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!!
Way to go John! On top of everything you do for your home, you were able to train for a 1/2 marathon and rocked it! I’m always impressed by how much you are able to squeeze into a day.
Congratulations! I ran that race last year – very fun. Richmond offered great crowd support. I also got some free beer & gummy worms along the way from a cool Richmond-er (?). Sorry about the rain but cheers to you for running anyway!
Hi Emma! The beer was from the Richmond Hash House Harriers! Serving up small cups of carbs for marathons all over the world at mile 22 is one of our acts of service to fellow runners who have gone too far without one. :)
Maybe your next step should be a 25k! I can’t run that far anymore (darn knees), but my dad has said that he feels there’s a big step between a half marathon and a 25k, and then another huge step between 25k and marathon.
Congratulations John. Its a momentous occasion and I am sure you are very proud of yourself. Fingers crossed and a heart full of prayer that you will be able to run the marathon next year. A little sad to see that sherry wasn’t there to cheer you on or at least drop you off & pick you up especially since she has started driving. Maybe she had obligations she couldn’t get away from?
She wanted to come, but I insisted that she stay home. Between having to watch Clara in the rain and managing her morning sickness I felt better knowing she was at home, rather than worrying she was stuck in traffic trying to keep her breakfast down. Maybe next year!
-John
J: Congrats! I wanted to do that race,but time and distance didn’t allow (I’m in boston) I’m running Boston Marathon… my second marathon! I love half marys! Job well done
Congrats, John! I love the half marathon distance and your finish time is awesome. I’ve been a pace group leader for a couple races and it’s such a rewarding experience to cheer everyone on in your pace group (a lot of times the race coordinators will comp your entry fee too for being a pacer!). Good luck on training for a full; it was really tough training on my body, hopefully you fare better!
That’s awesome! I’m not your typical runner, but a few times over the past three years I’ve trained to do 5Ks. I’m incredibly slow, but that feeling of crossing the line is amazing. I love seeing people in adaptive stroller pass, too. I most recently did the Halloween Zoo Run Run, and the best costume was a man in a wheelchair dressed as a tortoise, and the man pushing him was the hare. They easily passed me! My 5-year-old daughter ran the 1/4-mile race and now seems hooked! Congrats!
CONGRATS! Great time! I have run one full, three kids and 13 years ago, and 10 half marathons. Do a full! It is worth it. But, don’t let anyone tell you it is just like running two half marathons! I hope to one day run another when I have the time to devote to training.
Congrats! I’m training for a half marathon in December, though my goal isn’t near as awesome as your time: I want 2:25 or better. Actually, I *need* 2:25 or better because I’m trying to qualify for next year’s Pikes Peak Ascent, a thirteen mile “race” from the bottom to the top of Pikes Peak. Okay, so it’s more like a fast hike, but getting 2:25 would be a PR for me so I hope I can do it! ::crosses fingers::
Oh man, that Pikes Peak “race” sounds killer. Good luck!
-John
Congrats on finishing and on the great time! I just ran my first full after 2 half marathons. I will describe why you can do it based on what someone told me: “If you can run a half, you can run a full…you’ve run 13, and anything after 20 is just horrible anyways…so you just have to run 7 more miles than you’ve already done.” It makes no sense, but somehow it still convinced me to do it. :)
Ha! That sounds like pretty solid runner logic to me. :)
-John
Congrats! I just finished my second half marathon in a little over 2 and half hours. I seem to remember an earlier post of yours that talked about irregularly running, so I was wondering what kind of training you put in for this half marathon or if it was more “I ran how far my legs felt like they wanted to.” I’m more in the first camp, but I have friends who run much more than I who do the latter “plan.” Again, congrats!
I’m definitely more in the latter “plan.” I try to run with some consistency, but usually it’s all about how much time I’ve got and how much energy my body feels like dedicating to it that particular day. So my “training” for this was really just me pushing myself hard on a couple of runs to feel like it was in the realm of possibility. I always tell myself I’m going to follow a plan, but never stick to it… :(
-John
It is DEFINITELY a sign…go for it! I will participate…vicariously through you. ;-)
Great job John! I have done many races around and a half marathon is definitely an accomplishment!
