Disclaimer: I am not running to win the race...EVER!
Half Marathon #2 done and done. I PR'd (personal record!) yesterday at a time of 2hr 4min and 17seconds...a whopping 4 minutes faster than my time at the Silver Strand Half Marathon back in November.
Amazingly, the 13.1 miles went by quickly...to the point where it felt like I had only ran 6 miles or something. I made good use of my Garmin Forerunner 305 (which R got for me for Christmas..and I LOVE IT) and actually paced myself from the get-go. I ran a smarter race this time so that I would have some leftover umph for the last 3 miles (always the toughest for me). It was freezing cold though, and I ran with my gloves on the entire race. It helped that there was a lot of live music along the course and a LOT of bystanders cheering us on. Hands down my favorite was the little boy (he had to be about 5-7yrs old) singing Eye of the Tiger while his dad (?) and some other dudes played the instruments. I was laughing out loud, and mouthing the words and probably looked completely crazy. I also made sure to shaka at all the event cameras, wave and smile. Yes, I actively made sure to smile at the cameras this time, and oddly enough, I think that helped me get through the run.
I am so proud that I didn't stop once to walk during this race. Yes, it was a relatively flat course...there were some low-grade inclines but nothing quad-busting. But, like a turtle, I made my way to the end, slow and steady.
It was awesome being able to participate in this race with the Pit Bull Rescue San Diego Running Team as well...I feel like we really bonded over the experience. I'm so proud of my teammates for not only raising so much money for the pit bulls in the rescue, but for completing the run (it was the first time running a half and/or running that long of a distance for a lot in the group). It's no easy feat, and the dedication it took to train and complete this means a lot! We are even setting sights for another fundraising race further along in the year :)
Running is a humbling experience and you never know what kind of race you're going to run when you first cross the start line. A good time for me maybe a horrible time for the person next to me. I think that's what I like the most about running...yeah, when you're an elite runner you're competing against other people, but for people like me (the average joes), you're competing against yourself. It takes discipline, restraint, and patience. Do you know how hard it is to pace yourself in the beginning of the race when the adrenaline is pumping through you??? It's tough! Everyone was passing by me in the beginning of the race and I was like, shit! what did I get myself into? Do you know how hard it is to keep going when you feel like you have a blister forming on your toes? (It turns out that my toenail dug into the side of my big toe and cut the skin/made it bleed...and that's what was hurting, not a blister...gross I know)
I have to admit, I think I'm hooked.
p.s. - I am so grateful for R. He kept me going and was my number one cheerer from Day One. So, thank you R. You are ichiban.
