1,2,3,4 Running Mantra

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! ;-)

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?