Running my half marathon (13.1 miles)

I apologize in advance, this is long winded but I wrote it for me & wanted to remember what I was feeling so you get the long version ;D

Seven weeks ago I finished my second triathlon, BAM I posted about it a few posts ago. I was excited to accomplish my goal and was thinking about what I wanted to do next. I decided that a half marathon would be a good goal. I looked at the available races and decided that the SoJo Half was the one that I wanted to do. The only problem was that it was only 6 weeks away and I hadn't ran more than 4 miles ever. So I did the best thing I could think of... I asked my super savvy fitness junkie hubby for help. I told him what I wanted to do and how much time I had to get ready. He kindly wrote me a plan that would get me ready in time for my race.

During my training I ran a marathon relay and a friend said, "You must really love to run" My response: "No not really, I have to talk myself into it on every run and even then sometimes I hate it" Hmm so why am I running? It took me awhile to come up with an answer for that one. It is hard to put into words exactly why. It means something deep down that I don't have words for yet, but the simplest answer is I want to run because I can and because I can I will. I am so full of gratitude and appreciation that I CAN do this. That my body is physically capable of it. I love to accomplish goals. To decide in my mind that I want to do something and then create a plan and do it. Then to be able to set physical goals and accomplish them... I am amazed and awed at the human body and its potential!

Training was hard. I wanted to be prepared but I did not want to push too hard and end up injured and not be able to do my race. Long runs (7 miles and longer) the neuroma (tumor around a nerve) in my foot would ache and flare up. My ankle was sore from rolling it a few weeks before. Life is busy. We have dance, football and this year I am team mom & various other kid activities and commitments. But I wanted to reach this goal & I wanted it badly enough to stay committed and do the work. Plus when Josh takes his time to help me with the planning it strengthens my resolve to do it. He doesn't check on me but it somehow helps me feel more accountable for it.

Prep work done. Now for the test. Race day! Josh decided to run the half as well. We got ready and drove to the shuttle site. The race was to start in Copperton, a tiny town up by the Kennecott Copper Mine and finish in the river bottoms in South Jordan. We arrived at 6:40 the last bus was to leave at 7:15. I was surprised at how long the line was. There had to be close to 300 people in line. I was glad we had came early this could get messy. But no buses came. The first one came at 7:20 and quickly filled and left. The line hardly moved. We waited. Lots of people were grumbling and complaining. (What is it with me and standing next to a complaining lady psyching myself out before the start of a race?!) A couple people said they had it and that it wasn't worth it and left. We considered driving but were worried that they would not let us through- everyone was to be bused. So we waited & waited. Starting time came and went. Josh said they probably started because running races usually start on time. But then a race volunteer came by counting everyone in line and trying to call and find out what happened to the buses. She said "Don't worry they are holding the race, we will get you there!" Yeah! I was excited to start the race in a "mass start fashion." This was my first race and I was looking forward to the whole experience. Finally at 8:20 two buses came. We smashed 3-4 people a seat and the isle was crammed tight. Great fun for a lengthy 20 minute ride to the starting line. But we were on our way and anxious to get there. As we drove to Copperton we saw a pack of runners at mile 4. I was sad, got a little choked up. I had to have a chat with myself and get back on track so that I could run my race. Got out of the bus and started stretching. I thought that we would have a second mass start with the half of the runners who were on our 2 buses. It took me a few minutes to figure out that we just started whenever we were ready to go and our time started when we crossed the timing mat. Ugh! I stepped on that a few minutes ago stretching. So I turned on my garmin and started running.

Running downhill is nice. Can't train for it on a treadmill but very helpful to keep my pace moving along. I had a strange cramp in my right calf from mole 3 on. It wasn't a big deal and other than that I had no issues. My feet were strong and I was making great time. Beating even my shorter distance race times. Glen & Marye pulled along side me and cheered and took pictures around mile 8. It was fun to see them and feel their support. Marye ran with me for a few minutes and I laughed and enjoyed her support. Stacey, Emily & Porter waited to cheer further down the road. I ran a 9:30 pace up until mile 9. I did walk the aid stations and when I took a gel at mile 5 just like my hubby had told me to do. Even with that I was making a 9:30 pace. I was thrilled! At mile 9 my big toe on my left foot was killing. I stopped, took off my shoe & adjusted my sock. I was worried it was raw & did not want to see it so I put my shoe back on and ran. I ran on the grass in the park strip for a few minutes to soften the landing for my feet. I was afraid I would roll my ankle so I decided the flat road was probably the better choice. I slowed down a little bit but kept going until mile 10, had another gel & continued on. By mile 11 I was in the river bottoms and the downhill slope changed to a slight uphill. It felt good on my legs to not be going downhill and even though it was more work to run I was happy with the change.

Only 2.1 miles left! That is nothing! At least that is what I told myself to keep going. The last 2 miles I slowed more and alternated between a jog and a walk. A wonderfully sweet lady was doing the same and we talked each other into keeping it up. The finish line was in site. Hooray! The trail took us past the finish line a short distance and circled back. I had to fight the strong urge to cut through the grass and finish. I ran in, heard them call my name and saw my wonderful hubby and friends waiting & cheering me on at the finish. Hooray! I finished! Josh reminded me to stop my garmin and kept me walking for a few minutes so I didn't collapse.

My time 2:13:36 I did it and I beat my goal by 16 and a half minutes! I told myself I would be happy with anything less than 2:30. Secretly I wanted to run under 10 minute miles and finish around 2:10 but I didn't think that was realistic. Four months ago I couldn't run a 1/4 mile, 6 weeks ago 4 miles was my longest run and that included walking time. But I did it. I prepared for my race and I ran it well. I am thrilled! I am full of gratitude for my hubby who knows me and helped me prepare. Without his help I wouldn't have been able to do it.

I am sore. My toe is blistered, my abs feel bruised and my leg muscles are just about useless. They hurt to touch. I keep laughing. I am so grateful! My joints are strong, there is no inflammation. The kids watch me hobble and ask if I am ok. I swallow hard and try not to cry because I am so grateful. I remember when my muscles hurt this bad in addition to excruciating joint pain, fatigue & depression. I have been so greatly blessed in my life. I am overcome with joy at being able to walk and move let alone run a half marathon. So do I love to run?... I guess I do. Why? Because I CAN!


Thank you for your love & support. Thank you everyone who worked so hard to put the SoJo race together. This was the first year. What a huge undertaking! The course was great. The roads were swept and clean, traffic was stopped and volunteers were great. A great day to accomplish a goal & a memory I will cherish!