Jun 4, 2018
seen from Russia
seen from Russia
seen from Germany
seen from Germany
seen from Malaysia
seen from Sweden
seen from Indonesia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Saudi Arabia
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Slovakia
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from T1
seen from China
Race 13.1 Roanoke Recap – Slowest Half Marathon Ever – But, I Had A Blast!
Last Saturday was the latest half marathon in the Race 13.1 Series Races – and was held right here in my hometown of Roanoke. So, of course, I had to do it.
Now, to start my story – I’ve been fighting a little “glitch”. I really don’t know what it is. It’s mostly in my butt, and a little bit on the top of the back of my leg. So, somewhere between glute, SI or hammy. Running doesn’t really bother it – it is just an annoyance when I run. What hurts the most – and I mean hurt – is when I’m driving. And, considering I drive 1 1/2 hours each way to my Mom’s every week……well, let’s just say it gets downright uncomfortable.
I’ve been doing exercises for all 3 – plus Piriformis exercises. And, seeing my chiropractor a couple of times a week. The week of the race, I asked him if he thought I was alright to do the race – and he asked me, “Haven’t you been doing long runs anyway”. Uh, yes. Well, I see no reason why you can’t do the race. We set an appointment for the day before the race just as a little extra tweaking!
(On a side note, I see my chiropractor every month for my feet – they’ve been perfect!) (Knock on wood).
I did decide, however, to take this race as an easy – and I mean easy – long run for the week. And, that’s exactly what I did!
Race morning: Up early and had my bagel with peanut butter and a Pepsi. Left the house about an hour before race start. Ate my banana on the way to the start. Got a nice parking place and just kind of hung out in the car before heading over to the Port-a-potties.
Hubby had to go into our business that morning, so he was not with me. I told him that I would call and catch up with him after I finished. Weird hanging out at the start without him.
The race started several minutes late – very uncharacteristic for this series. They are usually very punctual. I got a little tickled right before the start. These 2 guys were having a massive discussion as to who lined up on what side of whom. Seriously, they went on for several minutes. Finally, the one guy persuaded the other that he always ran on the left side of the other guy. I was so tickled that I had to turn around – and saw another girl listening and grinning. She was as tickled as I was!
I decided that since I was going to just go out slowly so I wouldn’t do anything stupid with my “glitch”, I started all the way at the back of the pack. I actually enjoyed doing this! You know how you trampled in the beginning with most everyone going out too fast – not a problem when you start at the back. And, it’s kind of nice to spend the rest of the race passing people!
The course ran along a couple of the greenways here in Roanoke. Now, don’t get excited – I have not turned into a trail runner. These are paved greenways! The go along the river and for the most part are shaded. It really is a nice course.
It was an out and back course and as you are going down the lovely, winding hill for about half a mile – all you can think about is that you have to go back up it on the return. Which, I might add, is about at 9 1/2 miles.
After the turnaround, it was starting to get warm. I didn’t mind it – remember I like warm! But, I did a lot of encouragement to others to help them get through to the finish. I always enjoy when I’m not racing for time (which I rarely do anymore) and just try to help others.
Everything went according to plan. I had my BOOM gels every 45 minutes and a Salt Stick after the first hour. The water stops were spaced pretty perfectly and were well staffed. Of course, there always seems to be that one. At the 3 mile stop – it was manned by 4-5 teen age guys. They had the water and Gatorade on the tables and were back sitting back on a rock. I guess handing the cups out would have been a little too much exertion for them!
I came across the finish line in the slowest time that I ever remember doing a half marathon in. But, I had a blast! I helped people along the way and hopefully helped them. And, no harm to the hammy/glute that I’ve been nursing!
After I finished – I looked up and saw a big surprise. Hubby had come out to see me finish! And, he had a Pepsi for me! Have I ever told you how much I love that man?
Once again, Race 13.1 put on a class race. I didn’t have a PR or a good time by a long shot – but, I had a blast – and isn’t that what running is all about?