I did it !!! My first 1/2 marathon. 13.1 miles in 2 hours 45 minutes. Wasn’t first and wasn’t last, but I finished. It eas the OUC 1/2 marathon and 5k. Track Shack was putting it on and the event was great. I love the vibe. Regardless of how fast you are, everyone cheers for you. Finishing 13.1 miles is no small task, and everyone there knows it. At the start there were lots of worried yet confident faces (Mine included).
While waiting for the race to start, I met a deaf woman. Although we couldn’t understand each others words sometimes, we both had nervous excitement about the next 2 hours. The race started and we smiled and nodded in support. Through out the race, everyone was excited and helping each other along. The vibe was good.
Part 2 of 2: The Race:
The race was long. I am glad I wore my ipod. It definitely helped me through the race. I didn’t stop running but I averaged about 11-12 minute a miles. I thought I could do 10 minute miles but no go. The instep on my right foot started to get blisters around mile 6. Running on the sloped road changed the angle of my foot, so it slid a little in the shoe on each step. I started runing in the middle of the road which was a little more level and the burning seemed to subside. I drank gatorade through the whole thing to keep the energy up.
The smoking may have something to do with my slow time (About 5-10 a day but close to quitting). Also, I need to do more speed training. I was relaxed through the race and just did my pace. I shouldn’t beat my self up about being slow, but I want to do better. Around mile 9 I slowed for about 20 seconds and my legs said “You have two speeds, running or stop; nothing in between” I could feel my legs locking up. The only thing I could do was keep on going. So I finished the race. And I got my medal. It was a great feeling. Very proud of my self. After the race I was limping. Once I got to my car and sat down, I had to lift my legs into the car; they were that dead.
I was proud to finish the race; now I am ready to go faster an do another one. I am adjusting the training to get to a 10 minute mile. Which means I need to average a 9 minute mile in short distances. I love the challenge.
