The 1/2 marathon distance of 13.1 miles can be very daunting. Maybe not for everyone, but it sure is for me. Perhaps this is a sign that this is not the distance I should be running. 🙂
Last year, my co-workers convinced me to sign up for the San Jose Rock ‘n Roll 1/2 Marathon. At the time I signed up, I don’t think I’d ever run more than 4.5 miles. What was I thinking?! I started increasing my distance weekly and even signed up for a 10k race in August to prepare for the 1/2 in October. I did better than I expected in the 10k, so I started feeling better about running 13.1.
Unfortunately, for 2 weeks before the race, I was unable to run due to the flu and a nasty cold. I felt under prepared and was also still slightly sick on race day. In the end, I finished in under 3 hours, which was my main goal but overall, I wasn’t very happy with my performance.
This year, I faced similar challenges in my training for the Santa Cruz 1/2. The first obstacle was a two-week business trip with limited access and time to run. The second, and biggest, obstacle was laparoscopic surgery 6 weeks before the race.
I decided to stick with it anyway and just go run it for fun. I even convinced Kimmy to run with me. I am really glad I did – this is one of the most beautiful races I have ever run. Actually, stopping for photos probably didn’t help our time, but the photos were worth it.
We started out strong and kept a good pace for the first mile. After that, I wanted to do 2/1 intervals. Unfortunately, parts of the course were hilly and I was having trouble. Then I started having some cramps…sometimes I think my body hates me. I mean, c’mon, why did I have to get serious menstrual cramps right in the middle of a 1/2 marathon??!
Towards the end I was feeling better, but by then my feet were killing me. I broke my left ankle 5 years ago (and have three screws to prove it!) and now, any distance > 7-8 miles really kills my feet. It’s one of those “the more you do it, the less it will hurt”, but I just don’t run that far often enough.
Kimmy was quite the cheerleader, and really kept me going when I wanted to die. I think other people would probably laugh at our conversations, but it was so enjoyable to me.
“Wow, we’ve done 4 miles! Isn’t that awesome?!”
“No, it means there’s still 9.1 more miles to go. Can I die now?”
We even ran through a horse farm, and right past a cute little goat. In the end, no one died, and Kimmy and I made it and got our medals.
But our day didn’t end there. After the race, Kimmy and I headed to Saturn Cafe, a neat vegetarian restaurant in Santa Cruz, where we ordered waaaaay too much food. But it was all so yummy!
WOOT! We did it and it was awesome =)
We rocked that sh*t!
You two looked so proud of what you just accomplished in your end of race photo! And rightfully so! Congratulations to you both! You’re an inspiration and I got back out and ran right after reading this today (after a short lapse from running) and I’m on track with my 10K training program.
Brie….you’re very lucky to have had Kimmy by your side. Nothing like someone right alongside of you supporting you the whole way.
My only question is : Did you eat ALL of that food? 🙂
xox
Mom
No, we didn’t come close to finishing the food. The vegan milkshakes were delish and I think starting with that, we sort of filled up! I’m sure we’ll be back though, everything was so yummy!