I started training for this half marathon in January. I looked back in my notes and Jan. 24th I was so excited that I ran 6 miles non stop! Before then I had only ran a 5 mile mandatory run with my fire crew, and that was a one time event. Feb. 10th I ran a mile and a half further than last long run (7.5). After every long run I would get a giant grin of success stretched across my face. I knew I was getting better and running was becoming easier, not to mention I even liked it more...
Throughout training I only used a treadmill once and I learned my lesson. I would run outside any chance I could and if I was at the gym on a short run day I would run on the indoor track. I was able to try new techniques and experiment on what felt most comfortable. I tried 3 different running shoes, Nike Lunar Glides, Puma Faas 500, and lastly Brooks PureGrit Trail Runners. As soon as I put the Brooks on, I knew these were the ones. Even though they are trail runners, they are light and comfortable enough to run on pavement as well. The only trouble I ran into with that is if it is raining. The shoes get slippery on wet pavement, so if it is a wet day out I will most likely use my Puma Faas.
I signed up months in advance for the Provo City Half Marathon that was being held on May 5, 2012. I used it as my motivation in completing this goal and to check it off the bucket list.
One of the hardest things to figure out for me while training was my diet. Coming from high protein and low carb to a higher carb than protein diet was very difficult. I found myself justifying an excess amount of carbs because I was going to run 3 miles that day. URCH...not necessary! I knew I needed to build glycogen, but not in a way that would make me gain weight! I then thought about what was actually necessary and experimented with it during my runs. I found that I could stay pretty close to the diet I had while training for bodybuilding as long as I gave myself enough (but not too much) fuel a couple of hours before my run and then again after long runs to replenish. I felt great about my energy levels, the look of my body, and how my body felt after I felt right about my diet.
As I mentioned before, running became easier as training went on. I went from loathing to run, to liking it, and now after the race I REALLY like it! Baby steps...after the Dirty Dash and Ragnar next month I may be able to say love...we will see! ;)
I can remember times when I couldn't sleep, and as I laid there at 2am my thought was...I could really go for a run right now!
Finally race day approached...VERY EARLY I might add! My alarm went off at 4am and I was out the door with my bread and peanut butter and a banana by 430. I picked up my bib and swag bag and loaded the bus, as we were getting shuttled to the start line. It was freezing cold! There were a couple little fire pits that were surrounded by runners trying to squeeze a leg in for the tiniest amount of heat they could get. I felt I had expended more energy shivering and trying to stay warm than I would on the race! Of course being cold led to the fact of having to use the restroom, the line to the bathrooms were 30 min long...yeah I know from experience...
There was a beautiful view within Provo canyon as the sun came up. Finally the marathon racers took off at 7am and then at 715 I hit the start button on my Garmin. I was surprisingly calm. I passed quite a few people then soon found my place where I could zone out and keep my pace. I invited myself to run with this small group of 3 others for half of the race, then 2 of them fell behind. The other woman and I were silent running buddies for almost the rest of the race. The only words that were spoken was when she looked over at me and said "5 miles to go" and I looked at my watch to double check because I couldn't believe that much time had gone by already! It felt like it had only been a half hr since we left the start line!
I grabbed a sip of water at mile 3 and at mile 8, mile 11 came and I had a thought I should take the water, but I talked myself into it because me feet were burning from the down hill friction. I thought I would give them a quick rest while I took this last sip and power through the last 2 miles. I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO MY INTUITION! Not long after that last sip of water I started to feel a side ache. I was so upset that I drank that last bit of water. I must have gulped with air or something. I could soon see my "running buddy" stride after stride ahead of me. I tried to push a little more and I knew that wasn't going to work. I let the view of her go and started focusing on my breathing and movements so I could get rid of what felt to be my anchor at that point. As soon as I was in a pace of movement and breathing where that anchor was finally released, I felt I could pick it up again. With the view of the big, blue finish line marked with 13.1 I had even more motivation to push it hard.
I quickly reached the sign that said "Mile 12", my eyes filled with tears as I thought "I am actually doing this! I am going to finish a half marathon and complete it in a far better time than I had imagined!" I began with the goal of under 2 hrs, but I had a friend run the Salt Lake Half prior in 1:52. That was my new goal to beat. ;) I soon heard my iPod tell me "400 meters to go" I picked it up and said to myself "I am this close...I don't care if I throw up at the end or pass out, I can do my very best and make my goal!"
Crossing that finish line at 1:51 was one of the most amazing feelings of accomplishment. Not because I beat my friends' time, but because I knew I could train and push myself to succeed in something I didn't have much experience in. I was literally overwhelmed by the fact that I went from 3-13 in 5 months. I checked another big one off my bucket list and accomplished another goal!
I do want to thank those who supported me through training and helped me succeed. I thank those who gave me advice and told me I could do it when I thought it was impossible. I have learned that if you LET yourself be motivated and dedicated to doing something, you can and will accomplish it with much more ease than you thought possible.
I knew while running that I didn't have to take slow my pace in fear of burning out at the end. I was able to let my legs do the work and just focus on my breathing because I knew I had trained for this. My body was capable of handling the endurance and keep a fast steady pace which felt amazing!
