, and we chat for about the first mile or so, then she takes off. I'm suddenly feeling really good, and I'm having a hard time holding it in. The weather couldn't be better (though the moss on the bike trails makes it a little slick).
I see some old coworkers on the sidelines so I stop and say hi, catch up a little bit. Then I run into some of the PFit coaches and I stop and chat with them for a few minutes. The whole first half of the half was fluid and glorious: I stop, I slow down, I speed up, it's wonderful.
As I come in to end loop one and begin loop two, I spotted the volunteer who looked after me at the last race at Champoeg. I smiled and said hi, though he didn't appear to recognize me. Maybe because I didn't look like I was at death's door?
All during loop one, I thought about doing three loops so I'd do just short of 19 miles. But once I got out in loop two, it was clear I wasn't going to be doing that. I could feel the lactic acid buildup, and was having a hard time doing the appropriate hip swivel. But I kept chugging along.
I really like it when I hold back enough early that I can really push it at the end and finish really strong. No such luck this time. I did manage a negative split, but I was really feeling it (and questioning the whole Gorge Marathon thing again), and by the time Hollie slipped the medal over my head, I was ready to just go back to the car and have my chocolate milk (which unfortunately was spoiled, in spite of multiple icepacks in the cooler).
My official time was 3:49. So, no PR, natch, but I think it was respectable considering everything: my stopping to chat, the dumb bug I have, my complete and utter inability to control myself. In Austin, I did 3:41 and my last best PR had been 3:53.
Tonight, after an icebath and a nap and a dinner at Fryer Tucks (bad idea, very bad idea), my legs aren't feeling too bad, but my arms—damn, my arms are sore. Several women actually commented on how good my arm action was. I feel like I could sleep for a couple of days.
Posted at May 8, 2005
Comments
"I feel like I could sleep for a couple of days."
make that two of us.
it was so cool to see you coming into the finish. i had been there a little while, hanging medals with Giorgio (dude who took your timing tag) and i kept saying, "VJ! we have to wait for VJ!" when you came down the last stretch i could spot you by that characteristic racing skort and by your armswing. i pointed you out to Giorgio and, since you were in the middle of a little crowd, he asked, "which one is she?"
"the one swingin' her arms, bringing it in strong."
i'm glad you had a good race and we totally lucked out on the rain having quit. when i left the city this morning (at all of 5:30am, hence the desire to sleep a couple days) in a torrential downpour, i hollered a few explatives at the sky.
apparently it worked. heh.
Posted by: hollie at May 8, 2005 8:41 PM
cool!!!! way to go vj!!!!!! aweomse job.
Posted by: brent at May 8, 2005 9:27 PM
Nice work, VJ. Glad you had fun and felt strong. That's what it's all about! Good work!!!
Posted by: Marshall at May 9, 2005 2:36 AM
Great job VJ. Swingin' the arms helps keep the feet flowing! Get some good rest now.
Posted by: Jack at May 9, 2005 4:04 AM
That sounded like a lot of fun, VJ! I love the way you describe stopping to chat, and that was still a great time at the finish! Awesome you!!
Posted by: mia at May 9, 2005 6:36 AM
Yay! And cute picture!
Posted by: Chrissie at May 9, 2005 7:03 AM
Congrats! YOu are so amazing! I can't believe they had metals this year.....last two years it was a clay peace sign. They really have something there don't they beautiful run, great shirts, and a waiting list to get in.
Did I mention you are amazing..I'm sorta sad that the one year I didn't go I could have met an RBF in person!
Posted by: brit at May 9, 2005 9:29 AM
YEA, VJ! Great job! And, hey, if you aren't sore afterwards, then you didn't give all you got. Sounds like you poured it all out there, yea for reverse splits! Cool medal too!
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at May 9, 2005 9:32 AM
Great race report, great pic! Love the smile, love the shirt and love that medal! :)
Posted by: Lynne at May 9, 2005 12:24 PM