I am WIPED OUT. Today I completed my second half marathon.
I woke up this morning at 6, had some breakfast and got dressed, and got to the race at about 7:15. I like to get there early just in case, and to make sure I have time to use the bathroom first. I did have some standing around to do, and it was chilly, but not as cold as the 2 races I did in November. Temperature was 44 degrees and skies were overcast.
I was happy that the race started on time. I started out at a nice, easy pace in order to have enough energy for the 13. I really enjoyed the first half of the race. I felt strong, was comfortable, and enjoying the scenery. The one thing I did NOT like was the hills. There were 2 pretty decent hills, the first of which was at mile 5. I just powered through it, slow and steady, knowing that I was almost at the halfway point. I was still feeling good.
I got to the halfway point, had some Gatorade, and made the U-turn to complete the second half. And then came the NEXT big hill. And suddenly, at mile 8, my legs were TIRED. I envisioned myself not completing the race. I thought about how much I wanted to go home and crawl into bed. I took a walking break and tried to get my head together. I knew that not finishing was not an option.
I continued struggling through miles 8-10. This was the hardest part of the race for me. Somehow, at mile 10, I started feeling a little better. I had a few M&M's for a little sugar and motivation. I have not tried the energy gels and things that a lot of runners use to get through races yet. I'm not sure if they would have helped me or not. I will definitely be trying them soon!
The last three miles were okay. Not terrible, not great. A steady pace, although slower, with a few walking breaks. I really didn't care what my time was at this point, I was just so happy to be finished!
Official time was 2:34:27. Places 395 out of 506 runners. WAY slower than my first one, and it felt harder. Lessons learned: get off the treadmill, get outside more, do more hill work!
But still, I have to be proud of myself for once again completing something that lots of people can't do. I put in the hours, completed the training, and finished the race. So now I can say I've completed 2 half marathons. Will I be able to run a full marathon? Time will tell. I have 6 months to be ready. I have some serious, serious work to do.
And that's it from Boomerang Drive!
-- Holly
4 comments:
Congrats on your finish!! Here's a nasty little secret. No matter how many of these you do they'll all be different. Even if its the same course, its still different. As long as you did your best on that day, you did well. I especially like that you took the walk break to clear your mind and refocus. Non-runners don't understand how much of distance running is mental rather than physical. Sounds like you've got a good handle on this concept!! Great job!! (Proud look)
Jim
Awesome job and congrats on another half!!
Awesome job. Can I say this.... as the person who helped you train for you first run? This is a great experience, you know how to fight for the finish.... something you may need in the future.
Let me know if you want me to share my secret marathon tip with you when you are ready to train. Everyone thinks it's crazy.... but works like a charm!
You rock! Rest up and enjoy the accomplishment.
Congrats on your race!! Great job!
Post a Comment