A Run to Remember

It was hot.

And humid.

And I usually do long distance races in October.

I quickly had to change my expectations of how I was going to run as soon as I got to the start line. I felt good; I felt prepared. I also felt sweaty and we hadn’t even started yet. I knew it was going to be a long 13.1 miles.

But let’s start at the beginning of the day. I had some fun activities on Saturday as well, but those will be on another post. My parents and I woke up at 6AM and had room service deliver some bagels, peanut butter, coffee and water.

I had half of the toasted bagel with peanut butter and a little bit of coffee. My pre-run fuel never fails. And then it was pictures with the ‘rents!

When we left the hotel, it wasn’t so much the heat (it was in the mid 60’s) that was a problem, it was the sticky air. The humidity was at almost 90%.

I was planning on having my iPod with me, but I was hoping to meet up with Ali, who I had met the night before, so I didn’t bring it. I wasn’t able to find her so I was running sans music…and sans David. He was always my entertainment during these long races. This time, I was on my own. I did, however, have a sign on my back that read “Running in honor of my husband, Sgt. David P. Army National Guard, Afghanistan”. I had about a dozen people comment on it, so those little bursts of conversation helped propel me along. It was as if he was there with me.

The first half of the race was awesome. I was keeping a steady pace for the first 6 and half miles (around 9:40 minute miles) and by the time I saw my sister in law by Harvard Square, I was still all smiles! Following photos courtesy of Grace:

That picture was when I saw Grace holding an iced coffee…Me want!

I’m so glad that she was there to get these pictures! Thanks again Grace!!

When I crossed the half way point (which may or may not have been exactly 6.5 miles. I think it was closer to maybe 6.2 or so) my watch said 1:01. I was happy and on pace.

Then things started to go a bit sour. The sun was starting to come out and that was making the humidity really unbearable. I had to take a bit more walking breaks (some along Memorial Drive, some on the Longfellow Bridge, and all at the water stops). My pace started getting slower and slower. I was wondering if I would PR at this race. But then I just kept telling myself that I had to adjust my expectations because these conditions were brutal. I was watching people on the grass being administered by EMT’s and a few going into stretchers. At this point, I just didn’t want that to be me.

I had 2 Gu’s over the course of the race. When I felt my energy get zapped, I would take some and then slowly my energy started coming back. Between miles 7 and 11, I took about 4 walk breaks. After mile 11, which follows along the Common, I told myself that I wouldn’t walk anymore. And I didn’t. When I felt groggy, I slowed my pace a bit, but I made sure I didn’t walk. When we went by the Intercontinental Hotel, I was looking for my parents (they had raced the 5 miler), but I did see a former manager of mine. Then we turned the corner onto Seaport and up the hill. Still didn’t see my parents and I was getting a little bit discouraged. Then, I saw them on one of the islands in the middle of the street. They were cheering me on! I pulled them onto the course with me, because at that point, I was getting so tired. They ran about 2/10ths of a mile with me (Mom beside me, Dad behind me) and then encouraged me to take whatever energy I had and burst along the finish line. And I did. Thank you Mom and Dad!!! <3

My final time was 2:16:35. A 4-second PR from my last half marathon in 2008!

I certainly was hoping that this would be the half that I could break 2:10 or even 2:05, but considering the conditions, I’m happy that I finished in a time that I had 2 years ago at a race in October in Maine. If I can do that time on a hot, humid day, I’ll bet I could kill on a cool fall day in Maine.  

After the race, I went to grab some food and just as I was entering the WTC, my phone rang…and it was David! Perfect timing. He was so proud of me. I also got a text from Tessa and we were finally able to meet up after missing each other at the expo the day before. So nice to meet you Tessa! She killed this race (1:45)!! Check out her blog, Amazing Asset! She’s awesome.

Photo courtesy of Tessa.

After the race, my parents brought me up to my sister in law’s place and we relaxed, watched The King’s Speech and feasted on salad and Bertucci’s pizza.

Salad with apples, black beans, corn, cucumbers and vinaigrette dressing. And tons of watermelon. Delicious hydration.

Our very cool medals.

For dinner: sangria and chicken/peppers/onions pizza.

Today, my legs feel surprisingly not sore. But my upper body is a bit tense. I just need to relax now. And then my next race is on Thursday with work! Very excited.

Hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend!! What are your plans? And Happy Memorial Day to my favorite soldier:

Tagged as: bloggers, carbs, david, pizza, Run to Remember Half Marathon, wine