13.1...and I lived to tell about it!

Today I ran a 1/2 Marathon...13.1 miles....a really flippin' long way...and I lived to tell about it!  (The title was funnier before a guy collapsed at the finish line, flat lined, and was revived.) But anyway...yep, I can hardly believe I did it.

After I ran the 5K in December, I was thinking that I needed another race to train for...something longer.  Naturally I looked for a 10K event.  I didn't find any that were in the near future, so I Googled (I kid you not)  "Flat Half Marathon WA" and the Lake Sammamish Half popped up...promising to be flat, fast, and fun.  Perfect, because I hate running hills...well I hate running up-hill, down-hill is okay.  Before I knew it, there were 5 of us signed up.

We started training, and I distinctly remember thinking after our first long run of 6 miles, that it was fun, but I was NEVER going to be able to more than double that distance.  You have to keep in mind that at the beginning of November I couldn't run a 1/4 mile without walking...no joke.  But, we kept after it.  I suffered from bad shin splints, and in the course of trying to cure those I injured my IT Band...I didn't even know I had an IT band.  I couldn't walk up or down stairs for weeks. But, I'm seriously stubborn and kept running.  A friend, and amazing sport medicine doctor (Mark Mariani) treated me, and referred me for PT.  That gal worked some magic and I was injury free by race day! 

So, today I got out there and got the job done.  My overall time was 2 hours 15 minutes (by my records...the official results aren't posted yet), and my overall pace was about 10:27 per mile.  I ran every step of that race, and I'm proud of what I accomplished.

And, because I can't keep my opinions to myself, here are my race observations.  Some people run a few "warm up" miles.  I think that's dumb.  Don't they know that it makes it so that they have to run 16 miles instead of 13...who does that?   I learned a lot about these kinds of races.  I think one of the best things is that you get to litter...a lot!  I had a "throw away" jacket and gloves...and yep, I just threw them on the ground around mile 2.  Then at every aid station they give you water and goo or whatever...you drink, eat, etc and then you just toss that garbage on the ground.  I'm sure someone picks it up, but it makes you feel so rebellious!  My kids would have been appalled!

So today, I started my day with a grueling leisurely 13.1 miles.  Who have I become???

Headed to the finish line!

My biggest fans!  I couldn't have done it without their support.

Shocking...I know.

Today I ran a 5k...shocking..I know!  Not only did I run, but got a personal record for finishing in 30:45 and running a 9:55 pace.  It's a personal record because I've never actually run a 5k.   I know you're laughing because you think I'm kidding...but as my friend Annie said, "hell has obviously frozen over" cause this is true!  See, I have a picture to prove it.

McKenna, Annie, Me

So here's the mildly short version of how this shocking event came to pass.

Back in Sept/Oct I kept looking in the mirror and thinking that I was fatter than I want to be.  In my case, 4 babies in 6 years left me with several extra fat rolls pounds that I'm not loving.  Unfortunately, I have the self-control of a 2 year old, and much to my dismay, you cannot just wish the pounds away.  (believe me, I keep trying)

I knew what I had to do, but there's two things that I really hate...getting up early and running.   I  have always hated running. I was a fairly decent athlete up to college, but NEVER EVER did I run distances...ever.  I distinctly remember feeling sorry for the kids who ran cross country.  And as I drive around and see people running, I always assume they are miserable!  So naturally, that's the exercise I chose.   I talked with a few gals (that I knew weren't already running) and convinced them to join me.  BEST-DECISION-EVER! There is no way that I could have done this without them.

We started the first week of November.  Our first run was twice around the outside of our neighborhood...it was 1.6 miles and I walked 4 times.  It's embarrassing.  BUT, we quickly increased our distance, and before I knew it, we were running over 3 miles.   We faithfully meet up at 6am, 3-4 times a week to run.  A now, a month and a half later, we always run over 3 miles, and have increased to 4 and even 5 miles on occasion.  And, I kind of like it, because now, instead of gasping for air, we can chat and that makes the time go faster.

I'm a novice runner.  I'm sure the real-runners snicker behind my back.  But, I'm out there in the dark, cold, and rain, and I'm proving to myself that you can teach this old dog, some new tricks.


So, the question remains, am I a size 4 yet?  Sadly no.  And, unfortunately, my thighs still touch.  But I'm on my way to a healthier (thinner) me, and I feel great.  And, if I can say it, I'm pretty damn proud of myself. 



Have you seen this...cause I love it!

PS...Here's a little something I learned at the 5K today.  A lot of the "real" runners wear their old marathon t-shirts.  I'm pretty sure they do this to let everyone else know just how awesome they are.   In which case, I'm contemplating making my own t-shirt that says, "I barely made it through the 5K."  I like to keep people's expectations really low.