Here's a couple things I didn't include in my novel of a race report:
My Lululemon arm warmers (I was going to link them but they aren't on the website anymore) were awesome! I wasn't even sure if they would stay up but they did and I loved them. Super soft and super warm. Eventually I pushed them down and I stayed cool even though half my arm was still covered.
For my next half (and there will be one!) I need to make more of an effort to take in everything, including my surroundings. I think I missed some pretty sights and fun things on the course because I tend to look down at the ground due to my fear of stepping on something and rolling my ankle again.
Loving that my knees don't hurt. They never did. I'm only sore in my quads and a little in my lower back. Definitely need to do some core work.
It started to rain pretty good once I crossed the finish line and I guess since I was no longer in motion I got pretty cold. Cold as in my lips were blue!
Minimal training in the last month or so before this race is reflected in my official time. I know this is my first race and it was a difficult course and I should be happy and I am but the 2:41 is knawing at me. I know I can do better.
I'm already looking for another half. Next time it'll be on a flat course though :)
I'm glad the experience left you wanting for more. I remember feeling so wiped out after that one that I was sort of worried about doing that again. Just gotta get back into the swing of things in training and you'll be fine. And any other course will seem like a stroll in the garden compared to that one.
ReplyDeleteLisa, of course the 2:41 is gnawing at you! Of course you can run a half faster (have you looked at your splits for, say, your 10 mile run? You can totally run sub 2:20, is my guess). But! That was a tough course, on a tough day, with hills that you were unfamiliar with running. Remember I told you my first half was something like 2:53? Yeah, a slow time, but I felt like a damn rock star when I ran my second at 2:22. You'll feel the same with your next race, which will surely be a new PR. Don't beat yourself up (too much) about it. The fact that you enjoyed the experience AND WANT TO DO ANOTHER is what's important, here. And the fact that you're not hurting also says volumes about the shape you're in.
ReplyDeleteFind the next one (flat!) and go out there and prove to yourself that you're the awesome runner I already know you are. (lecture=off)
I know what you mean about taking it all in. I think I have running amnesia. I remember waiting around before the start, the start line, and then nothing much after that. I am honestly amazed that I can't remember anything about the course or things I saw while running races.
ReplyDeleteHow weird is that?
I have to echo the above comment. My first half was a 2:37 and I was disappointed. But after having done a 3rd half and improved my time by 20 minutes...I'm basking in the glow of my recent PR. And you will too after the next one!!
ReplyDeleteThe better we do means that PR'ing will be harder and harder to come by. I for one will enjoy this while it lasts. :)
So glad you want to come back for more! Once you start it is hard to stop.
ReplyDeleteFinishing your first half-marathon is such an accomplishment in and of itself! Can you run faster next time? Yes! Each race and each day running is so different and depends on so many factors - GI stability, weather, the course, spectator energy, your schedule leading into the event and so on.... Now you have a time to beat at your next half!
ReplyDeleteThat's very inspiring! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you can inspire others by your posts..Keep it up!
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