My First Half-Marathon

I want to start off by saying that I have been running for almost three years and never
once have I considered a race. Not a 5k, half-marathon, full marathon, etc.
This past weekend I ran my first half-marathon and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
I am already signed up for my next race…another half marathon – that’s how good this race
made me feel.

I started training for this race about 6 weeks ago. I signed up for it on a whim. I wanted
to not only challenge myself but I wanted to see if I could really do it, to see if the past 3
years had really made me into a true runner.

I know there are tons of training schedules and programs you can buy or find online, but
I knew I wouldn't find one for my situation. I was currently running 5-6 days a week, for
at least 6 miles a day. I had successfully run 9 miles in the past (on multiple occasions),
so I didn't think I needed someone to tell me I needed to run a particular pace, a certain
distance, etc.

I merely added a mile onto my long runs each week, my last being 12 miles and hoped
for the best.

Race morning came and I wasn't so much nervous, just a bit anxious because I didn't
know what was truly going to happen. You know, when will the group of runners break
up, will the roads be blocked off properly, will I out-do myself and have to walk, will I be
last…all of these things were running through my mind.

Then it started and I had my hand on my Garmin waiting to cross the start line to start my
watch and it was an amazing feeling to know what I was about to do. I ended up sticking
with a pacer, which I will always be grateful for. She was pacing to run the race in 2
hours and 10 minutes. I felt like that time would be good for me. I wasn't trying to PR
with this race; I was racing to know that I could.

The race went by in what felt like a flash. I remember every road and every water station
and every volunteer, but when I finally got to the finish line, I couldn't believe it was
over.

After I crossed the finish line, I found Josh and we headed to the car. They had the
announcements for who placed and where, but I knew I didn't fall in line with those
athletes and all I really wanted was to shower and change so we headed home!

When I first got home and showered, I felt fine. A little worn out but considering what I
had just done, I felt great. Then we left to run errands and it was then (while walking to
the car from our apartment) that I felt like I had aged 50 years. I mean – I was walking
slow, clutching my back, moaning…you know, all of the things older people do! It was
funny…to me at least. As the day wore on, I slowly started to feel less sore. And by the
evening time, I felt fine! I was already thinking about when I could run another half-
marathon. I ended up deciding on the half marathon that will be in Melbourne during the
first weekend in February.

I hadn't officially decided if I would run Sunday morning so when I woke up and I lay in
bed, slowly stretching, I realized I felt fine. So, I got up, got dressed, laced up my running
shoes and ran 7.5 miles. I will admit though, around mile 7, I felt sore and my legs felt
heavy, but it was still a great run!

It was also great to know that Josh was there (at the race)…to take pictures, to cheer me
on, to run with me (for a small stint), and to be at the finish line when I finally crossed it.
Thank you Josh!

As far as the weather is concerned, I couldn't have asked for better weather for mid-
October in South Florida. It was in the mid-60’s, humidity was manageable, and it was
cool enough to not make me feel like a chicken in the oven…baking!

While I plan to do more races in the future, I wanted to document this one to the best of
my ability, because, well, I’ll never have another first race.

My official race time was 2 hours and 5 minutes. I placed 7th in my age group (25-29
years old) and 129th out of 271 for the overall race.

It was amazing! Can’t wait for the next!