The Wrap-up!

Well, apparently it is true.  If you can run 10 miles, you can run 13.  I finished the race, and within the time I wanted to do it in. 


It was a beautiful day to race.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky and until the last mile, there wasn't much wind to speak of.  The start of the race was a really crowded.  They did a 5K, 10K and the 1/2 and all three races started at the same time.  With 671 people running the 1/2 alone, you can imagine the chaos.  We started farther back in the pack than we should have.  We got caught behind a lot of chatters and walkers and leisure racers and had to run a little faster at the beginning to make up for lost time. 


I felt great until about mile 8 and then I started to get pretty tired.  I could feel a blister working but tried to not think about it.  My legs started to get heavy.   I'm pretty sure I raced my first 10 miles, and then just tried to get to the finish for my last 3 miles.  


Here are a few stats from the day:


# of 1/2 marathon finishers: 671
# of females: 350
# of males: 321
Avg time: 2:06:26


My overall time: 1:59.02
Overall place: 282
I was 16/62 in my 30/34 age group
I was 86 out of 350 women


Once I got home and downloaded the info from my watch to my computer, I saw that we averaged about 8:52 min/miles.  This was pretty stinkin fast considering we were suppose to do 10 min. miles.  I guess the competitor in me comes out on race day, and I just can't help but push myself.  


Jenny was a GREAT person to run with.  I think we are good at helping each other get to that finish line.  She did have to slow down and wait for me at one point.  She ended up finishing just ahead of me with a 1:58 time.  I just couldn't make my legs go any faster to keep up at the end!  Stephanie also did a FANTASTIC job for her 1st race ever of all time.  She finished just behind us with a 2:08ish.  I'm very proud of all of us for getting out there and doing the best we could do.  


It's hard to believe I started this whole process 12 weeks ago in the dead of winter.  Yesterday's event confirmed for my why I run and why I love to run and why I stuck it out through rain and cold and wind and treadmills.  I love the energy of a race day, it doesn't matter if it's just a 5K or a big event.  It's not like a basketball or football game.  There are no rivalries (well, not severe ones where a fight will break out), everyone is in it together, but at the same time you have your own personal goal and no one can take that from you - It's yours to win or lose.  I loved seeing so many people I know from around town, from my gym and even a kind of cyber friend, Natalie.  If you've never tried to run a race before, you really should put it on your Bucket list.  It's something anyone can do, all you have to do is try. 


Overall, it was a great race and a great day.  So, what's next?  Well, the way I'm moving today, next is to recover and then see where I'm at.  I've already been asked about doing a full marathon, but honestly I know my body isn't ready for that yet.  I'm going to take a little break and get my foot better (I can't put weight on it today.  If it still hurts this bad tomorrow, I'm going in to see someone) and get myself as strong as I can.  All I know is that I had a blast and can't wait to try it again!  


Good night all!