Since my last blog (in May), I have completed two half marathons. The goal was to run my first half marathon in late October -- The St. Louis Rock N Roll event. I began running (more like walk/jog/walk/jog) in April 2012. A challenging experience for a 49-year-old who had not run more than a 5k since college. With my husband Steve's support and coaching (he is a triathlete and seasoned runner), I started the journey toward my first half marathon race. It was tough training during the hot summer (I have determined I am a fair weather runner), but I stuck to the training plan the best I could. I got up early most mornings and ran before I even had my coffee!
Steve convinced me to sign up for a half marathon "training" run (Hero Run for Wounded Warrior project in Mascoutah) which was held two weeks before the Rock N Roll event. Reluctantly, I agreed. There was a 5K along with the half, so when I took off, lots of runners passed me (but I told myself they are only doing the 5k) and tried to stay slow and steady. The course went out on a country road, so I could see how far I had to run (a little intimidating). At times the water stops were few and far between, but I persevered. I was not the last one to cross the finish line -- at least 8 or 10 people behind me. It turns out the course was a little long -- 13.4 miles instead of 13.1. I was tired, sore, but felt proud. However, I was also not wanting to repeat that distance in two weeks!
The Rock N Roll event day arrived. Up early to drive into the city. Participating in the half were Steve, his sisters Sharon and Sandy, their husbands (one was doing the full marathon), friends Daryl, Kelly, and Nan. My goal was to meet or beat my time from the Hero run (2 hours 46 minutes) and to finish upright! Everyone starts in an assigned corral (group) based on the time you estimate you will finish. No one else in our group was in my corral. I started and tried to stay focused, not going too fast too soon. The race support was very good, loved going by the cheering crowds and bands. I tried to enjoy the scenery and avoid thinking about how much farther I had to go! I ran except when I walked to get water/Gatorade or take a gel. And I had only one bathroom stop (I had to stop at least twice on the other run). A highlight was when I saw my sister-in-law Sharon (she had started a couple corrals ahead of me). I caught up to her, we ran together for a mile or so, then she had to walk. I continued on and finished in 2:39:26.
I ran very little over the next month, but Steve and I, along with some friends, signed up for the Frostbite Series (St. Louis Track Club races), five races during the winter. I braved the cold and sometimes icy roads to run enough to do these shorter races (1.8 miles, 2 miles, 5K, 4 miles, and 3 miles). I did all but the 4 miles race and had respectable times (for me).
Now I am finishing week 3 of my official training for my next half marathon -- in Champaign on April 27 -- part of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon/half/10k/5k events. My goal is to improve my time (would love to go 2 hrs 30 min., but we will see). The cold weather and icy/snowy conditions have made some outside runs challenging. I have run once on the treadmill, but know I can run on that if needed. I prefer to run outdoors.