May I recommend a training program? Run Less, Run Faster: a FIRST Training Program. I’ve done many other programs and I love the structure of this one, plus you’re only running 3 days per week. Best of all, I dropped 10 minutes off my half marathon time!
Good luck!
Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to check it out!
-John
Congrats! I did two half marathons before my first full one- I just ran 26.2 in Chicago in October. I used the Hansen’s plan- which involves medium-length runs 5 days a week, and one semi-long one, but I felt so prepared to run all of it, by the time I was done.
Did you guys have a jogging stroller with Clara? Is that something you might consider with the new baby?
For when Clara’s older- I’m involved with a national nonprofit called Girls on the Run- it’s basically a running and friendship club after school for girls in elementary and middle school- they train for a 5k at the end of the year, but they also talk about self-confidence and making friends and being nice to people. You can check out the Richmond chapter here:
We do have a jogging stroller that I haven’t used with Clara in a long while, just since she’s old enough to only enjoy being strapped in for so long. :) But I definitely plan to use it for the new baby. And my cousin helps run a Girls on the Run program up in Northern Virginia so I’m definitely hoping Clara would be interested in something like that down the line.
-John
Yes, I agree – I think it is a sign! From a fellow runner, I highly recommend doing the full. As long as you train, you will be fine. I second the Hal Higdon training schedule. Finishing a full is an awesome feeling!!! Congrats, and keep running!
Awesome and great job!!! How often and for how long do you run? I just started the C25k program (coach potato to 5K if you never heard of it). I’m not sure what the typical schedule is for a runner and if i’m pushing myself too much or not enough. I do love it but am a little discouraged that i’ll never be able to actually run for 30 minutes straight. I also run on a treadmill, for now. Do you have any tips for a beginner!!
I don’t run with much regularity these days, but thanksfully having about 12 years of doing it casually behind me has made it easier for to sort of pick up and go anytime without too much difficulty. When I started back in college I remember it was quite a victory to run more than 20 minutes!
My biggest tips are to find something that makes the time pass. For me it’s usually listening to music, but it’s also running an interesting route or running with a buddy to talk with. I know lots of people are proponents of trying to stay in tune with your body and breath, but I find distraction works best for me!
-John
Liz O.,
I just finished the C25k program by running my first 5k last Saturday (same day as John ran his half mary). My goals when I signed up for the race were to a) not die, b) finish, and c) not be dead last. I finished in 37:00 minutes, 12th overall and 3rd in my age group. When I first started, I never believed I would be able to complete a 5k.
Stick with the program, do what it says, even when you feel like you could do more, and you will be able to do it. I don’t know what week you are at, but it became much easier to me when the intervals stopped and it was just running straight through. Rest in between running days is important, I think.
Don’t be discouraged if you have a bad day. Some days are just going to be bad running days. Just try to improve on your time or distance the next run.
I trained with a friend and I must say, if it hadn’t been for him, I don’t know that I would have finished. He was great motivation to show up on run days when I would have rather sleep in.
Other tips: Get good shoes, they make a world of difference. Sign up for a 5k. It will give you a goal to work toward.
Hope this helps and good luck!!!
And congrats to you, John! A half-marathon is awesome!!!
Thanks for the tips John! I run on the treadmill so my “scenery” is a dingy basement. I do find that netflixing Britcoms makes the time go by easier. I’m currently watching “the IT crowd”
I just have to keep up with it is the key I think.
And I love the buddy run componenet of the race, it made me cry thinking how sweet it is that ppl do that!
Thanks again!
Yeah, I can’t do the treadmill very well. I think some people are programmed for it and I’m just not one of them. I start to get stir crazy after a mile! :)
-John
I am one that is programmed for it! I never minded doing it or the elliptical for long periods of time. Half the time i have to make myself stop. But I’m not one to ever go to a fitness class, and ppl enjoy that!
@Cristy A. – I fell of track and am redoing week 2 (I really just begun but go side tracked by a wedding and activities leading up to it). I think I keep wanting a formula for how to do it and what is the right amount of rest. I guess I should listen to my body!!! Do you ever do weight training? I got a jfit body bar and want to start a regime with that to build up the muscle. Thoughts? Thanks for the tips and congrats on running your fist 5k! That is awesome :) (and i would always rather sleep in, i have accepted i’ll never get out of bed to run, I do it after my baby is asleep! good for you getting up early to do it!)
