It’s been well over a week since my half marathon and I am
just now sitting down to recap the race.
When I think about now, I’m really not sure why it has taken me so long. I mean, I know we’ve been really busy
lately, I haven’t even gone on a run since the race. We are planning our trip to Florida this summer (including
Leah’s first visit to Disney) and just enjoying time as a family since Josh is
home a lot more now that law school is over. We are also looking for a pre school for Leah to attend a few
mornings a week in the fall. But
really, I think maybe I just wasn’t ready to share it all yet. I feel so awesome that I did it in
preparation for the Chicago Marathon in October, but it took some time for me
to realize that it was an accomplishment in itself- not just a training
run. I think afterward I had mixed
feelings about it because I was so excited after I finished but leading up to
it I hadn’t felt like it was a big deal- so I had come confusing feelings about
it. And it didn’t help that I had
a sloooooow time, I couldn’t believe how slow- it was so hilly and there was an
off-road portion that was more like a hike! But the time isn’t what really matters, it’s the distance-
and I did it! I guess for me,
running is such a personal thing, it’s private in a way. The struggles I have through some miles
and the peacefulness in others. I
guess I just wasn’t ready to open up yet about all 13.1 miles of that. But it’s been a while and I’m feeling
good so here we go.
Race day started with me eating a PBJ and drinking some
coffee in the car while driving to Ann Arbor. Initially I wanted Josh and Leah to be there but it was so
early I hated to get her up and I figured going alone would be peaceful- and I
was right. I got there in plenty
of time to walk around a bit and get ready. I had a lot of great texts from friends wishing me luck and
it felt great. One friend in
particular said that she wished she were here so she could have spent time with
Leah making sparkly signs to cheer me on.
I don’t know that I have ever heard anything so sweet. I was so incredibly touched by the
thought. Thanks Nancy Pants! The
marathon runners started an hour before the half. And actually they were also doing a 5k that had the same
start as the half. I’m usually a
very easygoing runner but that kind of annoyed me. The 5k was a run/walk so even at the back of the pack (where
I was, of course) there were people walking over the starting line. It was really difficult. But it didn’t take long for everything
to spread out and I hit my stride.
My slow stride. I knew
right away that it was going to be a slow race. I usually run the first half a mile or so about a minute to
1 ½ faster than my target pace. It
just takes me a little time to settle in.
Well, for this race I was actually running about 30 sec slower than my
regular pace. So I knew I was in
for a slow run.
But I didn’t mind.
It was a perfect day and the course, despite being really tough, was
really beautiful. We ran through
downtown Ann Arbor, the Univ. of Michigan, the hospital and a few parks and
residential areas. They had a lot
of aid stations and everyone was really fun and excited! And I felt GOOD! Strength, endurance, I felt GOOD! Until around mile 5/6ish. Although I still had great energy I
started to have a lot of pain in my knees and hips. The hip issue isn’t new and I have had occasional twinges in
my knees but nothing like this. It
was really disheartening because I felt so good otherwise. I was afraid I would have to stop and
walk! I didn’t have to (except for
a minute or two while “hiking” through one portion of the course! Ha!) but it
was really painful. I’m ok now,
I’m getting it figured out but that did put a little damper on it for me. I was running slower than I ever have. (ok, maybe I’m not totally over it!
Ha!)
Around mile 8 we crossed paths with the marathon runners
(the courses overlapped at certain points and shared a finish line). It was so inspirational! A guy next to me asked what mile we
were on and we chatted for a few minutes.
He said he ran a marathon last year and said he couldn’t run for 3
months after! Yikes! I congratulated him for running the
full this time and he laughed “I haven’t finished yet!” Yeah, me either buddy!
Of course it got easier the closer to the finish I got. After mile 8 it was great and then
after 9 and 10 I felt like I was practically done. I was so happy during the times when there were crowds- its
so encouraging! We ran past some
fraternity houses on campus and a few guys were out on the porches cheering
everyone on. And then it was
over. Just like that. 2 hours and 46 minutes. I had done it. I was handed my medal and a bottle of
water, got my picture taken, grabbed a banana, a muffin and a cookie and
wandered around for a few minutes before starting the long walk back to the
car. Which was great because I
needed to loosen up a little before driving home.
So now I’m ready to get back to running again this
week. Probably about 5 miles on
Wednesday or Thursday and then 9 on Saturday.
Chicago, here I come!
Go team ADPi!
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