Hey guys. I did it! Half-marathon finisher over here!
What a day. I woke up at 4:30. . . had a hard time sleeping because of my nerves. I got myself ready and had peanut butter on white bread for breakfast, lol. My friend who was running with me woke up late, so she picked me up late, which had me stressed. I like to have time to stretch, go to the port-a-potty if I have to, figure things out. We were too late to park in the official parking area and they already closed the road, so we ended up parking on at a shopping center and walking 2 miles to get to the start. Well, that's a warmup at least, lol. By the time we got there, checked our bags. . . the race was about to start. Of course, I had to pee. I just made it to a port-a-potty in time. The race started the moment I was at the line.
I've never run this distance before. The most I have done is 10 miles. I felt good, strong, keeping pace. Another runner friend of mine recommended that I put Skratch in my water (electrolytes packet). I did that and sipped it at every mile or so. I just kept going. At mile 6 I ate a packet of GU (it's an energy gel). Between the Skratch and the GU I felt good and kept going. I was running with people who have run for years and I was keeping up. I did not have music with me. . . just my thoughts. My friend went ahead of me. Her goal was to break 2 hours. I just wanted to get under 2:10 and survive, lol. I thought about my mom, my boys, how much I wanted to finish. The miles just went by. There were crowds of people cheering us on, kids asking for high fives. It was so cool. Mile 11 there was a big hill. I was cursing up it trying to get to the other side. . . I saw people begin to drop out and walk at mile 12. Mile 12!!! When I hit mile 12 I ran faster. When I saw that 13 mile sign, I sprinted to the finish line. I finished at 2:05:47, made my goal. My pace was 9:36, I'll take it. My family (DH, DSs and my dad) were waiting for me. I had them put "I run for Nilda #EndAlz" on my bib. My dad saw it and smiled, held back tears.
This was one of the most challenging things I have ever done in my life. I was so afraid I would not finish. I was afraid my knee would hurt or my IT band would act up. . . I powered through though and I am soooooo happy and proud of myself, lol. Cannot wait to do a marathon next, lol.
Deb- I am beyond sore today. Yesterday right when the race finished, I kept walking around. My calves started to cramp. I stretched out. I went to my dad's house after to go int he hot tub. The hot tub helped a little, but I am sore today. I am definitely wearing flats for shoes today and stretching out more tonight. Good job on food prepping. I am the same way, if I have healthy options prepared,
Belinda- Happy belated birthday! Good luck at your appointment today! I hope you get good news. It is funny how we used to preorder right away. Now we are waiting for clips.
BBL,
Kristin