Last Saturday, I ran a half-marathon. I had been (somewhat) training, much as my travel schedule allows, but truthfully, I winged it. I happen to be in Miami, and I thought, well, there’s no better (read: flatter) place to run a half-marathon. I thought I’d share my 13.1 lessons learned from each one of those 13.1 miles I ran.
1. When in doubt, sign up.
Once you’ve put money down, you’re much less likely to back out. The idea of shelling out money for ME to run 13.1 miles in wacky enough, but to pay the money and then NOT run? That’s just absurd.
2. Tell everyone you know you’re going to run a half marathon.
If you tell everyone you know, you don’t want to chump out on something you said you would do. Cause that would be lame, and you’re not lame.
3. Or, better yet tell no one at all that you’re going to run.
I only told my family I was going to run the half-marathon. That way, a) they would be prepared if someone called them about me fainting in Miami, and b) I didn’t have to stress over telling others about it if I didn’t finish. My family loves me whether I finish or not.
4. It’s all about the shoes.
I’ve been training with these Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS shoes for that past few months and they are practically molded to my feet. They provide excellent support and cushion. And I needed all the support and cushion I could muster.
5. And the tunes.
I made an raucously loud and energetic mix tape that ranged from Queen to Kayne West. That was me who was singing out loud as I ran.
6. Get there early.
The race started at 6:10 am, but I was up and at’m at about 4. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep, and was able to get a good spot in the front. (And also watch the last call partygoers leaving the bars at Miami Beach.)
7. Stretch.
Before and after. Enough said.
8. Be thankful to the fans.
There were times when I was heading up an incline, and I wasn’t sure I could keep running. At that exact point of desperation, there was a high school marching band playing and cheering me on. And on I ran. 🙂
9. Have a carrot.
I kept right up with the pacer with the 2:10 flag, meaning ten minute miles. She was right in front of me, and I kept her in my sight, her flag acting as my carrot to continue on.
10. Think Nemo.
Just keep running, running, running.
11. Focus on your breath.
It’s a lot better than focusing on the pain in your legs.
12. Feed off the energy of those around you.
My fellow runners didn’t look like ultra-runners; they were average Joe’s and Jane’s just like me. I knew they were pushing themselves, and they were tired too. So at mile 12, when I let out a hoot and raised my fist, those around me did the same, and we smiled at each other and continued on.
13. Enjoy the view.
I’ve never been to Miami South Beach but wow, I got a good look at it, a good 13.1 mile look at it to be exact.
13.1 Replenish your fluids.
With beer. No no, I kid, the idea of drinking a beer post-run was nauseating. As was the idea of walking. But eventually, I did both. Seriously, make sure to drink plenty of water after your long run.
Here’s to pushing yourself in ways you didn’t think possible-Cheers! Hope to see you out there at the next race. 🙂