I did it! I finished the half marathon, today. I even completed it 12 minutes faster than last year! Woohoo! Chip time - 2:26:10. I’ve gotta say… I’m damn proud of myself. My body hasn’t particularly been cooperating, lately (or in the past 7 years - thanks, cancer) so I’m really surprised I did this well.
I did mostly even splits. My heart rate started to climb in the last 4km’s because I was tired but it was otherwise hanging out in the low 160’s for most of the time.
I’m sore but I’m always sore. I decided against taking the Celebrex (anti-inflammatory). I just took 1 extra strength Tylenol and 1 hydromorphone (1mg) about an hour before the race. Then I took another hydro (1mg) at the 8km mark and that was it.
There was a lot of people there! The 8k race went at 7am but the half and full marathon go out together at 8:15am. I was in the last corral so I had to wait about 20 minutes before I could go. Between the half and the full marathon, there’s close to 11,000 runners.
Both courses are out-and-back which is fine because they’re both pretty nice. Although, I think the half is nicer. I can’t see myself ever doing the full because the hills are nasty.
The rain held off for me until the last 6km.
Then it started to come down. ☔️
Then I stepped in a puddle.
Then my toenails were angry.
Then I kind of wanted the race to be over. lol. I also had to pee really bad. I saw someone holding a sign that read, “Smile if you peed a little”, at the finish line. Well, if I waited any longer I would have been looking like the Cheshire Cat.
Before all the runners headed out, the announcer confirmed that the half marathoners will need to turn around at the 13k point while the marathoners should keep going. He then said, “If you don’t do this, you could end up with a very different day.” I’ll say. That was funny.
After the race, I got some dorky photos done at the Photo Booth.
I also talked to a lot of people including out-of-towners. It’s was a great event full of positivity and energy. Everyone was in a good mood. I swear I’ve never been to a race with so many cheer squads, either. I don’t think I went longer than 20 metres without seeing people with signs, cowbells and cheering. It was pretty impressive.
Anyway, I’m glad I made the goal to just get to the start line. It relieved a lot of pressure off of me. I certainly didn’t think I was going to beat last year’s time. So that was pretty cool.
I was staying at my Aunt and Uncle’s for the past 2 nights and we had a lovely visit. I’m now home with the kid. My parents went away for Thanksgiving. I’m planning to just take the kid for dinner tomorrow at our local restaurant.
Now, it’s rest time. I’ve got some chocolate that I’m going to eat guilt free. Then it’s back to my book and maybe needle felting.
