WifeMomRunner: 3rd Half Marathon Completed!

I finished my third half marathon today! My first was in February of this year so I was anxious to see what a difference 8 months would make.

My first half marathon was at Folly Beach in February. I trained for it but not as consistently as I should have, and had no clue what I was getting myself into! My longest run was 10 miles one time 2 weeks prior to the race. It was a flat course so I thought it wouldn't be too bad....I thought wrong. It was humid, rainy, and windy (I don't "do" humidity...at all). That plus my inexperience made it a difficult race to complete. But, I finished in about 2:33. My husband reminded me today that after I finished my first half, I was glad I had done it but didn't intend to EVER do it again...but I couldn't resist.

Me and Katie about to run our first half marathon!

My second half marathon was in Greer in April. Training was going pretty well but it was tougher this time around since I was doing it myself. A month before the race I ended up in the ER with gallstones, and I had surgery a week later. Needless to say I missed some crucial training and my longest run was 9 miles...but, I still intended to give it my all! My goal went from "PR" to "finish." But, I did PR and finished in 2:25:43. I was so excited and this time, I knew I'd do it again...though I swore I'd NEVER run a marathon.

Justin, Len and I after the Greer Earth Day half marathon.

So, that brings me to my third half marathon today. I was pretty sure I'd have a PR since I have stepped up my training and speed these last few months, but I wasn't sure what to expect. I hoped for 2:15. I really was not feeling it this morning. The race didn't start until 8:40 (we are typically finishing our long run at 8:40), I knew I had drank too much coffee that morning (couldn't resist when they upgraded my coffee size...I did throw it away before I finished, but I still drank too much!), and I haven't been sleeping well lately (so tired!!). But I was excited to get out there and do it. 8:40 finally came and Len and I lined up at the start line (note our 3rd teammate decided not to run in the race; I'm pretty sure he was afraid of losing to me...BUT Len did see him out there so at least he ran this morning!). Len was shooting for sub 2 hours. Even though I did a lot of trash talking to him yesterday (he started it, as usual) I knew that would be nearly impossible for me.

We started out at a really fast pace (for us) and I began to get worried around miles 3 & 4...could I really keep this up for 13.1 miles?? There was no way... I stayed with Len until around mile 6 and unfortunately I had to stop for a walk break.

Miles 6-9 were absolutely brutal for me. I had to stop and walk 2 more times. I got water or Gatorade as often as I could but still felt dehydrated. The sun was hot and I wasexhausted.

I hit mile 9 and saw the clock and was shocked...I could still easily hit my goal! I had a new found determination...I was not stopping anymore (even though I knew there were still more hills to go). I wanted to stop so badly several times but pushed through. I saw the 12 mile marker and got really excited - 1 more mile!! No problem! I looked at my watch and knew I was doing well...I finished in 2:05:30!! Woo hoo! I couldn't believe it.

I also have to say how proud I am of my teammate who finished in 1:59:30! He got sub 2 hours! Awesome.

Now I try to forget the "what ifs"...what if I wouldn't have walked? What if I would have drank more water? What if I started out a little slower and then picked up my pace (we typically have negative splits)? BUT I am going to forget all that and just be happy for a great run!

Next Saturday we try for our first 20 mile run...yikes!!! For now, I'm planning to rest for the afternoon before having some fun w/ my BFF tonight!