A mixed bag of NSVs

jennajoehro

So this morning I ran a 1/2 marathon here in Rochester. It was the second one I've ever done and it really was a mixed bag.

I was super nervous about this race because: I'd had strep throat TWICE in a month's time while I was training (not fun at all); we had a really snowy, blowy and cold winter (then again, we're upstate NY so it's not like this was a surprise, but it didn't help with running outside); and I really really wanted to finish with a better time than my first 1/2 back in September.

The race was difficult. I couldn't seem to find my rhythm at all. I'd have a good mile or two, then a rough 2-3 miles.

I developed blisters on both feet at about mile 5; my knee started complaining at about mile 9 (through a very famous, very HILLY cemetery in our area--Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony are buried in there); and I had some digestive issues during the last couple of miles.

All of those things did not add up to a better time than my first 1/2. I missed it by about a minute and a half.
But, there are a lot of good things that happened:

-It was an absolutely beautiful day for running: 50 degrees at the gun, barely any wind, sun shining. Compared to our monsoon like weather earlier this week (60 mph winds and awful rainstorms), the weather this morning was better than I could have ever expected.

-I trained my butt off this winter. I logged over 210 miles of running, which probably would have been even more had I not gotten sick so much. I also logged a lot of other cardio hours, including elliptical and stationary bike exercising.

-I successfully completed 3 months of eliminating the following foods from my diet while training:
soda pop, french fries, cookies, ice cream, cake, beef, eggs and cheese. I'm pretty proud of this, because I tend to be a "bored" and "stressed" eater. I can't wait to have a burger tonight to celebrate.

-I didn't poop (I know, TMI). I was having some bad cramps at about mile 11 and really started wondering if I was going to have to finish the race with one sock.

-I lost 6 lbs. during my training period, which is awesome. That's 6 extra lbs. I didn't have to lug around this morning!

All in all, I really don't want to be disappointed in myself for not having a PR. I don't think my time is a very good indication of the effort that I put in. I tried as hard as I was able, and everyone who knows me knows how hard I've been working all winter.

The "winning" that I listed above means a whole lot to me, and that's what I'm going to take away from this race.

keschuh79

You should be SO proud of yourself!

I twitch at the thought of doing a half marathon. The event itself (running 13.2 miles) doesn't bother me so much. Sure it's intimidating for a lowly 5-8k runner like myself but the training seems so much worse. 210 miles?? Holy crap, girl. That's amazing. I'm just afraid I'd be bored to tears.

BUT someday, I will commit to it. Why? Because I know it's such a worthwhile accomplishment to have. It just goes to show what the human mind is capable of. Because as we all know, it's our own self doubt that prevents these accomplishments from happening. Not our physical bodies.

I'll make sure to come to you for advice when my head's ready

PS- Way to go on keeping both your socks on your feet! That would be my biggest accomplishment for sure! LOL