Capital City Half Marathon 2011

First blog post for my new running blog.  A month after race day to boot.  Let's see how much I can remember.

Back story

I had trained 20 weeks with MIT.  My friend, Vicky, talked me into MIT.  I thought 13 miles was too much, it was going to be too cold.  I wanted to sign up for the 5K program.  There I said it, my only running goal was to be able to run 3.1 miles.  Part 2, I wanted to do it in 30 minutes {eventually}

My first run was in mid-December, 14 degrees in ice and snow.  I couldn't complete the entire 2 miles without walking.  Major blow to the ego.  I was so upset at myself, I came home the next day, ran 2 on my tread without stopping.

Race Day - May 7, 2011

I was dying of anticipation, but not nervous.  I got up, ate a bagel and banana, drank some powerade.  I had everything ready, so it was easy.  I headed downtown to meet up with MIT.  Still--not nervous, just ready to get it over with.

My husband was going to be there, that made me happy.  He was bringing my kids (3 year old twin boys), that made me nervous.  As much as I wanted them there, they can be a handful.  They hate the stroller most of the time and think that they are independent enough to make their own decisions.  Crowds make me break a sweat.  I was afraid that he would lose one, literally.  Just because we have 2 that look alike, doesn't mean that one is a spare. :)

Here are Louden & Keegan before I seen them.  Jason ordered them some special shirts as a surprise to me.  

Here's the link:  Cafe Press. 

I'm not sure about this photo, it's pretty strange.  I'm not fast, so I can't explain this stance.  I was trying to slow down to hug them, but without really slowing down until I got to them.  This was right at mile 8.  Jason told me where he'd be, so I was sure to take out my earbuds so I wouldn't miss him.  

Speaking of missing them, my friend Sara, was there to cheer me on at Mile 4.5.  I almost missed her because I was jamming too loud.  The funny part, I was half embarrassed that I *thought* I had just seen her and the spectators were screaming and waving at someone else.  I ducked my head and got back into my angry music.  Fortunately, a runner in front of me got my attention.  Sara was screaming and running aside, I gave her a sweaty hug and smiled from ear to ear.

Here I am at Mile 13, rounding the corner to the finish.  I felt great.  2 mile hill and I was passing people.  I remember thinking "I did this" and "I could do more" and "I wonder if Marie will want to do a full".    

Here's Marie, one of my very BFFs.  Over drinks in late December, she said "maybe I'll train with you".  I sent her my plan, she followed to a T, alone.  This girl has major balls {figuratively}.  

This is one of my favorite pictures.  It's not flattering, there is nothing special about it, but this is what happy looks like.  It was here that we started discussing our game plan for the next race. I was hooked.

Here I am with my boys.  It took me 3 tries to get to my knees.  ha!  I finally got a look at their shirts.  LOVE them and LOVE that Jason did that all on his own.  He also surprised me with a 13.1 sticker for my ride.  I had the ah-ha moment when I realized *THIS* is why he insisted bringing the boys here.  In retrospect, I'm glad he did.   

The Details

The course: shown HERE 

I have zero sense of direction, most of the time I wasn't really sure where in Columbus I was

My bib: 5874

My chip time: 2:40, 12:15 pace, 13.1 miles

My Garmin time: 2:40:26, 12:08, 13.22 miles

515/627 in my age group

2782/3502 overall

My splits:

1 - 11:59

2 - 11:41

3 - 12:02

4 - 12:22

5 - 11:56

6 - 12:34

7 - 12:36

8 - 12:41

9 - 12:07

10 - 11:48

11 - 12:12

12 - 12:03

13 - 12:07

What I learned:

2 GU Roctanes, 3 miles apart are a bit much

Overall--I couldn't be happier.  I did something that I never imagined I could.  I fulfilled a dream I didn't know I had.  who knew?  I'm a runner.  Me--the girl that took 13 minutes to run 1 mile in high school including time to sit down in the middle.  I did this and I WILL DO IT AGAIN!