Liz,
No, I haven’t done any weight training. But I think any sort of strengthening of the muscles would definitely help with running. The only other thing I do is Zumba. I have been doing that for almost 2 years and running for only about 5 months. I think Zumba helped prepare my legs and my overall endurance, but overall, I just remember thinking, wow, I thought I was in pretty good shape from Zumba and this running is kicking my bum!
For a little extra inspiration, check out some friends of mine that take assisted races to a new level:
2014 is going to be the year of the half for me. Fingers crossed I feel as good as you did!
Such a great story!
-John
Awesome job, John! I am in the midst of training for my first half at the end of February so I love reading about your experience. Like you said, I just want to be able to say it’s something I’ve done successfully! Big high-five to you!
You should try the Virginia 10 miler next year! (). We had some friends from Richmond visit this past weekend and as we were driving around Lynchburg they asked if anything was flat!
Ha! I have the same fear of the hills in the Charlottesville 10 miler!
-John
Congratulations!!! I ran my first half marathon in April 2013, and my first full marathon in October 2013! I never ever thought I could do either. I was never a runner in high school or college (I was in marching band!) but I met my co-worker and she inspired me to just give it a try. I used Hal Higdon’s training program for both and was amazed that I could actually do it!! My half was a struggle, I went out too fast at the beginning and hit a major wall at mile 9 and had to walk most of the last 4 miles, but I did finish! For the marathon I was determined to not make the same mistake, and it went super well! I ran almost the whole way. There was a pretty tough run/walk section between mile 18 and 20, but I made it through and was able to run the last 6 miles! You just have to pick a training program and stick to it! It’s a big time commitment (hours on weekend runs, as much as 8 -10 miles on one weekday for about a month) but it’s so worth the feeling of accomplishment at the end!! Go for it, you won’t regret it!!!
Way to go John!! I have always found that Body Glide on my feet keeps the blisters away during long races. Like, All over – even between the toes. (I’ve heard it helps with the nipple-chafe problem too, although I’ve never had to test that one out.) Happy Running!
I was blister free this time around (despite wet feet from the rain), so that was a big relief. Wish I could say my chest area fared as well… :)
-John
Congratulations John!! As someone who has completed a few 5k’s, I find you (and this post) very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve started training for a half kind of on a whim/sisterly peer pressure. I’m not sure if it will actually happen but the prospect is kind of exciting and terrifying. Considering I’m not a runner at all.
This couldn’t have come at a better time… I am running my first half on Sunday! Your post boosted my excitement! I would LOVE to finish under 2 hours (great job!), but I’m not putting any pressure on myself and the real goal is to finish :)
CONGRATS! What a great accomplishment!!!!!
Cnogratulations! I am doing a lil ole 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving but hopefully will work myself up to a half marathon and full marathon one day…
Congratulations John! I must admit – you flew by me around mile 4 (right before the u-turn and the dreaded rain) and it was all I could do not to say hello and make a small scene. Instead I started worrying that somehow I had gotten off-pace. Luckily I hadn’t! I came in a few minutes behind you and around my goal time of 1:58ish. I’ve run over 10 half marathons, but this was my first Richmond. I highly recommend it to anyone considering the race!
Ha! Thanks for describing my pace as “flew by.” I should probably pay that term forward to all the people who were passing me right at the end. I’m thinking maybe trying the Charlottesville 10-miler next spring. Although, it may be a bit close to a certain someone’s due date…
-John
You did fly by – your pace and form looked great! Most importantly, you looked like you were having fun.
I would definitely recommend the Charlottesville 10 Miler. Although it is hilly, it’s also a great race that always supports a wonderful charity (it rotates every year). Plus, it’s fun to run through old stomping grounds.
Since this year’s race is probably a little too close to a certain someone’s due date (not naming names or anything), you should mark your calendar for 2015!
You definitely should come west to run the Charlottesville Ten Miler! It’s a fantastic race. If you liked the pizza at Richmond, there’s a doughnut stop in the Ten Miler! I think you’d have a great time!
