I completed my first half marathon yesterday!
Here's the scoop:
The race began and ended at West End Field (the Greenville Drive's baseball stadium). That was pretty awesome. There was a small group of friends from my church who met together at the beginning to start the race off together. It was pretty amazing. Some of us had trained together and they had all given me support and encouragement during the past couple months of training. I was so excited to be running with (behind, actually) them. Jacob and I ran the half marathon. Scott, Ken, and Danielle ran the marathon.
We started off at pretty much the very front. Why? I don't know. Oh, that's right--the people I started off with were super fast. Well, I didn't want to get run over, so I went a little faster at the beginning than I usually do during a race. My legs were really feeling it for the first mile, but after that they were completely fine. I never had any other pain issues with my legs, knees, feet or any other part of my body after that first mile. I think they were just tight at the beginning. I probably should have warmed up (I guess standing around for an hour shivering in the cold doesn't count as a warm up?).
So, Jacob and I ran together for probably the first 3 miles. Then, Jacob's foot started bothering him so much that he had to walk. After hearing what his foot looks like today, I am amazed that he was even able to finish yesterday. Great job, Jacob! So, I was on my own for the rest of the race, but I felt the energy and excitement of the other people around me. The people who run these races are completely inspiring.
Around mile 4 or so, I ran past Jenna and her family cheering me on. That was a great feeling. Her husband had already passed by, so I knew she was waiting there just for me. And it totally helped. I think I did a leap through the air.
I really enjoyed the next few miles. We went through Cleveland Park, which is where I did many long training runs. It's a really scenic area and it just felt familiar. Plus, I knew the soft path would be coming up soon! Yep, around mile 6 we made it to a long run/walk/bike path. One side of this path is made out of this spongey, springy, squishy stuff. It felt really good to run on. I tried to enjoy this path knowing that I would be coming up to some hills shortly.
Okay, so I don't remember much between miles 7-10. I know there were lots of spectators and people calling out my name (my name was on my bib--genius!). I loved hearing my name and, I'm telling you, it makes a huge difference. I was going pretty slowly at this point and was just not feeling it. Nothing was hurting, I was just ... tired. So, any reminders that I was in a race were welcome.
I had my watch on, but I don't remember looking at it at all until around mile 10 when I heard two girls in front of me talking. One of them asked the other, "Hey, do you think you can do the last 5k in 30 minutes?" I looked at my watch and it was almost exactly 1:30. All of the sudden I woke up and told my body to move it. If I could finish in 30 minutes, I would be under 2 hours. So, I kicked it into gear. I started passing people like it was nobody's business. Earlier in the race when someone would call out my name I would say thank you. I even thanked the officers and volunteers that I passed. But, now, uh-uh, I was all business. For the next three miles I was unaware of anyone else around me. My breathing was perfectly even. I felt like I was going to pass out, but I didn't care. I told myself I could pass out after I crossed the finish line. I had gone into machine mode.
I made it into the stadium. All I had left was to run around the outfield. The finish line was in sight. The man with the microphone called out my name. I heard Jenna and company cheering for me. I was almost there! I smiled my last race smile as I passed Jenna with her camera. I made it through the finish at 2:00:46. I didn't make it under 2 hours, but I was so happy with how I did. A PR. Sweet. And I didn't even pass out.
After I crossed the finish line, I waddled to the bathroom and then to the food and then found Jenna. She gave me a BIG hug and told me how great I did. I couldn't argue. I felt completely happy and surprised with how I did. I look forward to the marathon in 3 weeks. I hope my legs will be up for it.
You can find the official race results here.
Here are some pictures.
The gang pre-race.
Jacob, me, Ken, Scott, Danielle
(I stole this picture from Jenna)
Me with my medal(and one of the first women marathoners-she collapsed right after the picture was taken)
Christopher receiving his FIRST PLACE prize for his age group (10-14) for the 5k.You're awesome, Christopher!
This is Danielle qualifying for Boston like it was just a stroll in the park.Her time was 3:32:31. Yes, she has three kids. No, the youngest isn't even a year old.
Scott and Ken finishing strong with a time of 3:37.Very inspiring!
My new best friend, Jared
