As I mentioned in my last post, I ran my second half marathon on March 9th. And as I feared, my lack of training ahead of time caught up with me.
So, lesson #1 - Train. Even if you "just" ran the same distance race two month prior and you've been running fairly consistently since then, you need to train. Did I finish the half marathon? Yes. Did I have to take more walk breaks than during my first half marathon? Yes. Have I learned my lesson? Yes.
Another big difference between my first and second halves, was the size of the event. The first was a Rock N' Roll sponsored event with 16,000+ runners. The second was a city sponsored event with about 300 runners. Biggest difference aside from the crowds? Aid stations. The city sponsored event had way less stations, and they only had water at the stations. I didn't realize that would be an issue for me until about mile 10 when my fingers started swelling and tightening up. Guess who could have really used some Gatorade or Powerade for hydration??
So, lesson #2 - bring your own "ade". Or just be sure to know if the aid stations at your event will offer some sort of sports drink and/or Gu or energy chews. So on top of not training properly, I wasn't staying hydrated - not a good combo. But now I know to pay more attention to the race details and/or just fill my "water" bottles with a sports drink so I can aid myself!
Last, but not least, I have continued to run without music. No headphones, no iPod, nothing. This is true on my daily runs and at events like the half marathon. I know music can be motivating, and can help keep you going. But do you know what happens without it? You hear things - nature, people, life around you. It's pretty amazing, and during an event, you might just make some new friends. I did! A couple miles in a man named Chuck caught up with me. He noticed I wasn't wearing headphones and struck up a conversation. We kept pace with each other and ran the next four or five miles together - which really helps pass the time!
So, lesson #3 - ditch the headphones. You might make new friends. You might actually enjoy the sounds that nature has to offer. I promise it's very relaxing, and quite enjoyable to run with just your own thoughts even if no one else is around. Give it a try!
Now, back to training, which I know needs to start including Fartleks and cross-training. No pain, no gain!
~ Courtney
