Well I have finished my fourth half marathon and I could not be more pleased of how it went. I finished in 1:33.30, which was not at all what I was expecting (like I said somewhere…between 1:35-1:40) would have been fabulous. I got my A (1:35), B (<1:40) and C (finish…duh) goals.
But I did better.
Anyways, I didn’t put on the blog much about my knee and IT Band the last week (until Monday), but they had been acting up a lot. So much so-that I was at 50/50 running the race…the morning of the race. Although-they felt okay in the morning, they didn’t feel amazing prior and I didn’t want to be injured even more so.
But I decided to run it and immediately into mile 1-I realized I had no pain and was running quickly. So I was happy.
I also decided to run it in my trainers because this wasn’t the race I was trying to PR. I was just trying to finish successfully and have some sort of base to kick back on. Having more support was so necessary.
Dad and I woke at the ripe hour of 4:30. Left the house by 5:15 and were at the race by 6:15. I was almost late for the start because I had to check my bag in (the race started at 7).
I didn’t warm up at all…unless you count walking to the race start which was about 1 mile. I don’t really warm up for half marathons and it’s struggle to get me to warm up for most races.
Then at 7am, bright and early the race started. I was in corral one and we all went on our ways and speeds. So many people started off so quick (it was super nerve racking per usual). I just kinda let my legs go their speed-cautious and not pushing anything. It ended up being a 7:05 pace. 7:05 pace into the wind. 7:05 pace up hills. 7:05 pace down hills. I literally hit all my miles between 7:04-7:06 pace. *I don’t have a Garmin…I just had nothing to think about and math is fun to do while your running.
Until mile 10, when it got hot and I slowed down to a 7:10 pace. I was somewhat sad-but then I realized I was still going to be under my goal of 1:35 so I just let it all be what it was.
I hit a serious boredom wall at mile 10, but then some water hander outers screamed my name (it was on my bib) and said looking good. I don’t know why but it made me say-hell I can do it.
At exactly 1:31 into my race, I heard the marathon go off. I silently wished my dad good luck and thought of the good fortune he had taught me to really enjoy running. My dad is my idol.
Then I finished at exactly the same pace that I had been going. I haven’t done enough long runs lately to develop any sort of kick for a half marathon. So I knew that was not on my side .
This was a great race for me. I had gone in, hoping to be around 1:35-not expecting to be anywhere faster and came out better. I really hope it sets the tone for my next race in Plattsburgh, NY on April 22. I want to be under 1:30.
While waiting around for the marathon-I crossed into one of my favorite bloggers- Alyssa! It was finally nice to be able to chat for more than a hot second! Can you believe how awesome she looks after running-I look like I’m about to die. Good thing she snapped a photo because I’ve been failing miserably at that. 😉
Question for you:
What is one of your most memorable races?