Not the best plan…

But I just HAD to do it. 

I ran the Tacoma City Half marathon and it was, well…painful.

I tried to DNF the whole time.  My brain was having a battle with my body.  My body wanted to quit. It was screaming at me.  My calves were on FIRE.  My quads and hams were tight.  My feet were even like, "Seriously?  What are you doing to us?”  But my brain?  It was like, “Come on, you can do 13.1.  You just did 26.2, 13.1 is like nothing.”  Then my body was like, “EXACTLY,  you just did 26.2 dummy.  THAT is why you should DNF.” Then my brain was like, “It’s not that bad or your pace wouldn’t be what it is.” Then my body was like, “Well, brain, YOU are in charge of that.” and then my brain was like “Fine.  We’ll slow down (see mile 10-12) but you will not quit.”  And my body was like, “Ah.  Thank you.” And thus, today I finished a half marathon.

I think I could have used a bit more recovery, to include some sort of jogging since last Sunday.  Lesson learned: recovery jogs must be good for something.  Oh well, I finished AND I got the other half to my medal!

How do you like that?  Totally worth it.

AN the RB and I ran this race last year together, it was my reigning PR until Mercer Island came along.  Today we ran together for about 6.5 miles.  I could tell she was doing amazing and having a great running day (and she finished with 1:54!!  Should have stuck with her for another PR!).  I on the other hand, had  WW III going on inside my head.  AN the RB left me reluctantly and I watched her newly cut pony tail swish away in front of me.  I had my eye on her for about a mile then she slipped away.

Me and AN the RB 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me and AN the RB 2010

 

 

 

 

I was curious to see how I felt running a half after running a full.  I was quickly reminded that the half is no small feat.  It is a respectable distance.  I drank and ate my GU chomps, it didn’t seem to help.  My muscles were just straight up toast.  At mile 8 I saw my Little Buddy and Jessica (my official Race Crew).  They cheered me on and as always I was pumped to see them! 

Since it was an out an back for a few miles I got to High 5 AN the RB as she headed the other way and I caught my Official Race Crew again around mile 10 or so.  My Little Buddy is getting the hang of this cheering business! “Go mommy! Go!” was his chant this time.

Once I gave in and finally slowed down I felt ok but wouldn’t you know it, mile 11-12 is pretty much straight up. Check out this elevation:

Thank you for the flat miles 6.5 to 11. 

The finish is downhill, which is awesome.  When I neared the finish line I could see the HUGE finish clock and saw it said 2:00.13 and I thought, “Oh snap!  I could maybe get a sub 2 depending on how long it took me to cross the start.  But I am NOT about to get over 2!” so i started booking it and I crossed the line at 2:00.33 G. Money time (official results aren’t in yet).  We will see if I got a 1:59.59 or something like that.

And here are few more pics for your viewing enjoyment:

This was a rough and tough run but I think it was also a confidence booster.  I am happy with my time given how miserable , sluggish and tired I felt.  I could feel my inner competitive side coming through today.  I have been noticing her lately and she is becoming more and more persistent.  This could be trouble!

So I think it is time for a couple of weeks of easy jogging and cross training.  Then I will  hit the speed work hard with my Running Consultant!  More on that to come!

Today I am grateful for:

My Official Race Crew, Jessica.  Without her I am pretty sure I would not be able to run hardly any of these races.  So thank you…two breakfasts  two days in a row hardly repays you for your help!