Half Marathon Memories

So, we didn't just go to the Outer Banks to take in the tourist sites, we also went so that I could finish something I'd been working on for a very long time.  It involved training and a lot of miles.  A half marathon.

Here's a photo at the finish so that you know there's a happy ending to this story.  

I'll start by explaining that this was my first race.  No, not my first half marathon, my first organized race ever.  When I commit, I go all out.  

Obviously, I trained for the race, diligently logging my miles every few days during the week and suffering through the long runs on the weekends.  

The race was a few weeks ago, but I still have some vivid memories of the day.

Mile 1:  I made it to the start line just a few minutes before the legit runners started.  My corral, in the back of course, finally started.  They seemed to be going so. damn. slowly.  More experienced runners know that they are being smart and pacing themselves, saving their energy for the thirteen miles ahead of them.  Not being so experienced, I passed people like it was my job.  

Mile 2:  I'm still passing people, feeling fast and smug.  

Mile 3:  I had seriously misjudged what the temperatures would be like and opted to wear a long sleeved undershirt under my race shirt.  Worst. Decision. Ever.  I wanted to take it off so badly but I also didn't want to stop.

Mile 4:  OMG, I hate the sun.  By this point it is directly in my eyes and there is no escaping it.

Mile 5:  The sun and my undershirt are my least favorite things in the universe.  I don't care about anything else but trying to cool off.  

Mile 6:  At this water station, I stripped off my undershirt and wrapped it around my waist.  I hoped for some instant relief, but I was still hot.  

Mile 7-9:  Although I'm still hot, I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I'm starting to feel tired.  Really tired.  My feet were aching with every step.  By this point, I was walking for my water breaks and then some.  

Mile 10:  Where the @#$@$! did these hills come from?!  I specifically signed up for this race because it was supposed to be flat until the very end.  I don't consider the last three miles the 'very end'.  The trail is no longer on the paved path and is weaving through the woods on a slightly treacherous path of sand and mud. 

Mile 11:  I was looking forward to this stop because this is where Brian said he would be watching for me.  I also wanted to hand off my damn undershirt that was annoying and hot.  I looked, but didn't see Brian.  I knew at this point I couldn't stop or I would not be able to restart.

Brian's picture taking skills need some work.  I'm the bright blue blob running up the hill.

Mile 12:  The end is near, but not near enough.  I literally feel as though my feet are going to fall off they are in so much pain.  I have zero energy left.  I think about taking the running gel given to me at mile 6 (which I stored in my sports bra like the classy broad I am), but I'm afraid it will make me sick, which I don't want to happen so close to the end.

Mile 13:  What should be the best .1 miles ever seems as if it will never end.  Mile marker 13 turns just as you come out of the woods, so you can see the finish line.  It sounds awesome, and it should be.  Except, the finish line is at the bottom of a very steep hill.  Almost too steep to run on for fear you'll trip and end up rolling to the finish line.  I somehow managed to run without tripping and crossed the finish line to the perfect song, "Go Cubs Go" by Steve Goodman.  It's my jam.

At the finish line, some wonderfully beautiful woman handed me a chilled, wet paper towel and it was the greatest gift I will ever be given.  I was so, so hot.  Other people handed me water, my finisher medal, and other goodies while I searched for Brian.  I finally found him, he took my picture (in focus, yay!), and I got my time from officials.  I ended up finishing six minutes after my goal of 2:30.  I would have been disappointed, except I was just happy to have finished.

Race swag

Once finished, we enjoyed lunch on the beach before heading back to DC where I haven't been able to run due to some severe foot pain I attribute to the race.  The race was far from perfect, but I'm glad I did it and I hope to run even more....eventually.

Are you a  runner?  Do you have any tips for a running newbie like me?