I'll tell you: it was my worst time, but not the worst time...get it??
This is my third Half Marathon, and each time I've gotten slower. My initial reaction is to be bummed out, but I also would be remiss if I didn't admit my training had gotten less each time as well. Lesson = You really do get out of it when you put into it!
I think I mentioned this before, but my sister encouraged me to participate in this race to "not let MS win." *shake my head* I'll admit, it's pretty cliche', but it did factor into my decision-making. I didn't want my pride and fear of not having a "fast" time to get in the way of embracing my opportunity to at least be in it this year. Morbid or not, the reality is there's a potential I may not be able to one day. I probably wouldn't go so dark so soon, but waking up with blindness in my left eye totally scared me and I'm left with bits of residual fear on a daily basis. I open my eyes s-l-o-w-l-y praying the light will come in... Anyway. I'm glad I did this race, regardless of the clock. I had a great time! *grin* Lesson = Take advantage of the opportunity and just do it.
This was the largest Half in which I've participated, so the sheer numbers were awesome! I enjoyed being part of something so big, and not one person made me feel like I didn't belong. Even though a race implies competition, I've always found runners to be the most supportive of their competitors in their field. It felt special to be part of such a group! Despite the large field, I thought race execution was seamless. Half participants were bussed to the Start Line, and even though there was a small wait in line (likely because I got there late against their advice), it went quickly. There were plenty of bathroom facilities before, during, and after the race, which I think I can speak for everyone when I say, "thank you!" HAHA! The spectators were great! It seemed like watching the race was as much an event for spectators as the racers! Us back-of-the-pack-ers (BOTP) were pretty easily identifiable, but the crowd offered words of support, encouragement, and praise for our efforts. I do have to admit there was one section of spectators more than half way through that apparently couldn't see the BOTP passing by right in front of them. I heard a dad say to his young kids, "Oh, get your whistles. Here come more marathoners." HA! I may or may not have audibly scoffed at him, but later just laughed. Whatever. I'm not a marathoner, nor am I fast. So what. I was IN it, not WATCHING it. *snarky grin*
You seriously can't be the view. Staring at the bay the whole time compels you to want to keep putting one foot in front of the other to see where the view goes. Sadly, I didn't get a pic of it, because that would have expended energy I could not waste. LOL! Silly, but kinda true. When people tell you to do this race for the views (not to mention BQ if you're going for that!), do it. They weren't lying.
Coming through the gait onto the track at the end was kind of surreal. The only time I was on such tracks was with the Marching Band, and while I certainly count that as athletic, "real" athletes would probably disagree. Running it through the Finish Line, in front of the stands full of people, including my husband and daughter, was simply incredible. Full disclosure: I kind of wanted to die at Mile 11. I think I was cramping every where and insanely tired. I saw Dan & Vi who were the best injection of energy there, and convinced me to keep going. I walked a lot of those last 2 miles...but once I got on that track I felt like I flew! I managed a sprint across the Finish Line! WHAAAAT?!
You can hear my name around 2:45:50 and I cross with a purple tank top at around 2:45:53!
This was the first race in which I participated that I could see a video of the finish! This is super cool to me!
The "after party" was the best, too. PLENTY of refueling items, drink, Moomer's ice cream...space to sprawl out and avoid dying! HAHA! Seriously, it was fantastic. Thank you, TCTC!
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| This was my reward! GORGEOUS! |
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