Sunday, April 28, 2013

Half #1 for 2013

1 of 4 half marathons done this year.

Louisville Kentucky Derby Half- 2:20:27

This is exactly the time I thought I was going to get. I haven't been doing hill repeats or tempo runs like I need to be doing to get faster. Plus, I am still standing still around 155 pounds. So with these contributing to the fact that I didn't eat very much the day before and for breakfast before the race, this time is expected.

A quick run down of the race; Woke up around 3:45 the morning of. I wasn't even nervous. Just excited. Ended up having a banana for breakfast. As this story will prove, I don't plan ahead. I didn't even think to bring breakfast so Mr. and friend went out the night before after I went to bed to find me some food. I didn't want to push my luck so I just told them 2 banana's. I only had one when I woke up. A friend I was running it with was at the same hotel as us. She has 4 kids and didn't want to wake them, so she was hanging in the bathroom. She texted me and wanted to meet in lobby at 6. So I got dressed and headed down. Got in the elevator and realized I forgot my garmin. So I had to go back up to get that. Got that taken care of and went downstairs. Kara was talking with pacers. Talked with them for a bit. Only to realize I forgot my bib. I defiantly had to go get that. Took care of that. Finally had everything I needed. So we started walking toward the starting line. It was chilly but not to bad. I was glad I decided to wear a tank, because I would have been hot. This was a bigger race then any of the others I have done. I loved the whole experience. Pre-race and the race in general. Miles 1-8 was great. Mile 8 things started falling apart. I got a sharp pain in my calf's  So I slowed down. Kara and I were running together until now. But I had slowed my pace a good 30 seconds, so I told her to keep going. I didn't want me to be the reason she didn't do her best. We both were aiming for 2:10. Mile 9-10 was the hardest for me mentally. I had to keep telling myself I could do this. There were lots of spectators along the course so that really helped. I saw a sign that said "You have stamina  call me!" That made me smile. What really helped me was 3 kids, probable 6-8 years old...standing with their hands out for high fives. They all gave me high fives. That gave me a boost out of nowhere. Ended up finishing strong. This next part is how I know what I did wrong for the race.
I crossed the line and slowed down to a jog/walk. When I stopped I saw lights. I felt disoriented. I know it is because I barely ate the last 36 hours. What in the world was I thinking? I did have two GU's during the race, but each one is only 100 calories, and they are fuel. Pure sugar. My body burns that up almost immediately. So after I got my medal, finding the post food was first on my mind. Once I got a banana I felt better. I gotta remember to think more about fueling the day before. 1200 calories isn't enough the day before. I'm going to try 1400-1600. Trail and error.

With everything that happened in Boston, I decided for every mile I was going to run for something that was important to me. These are the things I ran for during the race.

Mile 1- I ran for myself. This is the first and foremost reason why I started running. Physical and mental health.
Mile 2- I ran for the people in Boston who didn't get to finish or was effected by the act. It really pissed me off to see the news in general. But hearing something like that, it's sad. There is no reason for it. They were innocent and harmless people, doing what they love.
Mile 3- I ran for my family. I love my family and wish nothing but the best for each and every one of them.
Mile 4- I ran for all those people who think they can do it. Sometimes a little courage is all you need.
Mile 5- I ran beside a man who inspired me to run with my heart. He had a prosthetic leg. I told him how awesome I thought he was.
Mile 6- I ran for ice cream. Eh, what can I say? It's a addiction.
Mile 7- I ran for the people out there that want kids and cant have them.
Mile 8- I ran to feel pride. To feel like I'm enough.
Mile 9- I ran to have some kind of control.
Mile 10- I ran for silence. (I took out my headphones) Sometimes, we are so busy we forget to listen.
Mile 11- I ran for the learning experience. I think with every situation, we can take something from it. Learn from it. Improve from it.
Mile 12- I ran to prove myself wrong. Mind over matter.
Mile 13- I ran for children who don't love and attention they deserve.
Mile .10- I ran because I AM NOT A QUITTER!

Next half is in three weeks. Cleveland half Marathon sponsored by Rite Aid. My only goal is to beat the time for Louisville.