Last week R and I were casually talking about the weekend ahead and wondering what we were going to do when he thoughtfully reminded me, "Aren't you running the half marathon?" Oh yeah. That.
To say that I haven't been training for it is a bit of an understatement. After getting that nasty head cold at Christmas, my short lived running regimen was dropped and never picked back up. I started work, we moved back into the house... all good reasons, but yes, excuses nonetheless. Let's face it - if you really want something, you make it a priority, and training this year wasn't high on my list. It didn't even make the list.
So fast forward to yesterday morning. My alarm went off at 5:05 (not sure why I didn't just set it for 5:00, but I guess those five extra minutes seemed crucial) and then proceeded to close my eyes and fall back asleep until G woke up at 5:50. I reluctantly peeled myself out of bed, went to feed him (running with the ladies full didn't sound like fun if you catch my drift), and then proceeded to get ready. My plan was to GET to the race area at 6:15. It was more like 6:50 but I made it and had ten minutes to spare until race time.
I didn't have any breakfast except for a few protein bar bites I forced down on the drive. I didn't drink any water beforehand but made sure to grab water and/or gatorade at all of the water stops along the race route.
This was by far the least prepared I had ever been for any race, but I knew I was going to do it and finish it. R suggested switching from running a mile to walking a mile so I didn't hit a wall at the end and not be able to run anymore. It was good idea in theory but I had a really hard time trying to follow this in the beginning with all of the adrenaline. That quickly wore off after about 3 miles and I settled in to a nice and S-L-O-W jog. I would stop to walk as needed and just told myself I was doing an "abnormally long" Sunday morning jog.
It was the slowest 13.1 miles I have ever posted, but I finished, and I am proud of myself for that. I honestly enjoyed myself - there is something to being a part of that kind of atmosphere. There are SO many different people who are just as crazy as you are to get up that early to run 13.1 miles - the even crazier ones go for 26.2. There are SO many awesome people who come out to cheer you on, to give you high fives, to sing and play music for your entertainment, and to give you nourishment (thank you to the random lady with the bowl of candy at mile 6 - that tootsie roll was amazing). I loved seeing all of their smiles, hearing their words of encouragement, and reading their funny signs.
This wasn't my first half, so I did know that mental toughness would make up for some of what I lacked in training. Each mile marker I saw helped me to mentally check off the remaining miles, and I thoughtfully (hehe) reminded myself that there would be plenty of food at the finish line. :) Whatever works!
I am happy to say that I did not collapse in a ditch and I was able to cross the finish line running. I plan on signing up again for next year's race. But this time? Maybe I'll also plan on training too. :)
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| Future runner in the making... |
p.s. Livestrong was the sponsor for this year's race and Lance was in attendance running the half as well. I am sad to say that I did not see him AND that his time was half of mine.
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