Guest Blogger

DRC 1/2 MARATHON RACE REPORT(S)

by Karen Bahamundi

Today was incredible.

For the last month – I have dealt with aches and pains with my right leg. Years ago, I tore my quad and was told I most likely wouldn’t run again, and then 3 years ago I had knee surgery and was told to pick another hobby. I have gotten massages and have become close friends with my chiropractor, to the point I can text him and get in quickly. I refuse to give up – and today was no different. This race date came quickly – and this week was taper week – but I was still dealing with lots of pain, even running 3 miles, then icing and sitting on the couch with the tens machine (electric muscle stimulation) and crying. I decided to not run Thursday or Friday and just ice as much as possible and stretch a lot. Needless to say I was nervous.

Race Morning.. ugh – the alarm clock goes off, and its cozy in there but I know I need to get up and start moving..jump in shower, eat and relax with Jason. Its race day!

We leave at 6:30 and get to the race site and walk about a mile to the start line and I am thankful that I am wearing 2 shirts – its cold. We check the bag, and then head towards the pace areas. I see 2.00 pacers and think I am going for it. My PR for the half is 2.03 and I wanted to beat it, and decided today would be the day, so I kissed Jason goodbye and he headed to the front – to get to his timed group. (the badass speed)

The race began – and I thought I was dragging along at least at a 10 minute pace because this is my normal pace to start, and I glanced down at my watch and my pace was 8.30 – wow! It felt good and I maintained until I started getting hot – I saw others taking off shirts when running and I decided I could do this too.. Disaster.. I was trying to get my shirt off, and my ipod flew down my other top and my shirt was stuck on my head (hat) and then I couldn’t get it passed my garmin. Finally got it off, and attempted to tie it around my waist, and readjust ipod, and most likely lost time with this chaos, but I was ok and comfortable now.



2 Hour Pacer and Karen

 The overall course was hilly, and I was determined NOT to lose the green balloons with my pace on it. Hills are tough on my legs, and at some hills I would stop – count to 10 while walking, and then run again, and keep repeating “yes you can..” I never let those green balloons out of my site and they were never more then 50 feet away from me. The race was actually pretty lonely – as my normal running partner is out on injury, and every time I thought I had someone to pace with – I ended up passing them just to keep up with the green balloons.







Karen and Juan - Member of
Team Baha



Before you know it – we are at mile 12… I am thrilled as I am looking forward to seeing Jason. I have been very diligent about watching the course and for potholes since I seem to trip ALL the time. I turned a corner and saw a Team in Training group cheering me on – I waved at them, and tripped- and went flying, ipod flew into air, and if you can believe it, I caught it in the air, and got my balance without falling on my face I was thankful! I walked for a second to catch my breath and then took off—I heard someone say “you have 2 minutes left” and I thought – no I don’t.. I am done and started sprinting.. my finishing pace was 7.26.

I crossed over the line and out of nowhere Jason came over and gave me my medal and kissed me – perfect ending to a great race. I know now – I have less than 30 days until full – and have to keep moving..but will be thankful that when I am done - Jason will be there waiting for me.

I love you always