Training started extra early as I remembered what I went through the previous year and I was going to be prepared in all aspects, from socks and shoes, to hydration and nutrition. As always with me in any event it's all about the socks and shoes. I'm a sock slut and to date, I have yet to find the "perfect" sock that will go the distance. Two dresser drawers full will attest to that. The second is the shoes. I had literally 'blown out' the bottom of my previous pair and I not only needed a new pair, but I needed the right pair. Fortunately I was going to Ohio for a family visit and I went to my favorite show store in Columbus. I not only found the perfect shoe, I also found a pair of socks that, at the time, was convinced these were The One.

Four months prior to the race I started my diligent regimen of training. I was committed to doing it right all the way through. My weight was down, my legs were strong, and everything was feeling right. While training I was also competing in other races, mostly 5k's, but kept up the training schedule.  

Steve Lipe

From the previous half, I knew that, nutritionally, I had been lacking. I experimented with bars, gels, goos, anything that I thought would give me that extra shot of energy when I was lagging. I also remembered that most of the nutrition stations were more in the mid-point of the race so I stocked accordingly.

Fast forward to race day. I was as ready as I felt I could have been, and already knowing the course, I could project how I was going to tackle particular obstacles. As is my usual routine I had a cup of coffee and an energy bar on the way to the race. I arrived about 90 minutes prior to the event in the dark. Regardless of how many events I have done there is always nervous energy right up to taking that first step across the start line. I pace and fidget and rarely have much conversation. The sun was coming up, I attended the blessing for the racers and got in line for the start. My goal, as before, was to finish in under a certain time. I was just trying to better my previous year's time. I knew there were other racewalkers, but I blocked that out and focused only on me.

I started in the middle of the pack and it still took about four minutes before I crossed the start line. Everything stayed pretty well tight for the first few turns. By the time I reached the bayfront, people were settling into their own pace. One of the best things about this race are the crowds of people who are out supporting not only their family and friends, but everyone in the race, and they are all throughout the entire race.  

The weather was ideal for this start and after going under the Grafitti Bridge, you hit the first 'hill'. I had changed my posture and stride from before and before I knew it I was making a right turn onto Cervantes. I knew there was a water station at the bottom of this hill so I popped a quick energy tab and washed it down with a couple shots of water.  

When I started the turn onto Scenic Highway I still felt strong. Legs were still responding well, arms were swinging properly, and breathing was steady. I listen to music when I walk and I focus on this rather than external noises or other distractions. I have it programmed for particular beats per minute, and try to maintain that rhythm. Before I knew it I was seeing the next water station. I knew it was the last one on Scenic before turning onto Summit Boulevard so again I popped a couple of gel tabs and grabbed two cups of water. After turning onto Summit I knew it was a good flat area. I knew what was ahead and that I was approaching the half way point. I don't ever know what my time is and I don't want to know. It's just another issue I don't need to deal with.

Up ahead I could see the PRA water station. The banners were flying and Jim Readdy was in the street with the microphone, encouraging all the participants. My wife Heidi was volunteering that morning and although you want to slow down to acknowledge everyone, you just push on. I grabbed a cup of water from her and a handful of peanut butter filled pretzels and continued on. I made the turn onto 12^th Avenue and knew what was ahead..."The Hill".  

The prior year it was my "bane" and I wasn't going to let it psych me out. I hit it hard and fast, standing erect and pushing my feet as fast as I could all the way to the top. It still takes your breath away, but I was able to keep going at a decent pace. Walking under the arches of oaks on 12^th is always nice and I felt that I was doing well and not even thinking about the last obstacle. I knew there was another water station just ahead so a couple more tabs and after turning onto Texar Drive, I washed them down with more water. I remember crossing 9^th Avenue and then Davis Highway, but after that I lost concentration.  

I couldn't focus on what was ahead. I was feeling sweaty, my arms were down to my sides and I started to feel a cramp in my right thigh. I was hearing horns honking and whistles blowing and I felt like a boy in a bubble. Everything was moving in slow motion. As I approached the bottom of the Texar bridge I heard drums beating and people yelling. There was a school band and they were cheering people as they passed. Then it hit me, my music had stopped. By the time I had it going again I was on the downside of the bridge and turning onto Palafox Street.

From here I knew it was, for the most part, all downhill. I hit two more water stations, crossed Cervantes Street, and continued down Palafox. As I started down I felt a burning on the front of my right foot. It was like I had felt before when I realized the socks were no longer providing the needed comfort. I quickly dismissed this and after making my final left turn, my full concentration was on the finish.   

 

All I wanted to do was walk as fast as I could. Sometimes the mind wants to, but the body doesn't always respond in kind. When I hit the chute I didn't look at the clock and just crossed the finish. I received my finishers medal and a bottle of water. I walked around for about thirty minutes, re-hydrating and eating whatever I could and was finally able to catch my breath.

I was starting to leave when one of the younger walkers asked me how I had done. I told him I had no idea and that I would check later. He said I should go to the awards area to see if I had won anything. When I asked, I was told I had finished first in my age group. I had not even thought of this happening so it was a nice surprise. Then they advised me that they had forgot to make an award for this particular age group. They said they would have one made and it would be a couple of weeks. It was a nice feeling to have won, but bittersweet that I could not have it at this particular time.

Eventually I did pick up the award and I did check my time. I had walked six minutes faster than the previous year. Even though I had said I would finish the series the following year, I wasn't going to say for sure. A lot can happen in a year and I had no idea what was to come...