First, I can't believe it's June! What happened to May?
We hit the road for a few trips last month and returned last night from our latest adventure. But trip information will come later. Now, I'd like to share my half marathon story. :-)
The hubs and brother pressured me into registering. In other words, signed me up. They are my "trainers."
Two weeks before the big day, I ran 13.5 miles. It was hard. I was cursing my husband (since he did the actual registering). My longest run prior to this was 8 miles. Those 8 miles were not planned, they just kind of happened. And they happened years ago! I survived. I knew I could complete the half. I wasn't going to set any records or win any prizes, but I knew I could finish.
I kept my usual running and in-home workout routine going up until the day before. Normally when nerves hit, I go for a run. I work out. I had all this energy and desire, but listened to my "trainers" and took the day off. It was a LONG Saturday.
Sunday morning. Race day. T was full of energy, excitement, and coffee. He was pumped. We loaded up the car and headed out arriving with plenty of time to spare before the 7:00 am start. The weather was perfect. Chilly if you weren't running. I was ready to get it over with! The majority of the run was on bridle trails and the rest on a paved greenway. There were climbs. It was out and back. At first, I hated the mile markers. Tiny reminders of my snail pace. Especially when I've barely passed mile 4 and runners are approaching in the opposite direction. Then, I learned the turn around was not half way! I stopped at the porta potty at the turn around, but caught up with those I was keeping pace with. By mile 9, I was done. Not cooked. Not tired. Done. I wanted it to be over. I picked up the pace. Started counting steps and watching my form (which I should have done from the beginning).
I thought of Lil'T. I thought of T. I thought of my brother. I wondered it Lil'T was eating for Daddy. Was he playing? Was he crying? His new thing is crying whenever I leave the room. Eek!
Anyway. I finished. 2:01. Yay! Should have skipped that potty break! ;-)
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| Post Race - Still Smiling |
All I wanted to do was change my clothes. Lil'T was ready to eat and nap, so we didn't stick around. There were lines for post race goodies. Luckily, I brought my own. On the way home, we stopped in for bagels. I also had chocolate milk and coffee.
Lil'T decided against napping that day. Refused. We tried walking him in the stroller. Yes. I kept moving. I felt fine. I even felt good the day after.
I'd like to add more distance to my regular running schedule. Since the race, I haven't ran more than 4.25 miles. Sad. Traveling will do that to you, I suppose.
Do you have a running mantra? What do you think about?
