Finished My First 13.1 Sunday!

Thank you, Duane!  I heard that the woman who won the race said that her time was off by several minutes because of the conditions.  Small consolation.  Appreciate the encouragement!

Sharon

 way to go.  Don't you ever downplay your accomplishment - you are in a minority of people who have finished a half!  Put that picture of crossing th finish line in your mind forever, you did it!!!  

Thanks, everyone! 

I am thinking of stepping back and focusing on a 10K next so that I can improve my time, regardless of the weather.  Any thoughts?

great work, your first is always a PR!  i know how miserable it can be to run in heat/humidity, so great job pushing through and finishing.  as far as next races, mix it up, each race/distance is a challenge in its own way, mixing it up makes it much more interesting and fun.... best of luck.

Having the guts to consider TRYING this race is a big accomplishment!  Actually finishing it?  AWESOME!

I'm running with Katie on Sunday and we will use you as our inspiration.  Thankfully our forecast is looking pretty good - high of 75.  *fingers crossed*

Thanks for posting your race results - you did great!

Good luck on Sunday!  Will be sending good weather karma your way :)

Congrats on your succes and setting a new record.  Every time you finish you set a record.  With each finish even if it isn't faster, you have improved on your record of completed races.
If it's faster great, if not, it's still great because you were out doing it.
Also remember not all courses are created equally, some are going to be hot and feel like they were uphill both ways to school while climbing in the sand, and others will be downhill all the way.
Keep up the great work.

Scott

Thanks, Scott!  I needed to read this. 

Congratulations on finishing your first - see you have set yourself up to do another!

I'm starting to train for a 13.1 in Phoenix in January.  Any tips/advice - please send them on.

So proud of all of you who have changed your life.  Definitely agree that these types of events help to keep us on task.

Again, great job Sharon!!!!  You have inspired me!

Thanks so much!  I think my next will be a 10K in November.  These last few days has got me worried that, if I don't have something to work toward, I may get lazy. 

Good luck on your first 13.1!  Are you training with a group?  I learned a lot of helpful things by training with a group, but when I really got confused, I came to this forum to look for information ask for advice.  I found that some of the stuff for the 'non-surgically altered' was a bit different for me.  My only regret was that I did not seek information here sooner.

My suggestions would be to be sure you have good shoes ( I went to a local running store that did computer and video treadmill analysis) and to get a fuel belt or water carrier for your long runs.  This is the stuff everyone will tell you.  Now here is the stuff that I found that is more specific to those of us who had WLS:  Compression pants or capris help with jiggly thighs and make running more comfortable.  I found using the low calorie Crystal Light Pure Fitness or Gatorade's G2 (low calorie) provided the electrolytes I needed when running the longer distances and helped prevent leg cramps.  I also found increasing my magnesium and calcium helped.  It is hard to keep my numbers for these minerals in the normal range even without the extra stress of long runs.  Waking up a few nights with major leg cramps after long runs made me realize that extra was needed.  Good luck on your first 13.1!