Yesterday, I competed in the Mayor's Half Marathon. I posted Friday about my goal of breaking two hours, but I didn't make it. However, I did break my personal record with a time of 2:01:54, shaving three minutes off of my previous best. I haven't given up the goal of breaking two hours, and maybe I can accomplish this in my half marathon in November.
Here's what I learned yesterday:
(1) Running an even pace for 13.1 miles is not easy: My goal pace was 9:09 per mile, which would have led to a perfect 2:00:00 finish. I ended up with a 9:19 per mile average pace, but my pace varied wildly. Some of it had to do with a few hills on the course, but most of it had to do with the fact that I am still learning what a certain pace feels like. I think that this will come with time and experience. These long races are all about strategy, and I learned yesterday that I should still run a little more slowly at the beginning to warm up, but I should not start out too slow.
(2) Running a race with someone who runs your pace makes the time go by quickly: About mile four, I caught up with a guy named Paul who happens to be a neighbor David and I met a few months ago. We started talking and determined that we were trying to run a similar pace, so we ran together for the majority of the race. We did not talk that much, but just knowing someone was there was more comforting to me than I thought it would be. I consider myself a bit of a loner when it comes to running, but sharing the experience with someone was fun. It made me open my mind to trying to find a running buddy, maybe not for this marathon, but in the future, if only for long runs.
(3) Having someone with fresh legs push you at the end of a race is very helpful: David met up with me with about three miles to go in the race and finished the race with me. He ran the file mile race yesterday, finishing with a time of 39:40 and winning third place in his age group. When he joined me in my race, the first thing he said was, "I don't know how far I will be able to run with you. I just ate an orange, a banana, and a donut." This, of course, made me laugh and lightened the fact that my legs were burning and my mind was telling me to stop the craziness of running the race. Despite his concerns over his stomach, David finished the race with me, pushing me to run my last mile at under eight minute pace. I truly believe that I could not have finished with a PR if he hadn't pushed me like this. It meant so much to me to have him there pushing me to do my best. (4) Friends and family cheering is definitely motivational: My parents, David, and my sister all cheered me on at the race (and also took all the great photos included here). It felt so good to know that I had people out there, and it definitely helped me push myself after I saw them cheering for me. They are all coming to White Rock in December, and I am really excited about having them there. 
(5) I burned 1468 calories during the race: If this is not motivation to continue running, I do not know what is.
(2) Running a race with someone who runs your pace makes the time go by quickly: About mile four, I caught up with a guy named Paul who happens to be a neighbor David and I met a few months ago. We started talking and determined that we were trying to run a similar pace, so we ran together for the majority of the race. We did not talk that much, but just knowing someone was there was more comforting to me than I thought it would be. I consider myself a bit of a loner when it comes to running, but sharing the experience with someone was fun. It made me open my mind to trying to find a running buddy, maybe not for this marathon, but in the future, if only for long runs.
(3) Having someone with fresh legs push you at the end of a race is very helpful: David met up with me with about three miles to go in the race and finished the race with me. He ran the file mile race yesterday, finishing with a time of 39:40 and winning third place in his age group. When he joined me in my race, the first thing he said was, "I don't know how far I will be able to run with you. I just ate an orange, a banana, and a donut." This, of course, made me laugh and lightened the fact that my legs were burning and my mind was telling me to stop the craziness of running the race. Despite his concerns over his stomach, David finished the race with me, pushing me to run my last mile at under eight minute pace. I truly believe that I could not have finished with a PR if he hadn't pushed me like this. It meant so much to me to have him there pushing me to do my best. (4) Friends and family cheering is definitely motivational: My parents, David, and my sister all cheered me on at the race (and also took all the great photos included here). It felt so good to know that I had people out there, and it definitely helped me push myself after I saw them cheering for me. They are all coming to White Rock in December, and I am really excited about having them there. 
(5) I burned 1468 calories during the race: If this is not motivation to continue running, I do not know what is.
On another note: As of today, I have raised $945 for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children thanks to generous donations from friends and family. Thank you so much for your support!!
1 comment:
Yay for you! You'll break 2 hours sooner rather than later, but for now enjoy shaving 3 minutes off your PR!!
Post a Comment