1/2 marathon report (it's long...sorry)

WOW!!!! What an amazing experience!!! I will try and not make a "book" at of this report. It's going to be hard, but here it goes....


A friend found out I was running about 3 miles 3 or 4 times a week. She suggested I join her at the White Rock 1/2 Marathon. My thought was....three miles is the longest I've ever run. How in the world could I build up and train to run 13.1 in 9 weeks! Not to mention....my life and schedule is CRAZY!!!  I stumbled upon this forum and was totally inspired by so many on here. I remember reading Dan B.'s story and visiting his website. It was the push and fire I needed! I signed up the day after reading his website and began my training program.

I'm a busy working Mom of two so I had to be super creative to get my workouts in. I knew this would be my biggest challenge. I packed my workout bag every night and went directly to the YMCA and trained (treadmill) during the week there. My little one spent lots of time sitting next to the treadmill and read a book or played a game. I woke up before everyone else on Saturdays and got my long runs in before our busy day and sometimes, before church on Sundays.
It really was awesome, because I was always so proud of myself after wards that I couldn't help, but be in a great mood the entire weekend. I followed the program to a T and knew missing a run was not an option for me. I knew I had to prepare myself both physically and mentally.

 I spent the entire time training injury free and pain free. However, the week before the race...I begin to have trouble with an ovarian cyst and I also had a stomach bug that lasted for days. I was an emotional wreck thinking this would change everything for me. I pumped myself of medicine and really took care of myself. I did still manage to follow the program and that week was the "light week" so it worked out great. I just couldn't test myself to see if I could handle a long run without pain so I was anxious all week.

I've read on here that is so important to enjoy the journey and the experience. This was something I repeated to myself often the weekend of the race. My family and I made a weekend out of it and stayed in the "official race" hotel. The hotel brought in charter buses to transport the runners.  I begin to feel the energy in the air when the other runners and families boarded the bus. My husband (former high school track coach) gave my some advice and encouragement. I started to calm down and focus. The White Rock Marathon was expecting about 20,000 runners so traffic was a nightmare and the crowds were a little overwhelming, but it really provided"wow" energy!  I was in the last wave so I walked for what seemed like forever through the crowds to find my wave corral area. I finally reached the back and squeezed in a spot. I got on my tepee toes and took a picture with my iphone (used it for my music) of the massive crowd and sent it to my family. I listened for the gun and heard the crowd roar as the first wave took off. I popped my ear buds in and turned my music on. It took a good 15-20 minutes to start moving from the time the gun went off. We had to walk a good distance until there was enough space for everyone to start running. My adrenal began to flood my system. I was off....the day and moment was finally here! I felt great. I was pain free and feeling on top of the world. The only down fall I had was my sock was rolled a little under my little toe and it caused some discomfort, but the excitement and focus kept my mind off of it. Note to self…get some “fitted" socks.

Mile two I saw Tracy from the Biggest Loser. I was sort of star struck for a second. She had on the pink Biggest Loser shirt and everyone high fived her and was telling her how great she looked. She did look awesome!!! I began to think...wouldn't it be great to pass her and I sprung into action to do just that. I’ve never been overly competitive and I’m super girly and shy, so it was a new feeling for me. I sort of enjoyed it and it took on a life of its own!!! Thanks Tracy from the Biggest Loser!    The course was awesome! It had a great variety of scenery. I remember from running 5ks how people came out of their homes to support the runners, but it was nothing like this big run! We ran through either Highland Park or Preston Hallow (Former President- George Bushes’ neighborhood) and the houses were amazing. It seemed like every home owner was out with their entire family and was rallying for the runners. The encouragement was electric!!! It was like we were all stars in our own little or big parade!   My spirit and energy remained in tact the entire time. I remember telling myself often to take it all in and be thankful. I remember thanking God often and reflecting on this entire journey. The time I was obese and how hopeless I felt at times. I set my itunes up with lots of “reflecting" and uplifting music and it worked. I did keep the volume down enough so I could take in the other sounds too. The crowds, the music provided by the race, etc. I used everything to my advantage.   I didn’t stop at any of the aid stations. I know this is probably a “running no- no", but I actually dreaded the aid stations in a way because I knew I would have to dodge people slowing down and the millions of cups that littered the street. I just wanted to continue my pace. I did not train with water while running. I drank lots before and after only. I never experience muscle cramps either. Mile 9- I got an extra boost of energy and thought I would pick up my pace a little. I felt good and thought I could continue this pass so I went with it. The last mile I took my ear buds out so I could take it all in. I also knew there would be instructions for us at the end. I picked up my pace again and began to look for my family. I saw a women who was in great physical shape and she looked over at me and said, you got this…you are doing awesome. I felt a wave of emotion and wanted to cry, but managed to keep it together.  I just remember thinking….I made it…I did it! I’m going to get to see my families’ faces. I knew they shared my happiness. I searched the crowds with my eyes and began to hear my sister shout….that is my sister on the top of her lungs. It was an amazing feeling to find them in the crowd and see their faces. I have an amazing family!  I waved at them and ran through the finish line.   My time was 2 hours and 14 minutes!!! I figured my pace was decent, but I was still surprised by my time. I just knew I would be at a disadvantage because I had to slow down several times to dodge the walkers. Most of them got to one side, but not all. After all I was in the last wave so I had to fight through lots of people. My sisters and brothers gave me a sweet little plaque. I thought it was the sweetest thing. My husband had bought me a necklace at the race expo that had 13.1 miles written on it. I love it! We all went to eat and celebrate. It was an awesome experience!!! I’m still on cloud nine!!!   I’ll be back next year to run the full!!! Can’t wait!!! Best wishes to all!!!  
I'll post pics on my profile soon.  

Way to go girl! What a great report! It was an amazing day out there, and I can't imagine better suppoort from the crowds! Congrats on this big mileston and YOU ROCKED!!!!! Revocer well...

Thanks Dan!!! You planned a big part in inspiring me to sign up. I wished we could have met.
You did great too!!! Thanks again!!!

Awesome race report.  Thanks for sharing it.  I love reading the long detailed race reports, so don't appologize for writing a book.

This is one of the time when I regret living in California, it seems like most of the people here on O.H. are a long way away, and y'all have some great events.

Keep up the great work and good luck with the training for your full marathon.

Scott

You are a real sweetheart!!! Thank you!

great report and great run!  keep it up, you're kicking some butt out there!

Thank you and best wishes to you too!

 Congratulations on a great race!!

Thank you! Best wishes to you!

100% AWESOME

congrats