Lewis & Clark Half Marathon!

Today was the big event.  The one I have been training for since June 1st.  It was great weather, high of 81, sunny and no rain.  I was prepared and felt good about my training.  I got up at 4 am.  I never sleep well the night before a race anyway.  There were about 6,000 people registered for this race and the traffic showed it.  I was a bit afraid I was not going to get parked and to the Johnny in time for the gun shot start.  However, I did make it!

I started out feeling good and kept a 9 min/mile pace up through mile 6, then I slowed down, but not too much.  I still thought my goal was within reach.  I really wanted to run this baby in 2 or under.  Between mile 7 and 8 there was a steady incline and that sort of put me under my goal time and I knew it :(  I saw Scott and the fam around mile 8.5 and I wanted to cry.  I knew I was not going to make my goal.  I had two options. #1.  Just quit now.  #2 walk some before I throw up.  I chose #2.  I had to walk some on miles 9-11. I really could not go anymore.  My shoulders were hurting more than anything else and my stomach was churning.  I saw a guy down puking and I was just glad that wasn't me.

I was able to pick it up again on mile 12 and finish strong.  I ended up running it in 2:06.  So, I was only 6 minutes off which to most doesn't seem like much, but to me it does.  I wish I had those 6 minutes back to run and not walk.  I wish I had worn sunglasses and that I had trained more on asphalt and not done so much trail running in Forest Park.  I wish I had stronger rhomboids and lower trapezius muscles...here is the Physical Therapist coming out in me.  I realized this time that my upper body is my limiting factor.  I cannot support my shoulders and pump my arms for 13.1 miles without upper body fatigue.  I will be rowing in the off-season!

Here I am.  Check out that heel strike!  I am feeling really good in this picture.  Just the way I want to remember it!  I am grateful for my family coming out to watch.  The kids painted posters for me on Saturday and handed me some Sports Beans along the route.  Sara D. was also a faithful cheerleader with a bag of Jolly Ranchers that could only have come from Sam's club!  Thank you!!!

Scott reminds me that if I would have met my goal that I might not want to keep running.  I guess he may be right.  Even though I do feel defeated, I am still looking forward to the next time I get to hit the pavement.  Probably Wednesday.  I am still greatly improved.  The 1st half marathon I ran which was in November I did in 2:34, so the fact that in 10 mos. I have shaved 28 minutes off my time, gives me hope that in 7 mos.  (April) I can shave 6 minutes off my time.  Yes, I will run another half in April.  I will bring sunglasses and I will train on asphalt and hills.  I will strengthen my upper body and I will not do push-ups!

I do have an awesome medal to show for this race!  I always say at my age there is not much I can do to earn a medal.  One of the reasons maybe that I love races so much.  This medal is cool and really colorful.  Caution to anyone else who may have earned this same medal:  Do not run wearing your medal as you may incur eye damage!  That is a very pointy compass you have there Lewis & Clark!!