John, if you’re looking for another 1/2 for next year, the inaugural Rock ‘n Roll half in Raleigh, NC is coming up in April. Congrats on a race well run! Here’s the link to that race: If you haven’t run a rock ‘n roll race you need to; they’re fun!
Great job, John! I ran the Philly Half last weekend, and I can definitely say that the half-marathon is where it’s at! :)
If you do decide to go for a full marathon, I second Lizzy’s suggestion to try the Hal Higdon’s beginner training schedule. I used it for my full 10 years ago (when I was 19). Full marathons definitely need more time to train for, but if you’re game, go for it!
Congrats to you! I was actually signed up to do the Richmond marathon with my husband but we opted about 5 months ago to continue our weight training workout program instead (2 hr workouts and 9 hour workdays don’t leave much time for running). I have ran 3 half marathons, 2 last year. It actually looks like the weather was a pretty comfortable temp for you, despite the rain. :)
John, first– congrats on your 1/2 marathon! Impressive! And second– thanks for the shout out for the Inclusive Racing teams. I was there to cheer for Team Kara and Team Alex, both of whom are friends of mine. It’s an AMAZING group that is just starting up in Richmond, if anyone is looking for a group to support with donations/contributions, you couldn’t ask for a better business to support. They fund-raise for the team and then donate the jogging strollers to the athlete.
Hopefully we’ll see you out on course next spring!
So great to hear. It really was the highlight of my race.
-John
Hey John! Great time on your half! ESP one that was barely trained for. You’re a true runner for sure. I did my fist marathon in 2006 in 5:09. I trained to do abt 4:30, but it was the hubs and I’s 1 year anniversary and his gift to me was crossing the finish line together, so we stuck together. In 2010 I did the San Fran half in 2:11, but i was 7 wks pregnant, so pushing myself was out of the question. Both of those were through team in training, an amazing training organization to get involved in. In Feb I did my first half for ‘me’ post baby and training hard. I did tues as my sprint days and ran .25 to .5 sprints as fast as I could manage, took a minute break, and repeated for 5 miles. On Thursdays I did tempo runs of 1 mile warm ups, 3-4 miles of pushing it hard, and 1 mile cool down. Those T/Th runs were HARD, but it felt good to push my body and I got stronger and faster. Saturday/Sunday I did long runs. I finished the half in Feb at 1:50 (st. Pete, fl) and just finished the savannah half a few weeks ago in 1:46:03. Halts are fun bc I can ‘race’. I did the one full and can honestly say I wouldn’t do another. I like the mental challenge of pushing myself to better each half time and making my body stronger vs finishing a marathon and beating my body up. Just a fellow runners two cents! Sorry for the long comment, I just wish someone would’ve told me abt sprints and tempo runs helping so much sooner! Best of luck with future runs!
Thanks for the tips! Now that I don’t have a distance run in my near future, I like the idea of working on my speed a bit. So maybe I’ll mix some of those into my running!
-John
Congratulations, John!! What a beautiful route, too! It’s always been a dream of mine to run a marathon, but after many years of sports & ruined knees, I’ll have to settle for living vicariously through the joy of others finishing their races, lol. I think it’s definitely a sign that the full marathon falls on your b-day….so ‘ll be rooting for ya to go for “full crazy” next year!! :0)
Congrats! Lots to be proud of, including a great time! I did my 2nd 1/2 marathon on my 31st birthday last year, but sadly didn’t break my 2-hr goal. The best part is that you get to eat as much cake as you want, and not feel guilty :-)
Amen to the cake part!
-John
Congratulations! As someone who just ran my first full (and maybe my only one), I say having cake as a motivation for after the race would be a great idea! I firmly believe if you run consistently, as it seems you do, you can train for a full if your only goal is to finish, so good luck if you do decide to do it. Although I plan to go back to the half distance since it’s more “fun” and less “I feel like my legs are dying” the next day. :)
Congrats, John! That is a big accomplishment for sure, I’m still just a 5k girl (for now…I’m moving up to a 10k in Jan, yikes!). Best of luck on future runs, a birthday marathon could be pretty fun!