Done with 13.1

I’m happy to report that we managed to finish our first half marathon. My official race time was 2:48:33, which, while definitely not stellar, is acceptable and something to improve upon. Matt, after sprinting off around mile 7 after running with my slow self, finished in 2:34:09, which is great. And a shout-out to our buddy, Patrick, who finished in under 2 hours, making him a rockstar in my book!!

The race itself was perhaps more grueling than I thought it would be. I’d done 10 miles before and adding 3 more with race-day adrenaline didn’t seem to be too big of a deal, but it was no joke. I probably ran about 90% of it, but I walked here and there, especially on hills and there were quite a few of those. The overall elevation gain was small, but it was a rolling course and there were plenty of ups and downs. Mentally it was a tough course too … there was a long out-and-back section where I kept expecting the turn-around at any moment, but it didn’t come for miles. I got so disoriented that when we finally had turned around, I had no idea and thought the on-coming traffic was still the people in front of me. Then right as we got near the end, they ran us around tons of corners, amusement park style … you felt like you were right there and still 2 miles to go. I also thought I might get a slight elevation advantage, but the humidity of Nashville easily canceled that out, especially after two days of acclimatization.

After the race, Matt and I were both sore and tired, for sure. Chiefly, my feet felt awful. The buckets of rain we’d been promised, held off until just as I finished, but we were preoccupied with getting to the car and didn’t stretch worth a darn.

And as there is no rest for the wicked, Ben had an upset tummy that night and we were up with him until 3:15 and then he and Tabby were up for the day about 3 hours later. Ugh. To make matters worse, as I rushed Ben to the facilities for stomach emptying bout #2, I slipped and fell (thank goodness Ben didn’t get hurt!) and further pulled a muscle in my leg that has been plaguing me since then. I’m a bit gimpy still. • I would study the course more carefully and mentally prepare for what to expect and where to expect it.
• GU = gross … and I wouldn’t bother next time … the sports drink, or maybe just water is enough.
• I would not plan to do ANYTHING the following day aside from poolside sipping of cocktails, napping and general vegging.
• One word: glide. We forgot it in the race-day hubbub and we both paid the price for it. Ouch.
• Take your own photos if possible … my race-sponsored ones are AWFUL.
• If possible, visit the expo … it’s a zoo, but it’s a fun zoo and you find cool stuff, like Sporty Bands. They really don’t slip!!
• Races are expensive. The entry fee alone was ridiculous and then every turn they want to nickle and dime you for this and that. But having said that, it was a very well-run race with excellent support … to some degree, you get what you pay for (*cough* Turkey Trot *cough*).
• Brooks port-a-potty was no big deal (I saw no Run Happy surprises) and certainly not much nicer than the other variety, but the line WAS shorter, so it might be worth it if that’s a concern … and I have a new pair of shoes for the shelf that I will wear in 5-6 months.
• It is doable for just about anyone, even if you walk quite a bit of it, seriously.