I wouldn't really say I trained for this half, as I took about a week to recover from my first half-marathon. Then it rained (and rained and rained) in Atlanta, and I was on vacation in D.C. Needless to say, I was lucky enough to get a run in during these past couple weeks. But the week before, I did try to buckle down.
I was quite nervous for this half. I knew I wouldn't have my brother, who was my pacer for the first race. I worried that on my own, I wouldn't be able to maintain my 10 minute mile. And I really wanted to because I was so close to it for the Asheville race. My brother told me since this race woudn't be as hilly, I should really be able to beat my time. I kept the same goal as before (2:10).
I should also say that my friend Kathryn is awesome! She came to the race with me, which means meeting me at my apartment at 5:45 so we could get to the race really early! And she took photos and kept my bag of warm clothes for me. Thanks Kathryn!
Race report
So I'm pretty happy with my race. Ultimatly, I'm thankful that I am able to run and am happy to just finish. But I really really wanted to break 2:10. My official time is 2:11:02 but this is where it gets sketchy. There were so many people at the start trying to get through a narrow gate (the entrance to Oglethorpe University) that we were all at stand-still even after crossing the official start line. So unfortunately, there's really no way to know my exact time. It wouldn't be a huge deal aside from the fact my goal was so close to that time. I did wear a wristwatch with a timer, but I didn't stop it during the stand-still in time. (I stopped it, but only after I realized we really weren't moving yet). I'm pretty sure I did not stand there for a minute, so I still didn't make my goal.
When I think about it, I guess I could have pushed harder. But my fear was going out too hard and not being able to finish strong. I stayed at just under 10-minute miles (I'm talking 9:58 here) for the entire race until Mile 11. I just got tired. But not nearly as tired as Asheville. I really felt like I struggled during those last 3 miles of Asheville. Totally not so this time. I pushed myself at the end, but I didn't feel like I was slowing down (though I guess I did in the last 2 miles). One thing I did do, though, was kick it too soon at the end. I could see the gate where we'd entered and assumed it was the finish line. Well, it was, but we first had to run past it and take a U-turn back... while going up a hill. That's correct. The finish was uphill. So I know where the time came from.
I'm happy the weather was a perfectly cool temperature. I also thought the Lay's Potato Chips we got at the finish were the best potato chips I've ever eaten. My face tends to always be covered in salt at the end of long runs, so salty chips were the perfect way to replace that lost sodium! Maybe I should start training with Gatorade?
So I'm done with half-marathons for a while, but not with running. I'm happy I can do the distance, but I really want to get faster. It's time for me to find a training plan and work on my speed. I know I can do it because sprinting was my favorite part of soccer!
Waiting my turn at the post-race massage table.
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