Running the Race

PRAIRIE FIRE SPRING HALF 2014

 

This half marathon was definitely one of the most difficult I have run in my life. I ran one half by myself a few years before this one, and it was tough because I was alone. The one I ran after that was even tougher because it was sleeting. This was a totally different race in that by the time I crossed the finish line, the temperature had reached about 90 degrees. 

 

The morning started off pretty chilly. The day before the race, heat warnings were sent out all over Facebook advising us to wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. I put on my new running tank top that Andrew helped me pick out at the expo the day before and my UnderArmour shorts that the lady gave me for 50% off at the store. I was SUPER nervous as this was my first half marathon after coming out of physical therapy last August. 

 

I met my running partner Lynsi and a couple other people who were way faster than us at the Boathouse where we meet for church. Our pastor prayed over us and then it was time to head to the start line! If you have ever done a race, you know that the start line is a buzz of activity. People jumping around, adrenaline flowing, people making sure all their gear is in place. It is probably my favorite part (besides the finish line, of course!). 

 

The horn blew, and we were off. As I crossed the start line (we were a ways back), I looked up at the Boathouse and waved to some of our friends who were waiting for the 5k to start. My goal for this race was to finish in under two hours. Lynsi and I both started off with the 2 hour pace group and the first three miles flew by. 

 

At mile 4, I started to notice the sun a little bit more, and I was starting to get warm. For most runners, I would say anything above 75 degrees can be brutal, and we were definitely nearing that point. We stopped for a bathroom break, and then Lynsi wasn't feeling too great, so I decided to keep going by myself. 

 

The next few miles were a blur as I started to get hotter and hotter. I stopped at each water station to get water. I hardly ever get Gatorade as it's usually relatively thick and makes my stomach hurt. I walked through each water station and took my time with my water, knowing I would need it. 

 

I was so excited when I came down the stretch towards mile 8. I could see my husband and friends who had finished the 5k cheering! I stopped to grab my Gatorade chews and some water from them, and then I took off again. 

 

For lack of a better word, miles 9-13 were hell. There wasn't enough water and the temperature was somewhere between 85 and 90. Mentally I was struggling immensely. I finally came to terms with stopping and walking, which is REALLY hard for a runner to do. I decided I would walk for 30 seconds and then run until I couldn't anymore. By this time, my PR was so far out of sight...

 

I knew we were all miserable when a man stopped to walk next to me and said, "I have never walked during a half."

 

"Me neither! This is awful!" I answered. 

 

When mile 12 rolled around, I was still walking/running and it was uphill. I started to get a little delirious at this point and was definitely not walking straight. At the top of the hill, Sharisse and Ashley were waiting to cheer me on, and they started semi-chasing me to get me going. After all, I only had one mile left! 

 

Finally, the finish line appeared. As I crossed it, it was probably the first race that I was not smiling, but I was sure ready to be done. I finished at 2:14. Not a PR, but not my worst time, so I guess I was happy! The medal was awesome too, so that helps.

 

Immediately after, I elevated my legs and started chugging some water. I was SO dehydrated that my legs hurt for days (moreso than normal aches and pains from just running a half marathon) and I ended up having to see a doctor to ensure I didn't have any bloodclots. It was scary stuff! But, I am still hooked! Next up, the Prairie Fire Full this fall!