Just like that, another half marathon done! It’s been a full year since I’ve run a half so it was kinda nice running the same race/course again. It was great, it was hard, it got a little ugly but got better again and I finished!

Pre Race

Since it was a family trip, we took our time getting on the road Saturday and left just after lunch. It was raining and the girls weren’t loving the 2.5 hour drive but we only had a handful of “are were there yet?”. My friend picked up my race kit so I didn’t go to the expo. We went directly to the hotel, had birthday cake as Krystol’s son was turning 7. We went down to the pool and swam and hung out in the hot tub with all of the kids – three families, 7 kids. No photo’s were taken at the pool but I’m pretty sure the THREE DAD’s had more fun then the kids did on the twisted slide! (They went back Sunday morning too…with the kids).

We had dinner and tried to take it easy that evening but with bunk beds and a tv in their room it was a much later night for the girls then we wanted. I had a horrible sleep – not sure why but that’s just life sometimes.

Morning of Race

I went and had breakfast with Krystol and Melissa, who were running the half and 10k, respectively. My husband and girls came down after and then we left for our race around 8am. This was probably the best weather a runner could ask for! It was cool but about 18c with an overcast sky. The marathon started at 7 am (lucky!!!) and we started at 9:05.

Half Marathon

The first 10k was really awesome! My pace was better then I expected (6:20 – 6:57)/km, I felt really good and I was enjoying the course. My plan was to run and walk when I have to. It was a 10k loop, so I had to run it twice and since I ran it last year I felt good about it. I knew where the hills were, where the trail was covered in shade and when I would be in direct sunlight.  The humidity started to increase around 13k which didn’t help me.

I want to say the wheels started to fall off between 10-13k but they didn’t really fall off. I just felt like I didn’t have anything left in me to give. There were a few moments of “I hate this”, “I’m NEVER running a full marathon”, to “I hate the half marathon distance” but also many moments that I loved.

The times I loved: when I wasn’t expecting to see a friend of mine at the race but she passed me on the route and we quickly chatted. Or the time when an older guy passed me coming in the opposite direction. When he saw me, he put on this big smile and I smiled back. He reminded me that I do love running, that I can love running during hard times and that I’m lucky that I can run right now. It was a good reality check.

From there, I didn’t care if I walked or ran. I powered up all the hills so strong I’d make anyone proud. However, after I’d get past the top and try to recover I struggled so much. I walked on straight stretches feeling a little sour that I was choosing to walk and that I didn’t come here to walk the race…so I’d run again.

I also saw another friend who was volunteering at a water station so it was fun to quickly chat with him and run on. After 15, I was kinda done. I drank my Nuun in between water stations, grabbed Gatorade and a glass of water as well at each aid station. I’d take a swig of water and poor the rest over my head to cool down – relief! Gu’s, chew’s and even a fruit to go bar made it’s way into my mouth over the course.

 

I noticed a blister forming on my left pinky toe (and later my right) and that wasn’t really all that fun. It’s pretty big (I’ll spare you a photo) but from 15k onwards that pain of a blister forming was zapping me in the toe. (I normally don’t blister).

I wasn’t give up but I surely was done by 17k so I just kept thinking that I only had four more kilometres to go. Then 3k. Then 2k. As you ran, you would see people on the other side of the road – essentially ahead of you. There was so many people saying “great job”, “way to go” and I was saying it back as well. There is something about the running community that can lift you up when you need it OR, you can lift someone else up.

I had the finish line to myself. There was no one in front of me and I don’t remember anyone behind me. It was kinda fun running in by yourself and hearing them call your name. I was happy and relieved I finished. High fives and hugs from strangers – you know, those people who volunteer at races are awesome people! They hug you when you are extremely sweaty 😉 But seriously, thank you to all those who volunteer!

I finished the race in 2:27:11 and was happy it was under 2:30. Was I disappointed with my time, hell no. I finished a race 12 weeks after a winter car accident with no pain. It was great, it was hard, it was was ugly and I finished 🙂 After finishing, we made our way back to the hotel were the girls were enjoying father’s day with Saï. We eventually made our way home but not before lunch at Subway and then ice cream sundae’s and a milkshake for me!

Happy kids!

Today (Monday), my thighs hurt the most and I’m really hating stairs. All stairs. They – Are – Everywhere! I’m hoping to get in a short shake out run but that’s on the fence as soccer season starts for both girls tonight and Saï is on shift. Even if I walk around the field tonight for a walk, I’ll consider that a win!

How was your weekend?

Anyone race?

Did you enjoy Father’s Day?

Today, I’m linking up with HoHo Runs, MissSippiPiddlin and Run & Live Happy. Don’t forget to check out their blogs!