Here I sit, drinking a cup of coffee, sitting with my computer in my new living room. So much has happened since my last post. We closed on our house and I completed my first half marathon! Although I had run over the half marathon mark just a few weeks ago, it was my first official race!
Last week was filled with chaos leading up to the race. We closed on the house on Tuesday and that means...start packing! With my type A personality I wanted to get everything over to the house and set up ASAP! I had arranged for the internet, phone, and TV to get set up while I was at work. I had to work alpha shift (day shift) at the jail this week Thursday-Saturday afternoon while coordinating and getting ready for the move as well as the big race!
Wednesday before the race I gave the East side of Lake Natoma a try and felt crummy. My training has taken a HUGE hit with the full time work schedule I am balancing. I decided to rest the rest of the week (not really by choice since work is so busy). Saturday I was frantically chugging water at work trying to get as ready as possible for the race on Sunday.
I awoke at 0430 on race day not feeling hungry and surprisingly nerve free. It felt like any other Sunday long run as I picked up my running buddy at 0545. We set off for the start line in Fresh Pond. As soon as we hit the parking lot I got excited! There were runners everywhere! We got out of the car and it was FREEZING! Quite the change from the valley weather. I was at the start like an hour early since I carpooled. This was actually a good thing, I was able to relax a little and do some people watching (my favorite).
The race went fairly well. The start of the race is 1.5 miles UPHILL at ELEVATION! After the first 500 feet I looked at my watch and was like "OMG how much further!". My lungs were burning, but the adrenaline was pumping! There was a huge crowd of people running together since the 12k and half marathon all had the same start time. People were complaining about the hills, but I felt prepared from all my training in the American River Canyon. Along the course I ended up taking three S!Caps and two Gu gels (the second one was unnecessary). This race gave me the opportunity to dial my nutritional needs. Around 7-8 miles I hit a rough spot mentally, like most runners do. I was in a loosing battle with my mind. It did not help that this part of the course was exposed fire road, my nemesis. I started to feel awesome around 10 miles and came speeding through the last aid station (we had three). Around that time I took a Gu and race directors were at a turn off and indicated "its three miles downhill from here!". To that comment I remarked "NOOOOOO!!!!!". Most people would be super excited about three miles downhill into the finish, myself on the other hand cringed with that news. My feet were feeling tired, ankles weak, and legs dead. This news meant, pain was ahead. It was about 1.5 miles of single track steep downhill. I started down the hill and immediately my left ankle was in pain. I was not enjoying this part of the run. I prayed for uphill and my wish came true! I was able to accelerate on the uphill and then got a second wind around 12 miles. I looked at my watch and I knew the course was a long half marathon (13.9). I had close to two miles left. I had a internal conversation with myself and decided I would run the last two without a walk no matter what was ahead. I sprinted in the last 2 miles at a 9ish minute pace. I came flying into the finish line and felt amazing! I had completed my first half marathon and was experiencing the runners high! It only took two to five minutes before my calves were cramping, but it didn't matter, I had finished my first half!
I looked and felt strong. Without knowing my official time, I cruised over to the official time sheet and saw my time. 2:29. Apparently that was good enough for third in my age group (20-29)! Not only did I finish my second race ever, first half marathon ever, but I was third in my age group! I got a sweet award and a huge smile along with this race. I had rightfully earned my half marathon sticker.
I raced back to the house in Lincoln, rinsed my dirt leggings off and packed up my car. We are moving over the next few days. Should be an interesting experience while recovering from the race. We made two trips with the U-Haul yesterday and are starting to get settled in. Today I will attempt to do a Cavitt to Twin Rocks run with FTRs. I dont understand how I am suppose to keep my training schedule while recovering. I am beat!
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