As you , on Saturday I ran the .
It was actually my second half marathon, but the first was six years ago (pre-blog and pre-wedding!) so it’s not like I was an old pro or anything. Especially considering that first half marathon was very tough for me, despite training for it (I finished in 1 hour, 52 minutes, and with several blisters).
But after this September, I had the confidence to push myself towards another half marathon – a goal that’s been in the back of my mind for years now, partly just to prove to myself that I could run one with more success (i.e. less discomfort). So on Halloween morning I pushed myself and churned out 12.5 miles, which sealed the deal that I wanted to officially attempt 13.1 again. That, plus another 12 miler last weekend, were the confidence boost that I needed.
Race day had enough little hiccups to potentially throw me off my game. I left the house later than I meant to. I had trouble finding parking. It was raining. So I arrived at the start wet and with just 7 minutes to go. Yikes. But in spite of all that… I HAD A GREAT RACE.
My run was challenging, but not painful. I didn’t stop once, despite needing a few stretching breaks on my practice runs. I hit my main goal (just finish) and even my secondary goal (finish in under 2 hours). And in spite of the weather, there were lots of spirited spectators and inspiring athletes along the way. I was particularly touched by seeing a few teams from along the way. They’re a group that helps those with disabilities experience the race by pushing them in adaptive strollers (I’m borrowing some of their language here). They even had the name of the racer pinned to their stroller so we could cheer them on by name. Just one of the many reasons I love doing events like these.
Things did get a bit tough around mile 11, but I forged ahead knowing there wasn’t much further (and thank goodness the finish is downhill!). Finishers were given a medal and a fleece blanket to keep warm after the race. Once home, Clara basically claimed both as her own. She told me the medal was “sooo pretty” and she kissed it, also commenting that it’s like the medal that Wreck-It Ralph has. She has also slept with the blanket the last two nights.
As accomplished as the medal made me feel, I really was just happy to have some pizza. I’m used to getting bagels or bananas at the end of a race, but this piece of pepperoni pie was like a slice of heaven to me (though in retrospect it’s a bit bedraggled looking).
I finished the race in just over 1 hour and 54 minutes, just 2 minutes slower than my 2007 time. And for anyone interested in the course (and familiar with Richmond), here’s the map from my Nike+ app. It was a pretty nice (and relatively flat!) course that actually mimicked a lot of that we all did this summer as a family.
With this race having gone so well, I definitely want to tackle another half marathon sometime in the next year (just to see if I can do any better… or to see if maybe this one was just a fluke). I know the obvious question now is if I’ll try to run a full marathon. My confidence isn’t there yet, but I wouldn’t be mad if my body was ready to run the Richmond Marathon next November. It falls right on my birthday, actually. Could it be a sign?
Hi John! Thanks for the shout out to Inclusive Racing! I ran the half with them last Saturday (Team Reagan) and it was an amazing experience. Congrats on your great race! Sportsbackers runs a very helpful training team if you do decide to do the full.;)
That’s awesome Kara! I’m such a fan of what you guys do. Such a great organization.
-John
I don’t run. Ever. At all. I am exhausted just reading this post! Congrats and great job :) I think my husband would love it if i ran with him. Do you ever manage to get Sherry to go running with you?
Sherry ran track and cross country in middle school/high school but then had an ankle injury so I can’t quite get her back into it. She and Clara are pretty great cheerleaders though. And I do dream of running with Clara someday.
-John
Congrats!! I am following a half marathon training program right now. I ran my first 10K on MY birthday this past May, and I really must recommend the birthday run- it felt pretty cool
Whoa, whoa – there was pizza?! I was too jazzed about the blankets to notice I’m sure, but that looks amazing! Congrats on the race – a soggy but fun one for sure. Sugar shack smells wafting by at mile 11ish = heaven.
Oh yeah, right at the end of the line was pizza! Such a surprise.
-John
Congrats, John! Great job and time! My son ran the full marathon and my daughter-in-law rather the half. She finished in 1 hour, 55 minutes, right behind you. We had a great time cheering on the runners. And we weren’t even tired at the end! Keep up the good running!
Thanks Linda! Congrats to your daughter in law! And thanks for cheering!
-John
It’s the next logical step in a runner’s life, and yes, I used “runner” and “logical” in one sentence. I’ve done three and I won’t lie, they’re hard. The body hurts, but it is the mental struggle that wears one down. You can absolutely do it. Try Hal Higdon’s beginner training schedule. It helps prepare the body for the pounding, but doesn’t over-tax the legs.
Congrats on another Half!
I am reading the Hal Higdon’s now! Good tip. Only good things come from ppl name Liz :) thanks!
Thanks for the Hal HIgdon resources, Lizzy!
Congrats! That’s no small accomplishment! I’ve found the best way to improve running times is to train with a group. Getting that extra motivation & support from others makes all the difference when pushing through speed intervals, tempos, and long runs!
Congratulations! I ran my first half a month ago, and it was an incredibly emotional but rewarding experience! My time was in the 1:57 range, so your 1:54 amazes me!! 13 miles might not be a full marathon, but it’s no joke! It’s a distance to be respected, and definitely takes some time to recover from. Great job!
Great job! I’ve tried to get into running so many times and even committed to training for a half marathon but just a month in I ended up with a stress fracture :( I’m afraid it’s not in my cards.
Way to go! The same 8 miler gave me the push to do the half marathon 2 years ago, and then again last year as well. Couldn’t quite get the training runs in this year. Feels pretty awesome when you have a hard run one day to be able to tell yourself “I can do 13.1; I can push through this tough run too!” Good luck if you ever go for the full.
You’re inspirational, John! Congratulations on meeting your 2 goals, and good luck if you ever decide on the full marathon. Somehow, you seem so self-disciplined, that it seems logical that this is a sport that attracts you…
That’s amazing! Congrats! I would have needed more than one slice of pizza, though…
Awesome job, John!! I’m a half-marathoner myself and although I’m not a very fast runner, I sure do LOVE running! One of my best friends lives in Richmond, so perhaps I’ll visit him and give this half a try next year.
I also love that you dream of running with Clara. I don’t have kids yet, but that’s something that will be super important to me when I do. My parents were healthy weights, but they weren’t athletic at all and although they’d have “spurts” of motivation to take walks or go to the gym, it means something different to be raised around people that you can really watch engaging in a healthy lifestyle. I really want that for my kiddos!
I wonder if there are any kid’s races near you guys? Sometimes they do short (like 200 meters short) races for the littlest ones. Then Clara could have her very own medal!
Try this one! . They occur all over the east coast and are spreading to other parts if the country.
My 4 year old son has run this series for the last three seasons. It’s so fun to watch his understanding of competition, sportsmanship, and self-discipline develop – along with his confidence.
Congrats on finishing the half. My sister and I ran our first full on Saturday. Nice course and awesome crowd support. Whoever came up with the idea for the fleece blankets at the end is a genius!
Congrats – there’s nothing like the sense of accomplishment after running a race! In Louisville, the half and full marathoners run together until about mile 12 and then the course veers in different directions. I can’t imagine taking the turn to the full one because I’m so excited to have one mile left:) Great job, John!!