The Rockford Half Marathon is now in the books! BAM! After 10 long weeks of following the Hal Higdon's training schedule, I've completed my very first half! Friends and family have been so supportive. Friends paced me through long runs. Family members watched the kiddos so I could get my daily miles in. And Ryan even followed me in his car one night, to ensure a safe late night run!
This token was given to me by a good buddy who has overcome some pretty incredible fitness hurdles of his own! He gave me this token to remind me that anything is possible when we set our minds to it. I carried it in my hydration pack during the race.
I ran the first couple miles with a friend and an official pacer. But I lost them at mile 2 when I had to make a quick pit stop at a port-a-let. (Very aggravating! Not sure how to avoid this in the future. When things get moving...you can't help but stop...) So, I was on my own for the rest of the way.
I had been most terrified of running the race alone. But it really wasn't all that bad! I made it through miles 3-9 with no problem, other than sore legs and feet closer to mile 9.
After stopping for a moment to greet my family, drink a little gatorade, and get rid of my heavy hydration pack...I resumed my trot. It wasn't long before my right knee started feeling like it was on fire! Ouch!
Miles 10-13 were the longest miles I've ever traveled. It was painful, I had to walk much of the way, and my body just wanted to shut down!
But encouraging texts from Ryan, my sister, and my friends kept me going. And before long, I could see the Finish Line!!!
I trotted that very last stretch, with my family cheering right along the sidewalk. It was the best moment of the entire race!
Completing this race is something I can check off my "Bucket List." Now, I'm anxious to run another half marathon. I'm anxious to try and beat my race time of 2hrs 47min. One thing I did right was get new shoes, custom inserts, and I hydrated well throughout the week leading up to the race. (I know I did that right, because my mouth was never dry throughout the race). But there were some new lessons I learned that will hopefully help me chop off at least 15 minutes from my time in the next race. Here's what I learned:
And I'm so happy that my friend encouraged me to do this in the first place. Sometimes we don't even know what to dream for. Her invitation to join her in this race opened a door I was too afraid to open myself. I truly hope I can be just as encouraging to others some day.
Miles 10-13 were the longest miles I've ever traveled. It was painful, I had to walk much of the way, and my body just wanted to shut down!
But encouraging texts from Ryan, my sister, and my friends kept me going. And before long, I could see the Finish Line!!!
I trotted that very last stretch, with my family cheering right along the sidewalk. It was the best moment of the entire race!
Completing this race is something I can check off my "Bucket List." Now, I'm anxious to run another half marathon. I'm anxious to try and beat my race time of 2hrs 47min. One thing I did right was get new shoes, custom inserts, and I hydrated well throughout the week leading up to the race. (I know I did that right, because my mouth was never dry throughout the race). But there were some new lessons I learned that will hopefully help me chop off at least 15 minutes from my time in the next race. Here's what I learned:
1) Train consistently! Don't skip runs.
2) Stretch better before and after! No excuses.
3) I didn't need my hydration belt. There were enough water/gatorade stations to hydrate during the race. The belt was just a heavy nuisance.
4) Pin sandwich bags of pretzels or fig newtons to waist. The "running" beans and the power bars are disgusting and way too sweet for a dry mouth.
5) Don't psych myself out with nerves! Now that I have physically felt the distance, I know it's doable. Next time I will take time to actually enjoy the run!
I'm so thankful for the support of my family and running buddies. It's was fun to show my kids the process of committing to a challenge and then reaching that goal! At the end of the race, their cheering was more valuable to me than the medal I earned. Love it!
And I'm so happy that my friend encouraged me to do this in the first place. Sometimes we don't even know what to dream for. Her invitation to join her in this race opened a door I was too afraid to open myself. I truly hope I can be just as encouraging to others some day.
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