Wednesday, April 2, 2014

my first half of 2014

Well folks it wasn't pretty but I got errr done.



On Saturday morning my boy-side-kick (ya I know lame/gross...I am running out of names for Jacob) & I drove up to Green Bay, WI to run in the Dick Lytie Spring Classic.


I mentioned this before but the race cost the same for everyone so I just couldn't sign up for the 9 miler or 5K. The half was basically a deal, people! and if you put a deal in front of me, I just have to take it (This is my mom's fault BTW. She turned me into the shopping monster I am. Hi MOM!) Anyways this was really silly because I don't think I was ready just yet for my first half this year but I did it anyways. I figured I could tell myself to take it easy and just get the miles in. What I didn't think would happen, or I guess I just haven't experienced really yet (at least not on a race day) is that my mind was great! I felt good. MY BODY though thought...

"Helllllllllll no. 9 miles is your limit girl and you need to stop running. Right. This. Second."

Ya I hit mile nine and my hips and my knees and my hammies decided to hate me.

I pushed through though and thankfully I turned the corner at 12.5 miles and Jake ran the last bit with me. He did this at my last half too and it is pretty awesome. I think if there ever comes a time he is MIA, I am going to HAVE to recruit someone else to be there.

This course was hilly & I mean it. Like might-as-well-walk hilly. After the first hill, I heard some buzz that they just get worse. I pretty much choked on my GU. "HOW COULD THEY GET WORSE!"

I have said this before but it would maybeee be helpful to actually LOOK at a course before your run it. Check this out!

I was not kidding about the elevation...might-as-well-walk-hilly! Right?

Sometimes I think I don't look at the course map because half of the reason I love running in new races is that everything is unknown. It is usually a route I have never taken before and that is exciting to me. Also I have to do it. It isn't like I can look at the map and think "hmmm...I think I can avoid that  hill by taking this side road?!" I mean I guess I could but you get my point. It helps some people to look at it and plan & for others it is a way to psych yourself out. Just my thought.

Well anyways here is how I finished. 2:05:57.



There were only 206 people in the half so out of everyone, not amazing, but hell I did it. Also this is my first half that I finished over 2 hours. Which is still a very good time but if I am being honest, it was kind of hard to accept and that's okay. I am glad I took my time at the end and it takes the pressure off to always PR now.

A 2 hour half is amazing and not every race needs to be speedy. I really like the idea of running forever so I think my brain needs to cool it on killing myself over pace and straining myself. I have to remember my bigger goals andddd just in case you were dying to know...

I want to PR the Door County half in May (My first repeat half marathon) and finish my first FULL marathon in November healthy, happy, and with a smile on my face.

Any one else??? running goals?!?! Spill 'em :)




8 comments:

  1. I still think that's pretty impressive! Can't wait to hear about more of your runs!
    I love reading running recaps...they seriously get me so motivated! THE SNOW IS NOT HELPING WITH MY MOTIVATION THOUGH! (obviously it's not helping with my mood either haha).

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    1. I love running recaps too!!! I wish I could read one everyday because they really make me want to tie up my shoes and go! On another note, the snow finally melted here! but it is still so cold :( We had a winter advisory yesterday...which ABSOLUTELY is not helping my mood either so I understand :)

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  2. That is amazing! Congrats girl :) Hubs and I were supposed to be running our first half April 29th, but he canceled it because he doesn't feel ready. He is super competitive where as I could care less! We will be doing one this year though. I am putting my foot down!

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    1. yay!!! I can't wait to read alll about it :)

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  3. Good Lawd you're a fast runner sister!

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    1. Aw spanks :) I just read all about your doctor visit. I know you must be a little down, but I am so excited to hear/read all about your comeback. That half one day will mean so much! Plus swimming and biking might be fun for a little while :) You motivate me girl with your awesome attitude!

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  4. Ok that time is my goal time on a good day on a flat course! I totally get that it can sting a little if it's not what you're used to, but looking at the elevation (holy crap!) I think you kind of rocked it. My next half is next month, originally I wanted to PR it but I'm not sure my body is going to cooperate with that plan after my recent marathon. Either way I know it will be fun!

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    1. ah the fun part is key right!!?? we all move and groove at different paces, on different days... all that matters is we get out there and run. I think I am going to start leaving my garmin at home more often :) it is nice to pr but I think listening to my body is starting to be more important. BTW I absolutely love to read all about your running :)

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