180 miles, 45 runs, 4 months of training, 2 pairs of running shoes and 1 bib.
These are the numbers that made up the success story that was my first half marathon. Let me just say this: I never thought I would be able to put “success”, “half-marathon” and “I” in the same sentence. Running is a great joy for me, but not one that has ever come naturally. It seemed crazy when Ski Gypsy Man proposed that we take on such a challenge. Him, fit and naturally a good runner, me on the other hand… tenacious at best. The idea slowly grew on me. Runs lengthened as the weeks went by without the target officially being set. It took me hitting the 7 mile mark to truly decide on accepting the challenge, a couple months before the race we decided on. What really sealed the deal was having a solid goal, one that would set a track for keeping fit for next winter. It became such a strong source a motivation, not to mention it gave me the license to eat pretty much whatever I wanted. YAY, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
Elijah’s Race, my chosen venue, is known as the Swanzy Covered Bridge Half Marathon. A small number of participants and a laid back atmosphere made it the perfect option. The experience went a little something like this:
Play by play of the Ski Gypsy’s first half marathon
Mile 1 to 3: I feel amazing! I can totally do this, this is so flat and picturesque and everyone is beautiful/amazing/strong. I LOVE this!
Mile 3 to 6: Still doing it! It’s getting hotter and now we’re running on pavement with traffic staring at us like we’re floats in a parade. Oh, good! A water station.
Mile 6 to 9: So hot and humid. Legs are getting heavier. People are starting to slow down and we’re passing walkers. Oh, thank goodness, more water stations!
Mile 9 to 12: I think I’m dying. Am I dead yet? These hills won’t stop coming at me. Stupid water station people, stop cheering and start pushing me! I HATE this!
Mile 12 to 13.1: I don’t know if I can do this. Oh, good! A water station… no, wait… I’m hallucinating. What’s that? We’re almost there? YAY! I can totally do this. WOW, shiny medal and a bottle of water, thanks! Grass, hello grass, you look so soft. I think I’ll lie here for a while.
I didn’t believe in the power of visualizing until I had to trudge through mile 11 and 12. Seeing that finish line in my mind’s eye helped to bear the heat and humidity. In the end, even after a couple rough days with sore legs, I was so proud I could have burst at the seams. According to Smithsonian.com, we humans are hard pressed to forget pain. The joy must have truly overcome in this case, because I can’t seem to stop browsing the net for my next round of running torture/fun.
Have you run a half marathon? Share your experience in the comments below.
Winter is coming,