This last weekend, June 12th to be exact, I ran my first half marathon! The official chip time was 2:40:22. So crazy. I really wanted to do it in less then 2 and 1/2 hours but, I hit a wall around mile 9 or 10 and had to intermittently walk and run. The last mile I ran the whole way, but it was hard. It was one of the most mentally engaging activities I've ever done.
It was a crazy day because I started off the night before on a bad note. I didn't get off work in Florence until 10 and I had to rush home and get my stuff and make the 3 hour drive to Portland. Thankfully Isaiah let me go before him so I could take off that early. So after I spend my time chatting on the phone to pass my time on the way to Portland, I finally pull into the crazy apartment complex my brother Jackson lives in. Talk about a maze of cars and parking spaces. It worked out cause he talked me through it, right to his apartment door where the two big labs greeted me with uncontrolled enthusiasm, and a very tired mom.
I didn't sleep much throughout the night because I kept dreaming I was going to sleep through the whole thing! Agh, that would have been awful. Luckily Jackson and Janale helped me continue the cycle of no sleep by waking me up around 4:30 am when they got home! Thanks guys! haha. That was a definite sign Jackson would not be running with me for the 10K the following morning. I woke up again wide awake at 5:30 am but just kinda layed on the lovely comfy couch for another 45 minutes when my phone finally went off. When I did get up I had to remind myslef I hadn't run it yet, despite my very realistic dreams that I had.
I was basically ready, but had to do my hair and brush my teeth. I bobby pinned it back so nothing was coming out. Stole an overly ripe banana from the kitchen, hoping it would help me from getting cramps while I ran the 13 miles! agh, I kept trying to prevent myself from freaking out over the length, but the thought kept popping in my head. I woke up mom and asked her if she knew how to get there cause I sure didn't.
After she told me the five minute trip directions she asked me if I wanted her to drive me since I would be by myself til the end of the race. My five year old self wanted to say "YES! Of course you need to come and watch me leave and then wait 2 and 1/2 hours for me!" but I held back and said the responsible adult "no, I'm good." Then I walked to my car and made the drive. I left at 6:15 and little did I know the hour and half head start was not enough. All the other 4,000 contestants wanted to get off at my exit and park as well. So it took me an hour to get there, park, and a lot of freaking out. I had to jog to registration and got my stuff put away, fighting the masses of people going the opposite direction! ugh, get out of the way dumb people! Anyway, had my ipod, and # all attached, I had about 10-12 minutes to mentally prepare for the road trip ahead.
I finally was going with the masses of people headed toward the starting line. Lots of people were talking and jostling each other. I just headed for the middle of the pack and listened to one song over and over. I think it was Martina McBride, but it got me pumped up. Then the mass of people started moving. "Here we go, I thought" Then I decided to take each mile as one less I had to do. That first mile, I was so excited because I no longer had to run 13! I only had 12. And that's how it worked the rest of the time. There was a helicopter overhead taking pictures of this giant moving beast of people. I did not wave, cause I was in a zone man! We headed over an overpass and to the left all the 10K runners turned left, while the more crazy runners kept going. It was beautiful field and countryside just like where I grew up in Junction City, so it felt like home turf. Then came mile 4, oh the hills begin.
The first few hills were not that bad and I was passing people. There were even people on the sides of the road cheering friends and family on, I just imagined the signs said my name and I got encouragement from that. Two very big hills were my Mount Everest. I had decided I didn't want to walk any hills. I did it too! They were extremely hard and I may have been moving at a snail's pace, but I was still running! I had some ZZ Top playing for one of them, which made me think of Dad and him listening to it on his motorcycle. I also was imagining him there cheering me on, telling me to keep going, and that was great.
I didn't drink water at the first couple stations, but after those hills, oh boy I looked forward to them. I drank the electrolytes mostly. So after this really big hill I can see runners going down this road to the left. Yeah! the turn around! Little did I know that I had to turn right, go downhill a mile and come back up before I could follow those runners to the left! Ugh! I was soooo frustrated and angry I wanted to yell and scream. I hated watching all those runners coming back the direction I was heading. I really wanted to ask if the turn around to come back was coming up soon about every 10 seconds, but I gritted my teeth and kept my mouth shut. After hitting the turn around my mood brightened and I enjoyed the trees that covered me from the sun and the pretty forest surrounding, the uphill wasn't even that bad. (I hate doubling back)
Now I was on my way back (mile 8) and I could see glimpses of the stadium and the freeway we had crossed at the beginning. Oh no, my body seems to be feeling symptoms of fatigue. I had been happy about my pace and consistency, but yeah right after one of the water stations, I had to walk. (mile 9.5 or 10) I wasn't out of breath but my legs had lost the will to keep going. No music or thought process could keep me going. I tried all my songs, but there was no use. Now every time I saw a new aide station I made myself pick up the pace, but right after I would walk again.
So hard to walk, especially with people passing me. It was comforting to know there were lots of people there and I wouldn't be last despite my walking. It was also nice to think of the people waiting at the finish line. Nana and Grandpa and Mom and Jackson and Janale and Eliot.
Thoughts like these would keep me going. We hit a gravel road, which was a nice change of pace, and I made sure I was jogging towards the end of mile 11 cause I saw the cameras. Who wants a walking picture? Mile 12 I hit the pavement and ran the rest of the way. So hard, but I pushed past my negative thoughts about walking. I mentally hated and loathed the runners who were walking back and had already finished. They had their medals and free hamburgers! Some had words of encouragement, but most not, so that justified my hating them.
I was extremely hungry this last mile and that was part of my motivation, I could eat if I hurried up and finished! Coming into view of the stadium I saw Nana and Grandpa standing outside looking for me. I waved my hand to let them know I was coming. Good thing they are taller than most :) I tried to give them a smile and attempted a hi five to grandpa, but it didn't work out so well. I continued on through to the stadium through the serpentine finish line crowded with people, where I fived some kids and picked up to a fast run to finish strong. I knew mom would be at the end with the camera and I saw her there as I sprinted by . Yeah for photo finishes! "oh done, I can keep walking or just stop if I want" I smiled to myself.
Grabbed some water from the table overflowing with dixie cups, but no oranges to suck on! Sad. The massive amounts of people hindered fast movement, but made may over to mom, who lamented no picture of me,(later found out she did get one ) and we headed over to Nana and Grandpa and to get my stuff. Jackson showed up a few minutes later to congratulate me. My legs and arms weren't sweaty but salty! Like I'd been in the ocean. I was really glad I'd rolled up my sleeves to avoid the farmer's tan. I got a little burnt, but it was worth it.
So the rest of the day was eating at Sonics (hamburger, fries and chocolate banana milk shake!) and being excited it was all over, but I could gloat over my 13.1 mile triumph the rest of my life! That's right! My movements were somewhat slower, but soooo worth it! I'm glad I trained all that time and that Jackie and Josh inspired me to do it! Thanks Nana, Grandpa, Jackson, and MOM for coming and watching me sweat to the finish! Love you guys!
