Lessons Learned!

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

Guilty

I have to admit my guilt.  I've been a slacker the last few weeks.  And I'm going to pay for it - I am running another half marathon on March 9th!  Vacations have not been my friend this month, but ultimately, I'm to blame.

So, I better get my butt in gear and get moving!  And remember:

~ Courtney

Bling!

So, with my New Year's Resolution being to run a race in every month this year, I'm likely to collect a little bling.  But not every race offers a finisher's medal for participating.  No biggie - I just want to keep up with my training and running.

This past Saturday was February 1st, and the day I ran my February race - it was the only day this month I could fit one in!  Boy are we busy!  Anyhow, my hubby and I ran a 5k that only handed out awards to the top 3 male and female finishers overall, and then top three male and female finishers in each age group.  Guess who decided to try and earn a medal - no, not me.

My husband ran a decent race, was mad at himself for not pushing harder, and I finished in a respectable time, but by no means had pushed myself.  He wanted to leave right after (being that he had to head straight to work).  But I encouraged him to wait for the awards ceremony - you never know, right?  Low and behold, he won 1st place in his age group for men!  So proud of him!  Want to know what was funnier than that?  A minute later they called out my name for 3rd place in my age group for women!  What?!?!

I cannot tell you how much fun it was to earn a medal that way - I know I earned my medal for the 1/2 marathon (anyone who runs 13.1 miles deserves a medal).  But "winning" a medal is a whole new feeling of joy!  And motivation.

Good thing too - the Run Club I joined a few weeks back is kicking my butt, and just challenged each of us to run 60 miles this month.  Yikes!  Not only are there only 28 days this month, but I'm on vacation for a week - not a good combo.  But, challenge accepted.

So, here's to sticking to New Year's Resolutions, earning some bling, and taking on a new challenge!

~ Courtney

Success!

I ran 13.1 miles on Sunday!  It was my first half marathon, and I'm happy to say, likely not my last!  I was so nervous up until we ran across the start line (and there was no turning back).  But I ended up having an excellent running buddy who matched my pace and chatted with me the whole time.  What a difference it made to have someone to run with - normally my husband ditches me (and he did Sunday as well) and I run alone.  Having someone else to run with and distract me was awesome!

The miles just ticked along, and before I knew it we had made it to 4.5.  Then to 8.1 (well over half way)!  And then we tackled a horrible hill and made it to mile 10.6 - only two and a half miles to go!!  I really couldn't believe it!  My legs were getting tired for sure, but the finish was so close.  One more quick water stop and words of encouragement from the volunteers and we were on our way.

Getting close to the finish line the music got louder, the spectators grew thicker and my drive to finish grew stronger!  I crossed the finish line with a big goofy grin on my face and I honestly wanted to cry - happy tears of course!  What a great feeling!  Not only did I feel dumb for doubting myself, I felt amazing for what I had just accomplished!  A half marathon done and in 2:27:46 - not bad for my first if I say so myself!

My resolution for 2014 is to run a race in every month this year.  It doesn't have to be a half marathon, although my husband is now addicted to that high, so we're eyeing at least four more for this year!  I may just do a 5k or a 10k, whatever!  I just want to continue to keep up with training and getting better!  And I'm not going to lie - crossing a "real" finish line is a great feeling!

Here's a few pics from Sunday!

~ Courtney

The End Is Near

3 days.  And I think I'm in denial.  Not really - I'm actually really nervous, and super excited to complete my first half marathon!

Words cannot express how happy I'll be when this is over - I know I'm going to feel so good about accomplishing this goal.  But I have been stressing myself out the last couple of weeks, worrying that I'm not ready, and I won't be able to finish.  And then I remind myself that I'm not trying to win - just finish.

So, I head in to this weekend (praying I don't get sick, because the flu seems to be making the rounds) taking it easy, doing my last couple of easy runs, and trying to remember that even if I have to walk every couple of miles for a minute or two, I will finish.  And most of all - it will be fun!

Good luck to anyone else running their first (second, tenth, etc) race this weekend too!  No quitting - we've got this!  

~ Courtney

3 Weeks And Counting!

Yesterday marked 3 weeks until the PF Chang's Rock N Roll Half Marathon I'll be running!  And I ran 10 miles!!!  I'm so proud of myself!  I honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to do it, but I made it, and actually felt good afterward!

I even practiced my fueling strategy during my run, and think I have that figured out for race day too.  Yesterday was such a breakthrough for me!  I'm more confident than ever in my ability to complete the half.

While purchasing new running shoes the other day, I also picked up a book called Running Arizona.  It lists hundreds of events mostly in AZ throughout 2014.  So, my resolution for 2014 is going to be to complete an event every month.  It may just be a 5k, or I may do more half marathons!  But I'll do something every month!

I'm reminded this holiday season that running is a gift, so I'll treat it like one and cherish it every day.  I hope you do the same!

~ Courtney

Turkey "Trot" My A**!

Okay, so you can tell from the title that I ran in a Turkey Trot.  And said Turkey Trot occurred on Thanksgiving morning.  My husband convinced me to do the 10k instead of the 5k - which probably would have been more of a trot (since I run about 5k every time I'm not doing a long distance run for training).

Well, let me just say, this was no trot.  I trotted.  Others did not.  My husband left me at the starting line and never looked back.  I thought we were running 6.2 miles for fun - but oh no, he and others were out for blood, I mean medals!  Sheesh!

Anyway, I completed my run (trot) and am proud to say I finished my first race!  It was fun, and I definitely earned the turkey, stuffing, rolls, potatoes and pie I ate later that day!!

Looking forward to the next one (race that is)!

~ Courtney