This will be my eighth half marathon. I’ve never run a half marathon that didn’t include the words “hilly” or “challenging” in the description. This one is no exception.
I started my half marathons with the Zooma Annapolis half marathon. It was the first hot day of the year. I’d spent the day before at the beach. It was way hillier than I expected. In a word, it sucked.
Nine months later, I ran the Caesar Rodney Half and knocked 18 minutes off my time (and hit sub-2). Amazing race, but again with the hills.
Three months later, I ran the Pacers Running Festival Half and PR’d by seconds on a seriously hilly and wickedly windy course.
A week after that, I earned my Half Fanatic membership at the Marine Corps Historic Half. The hills at 11 and 12 were absolutely wicked, but for a race only a week after a PR, I posted a happy 2:04.
Nine months after that I ran the Oak Barrel half as part of my marathon training. Why exactly did I chose a race with a hill that had a name (Whiskey Hill)? That never bodes well.
Six months later I ran the Wilson Bridge Half as a “fun run”. Seriously, who does that? There was a wicked long “hill” near the end (the bridge), but because I’d been running easy, it was not a problem.
Finally, in 2011, I ran the National Half Marathon, right before my achilles decided running was a bad idea. Again, I’m pretty sure the word hilly was in the description.
So, why I am I so nervous about this half?
- I’ve spent the last YEAR! fighting my way back to endurance and (a little bit of) speed.
- That hill between miles 2 and four is wicked!
- The downhill is even scarier.
- Did I mention I’m running this in Vibrams?
- I have no idea how to pace myself for this.
- Various body parts keep whining at me.
But (there’s always a but…) I’m going to have fun. I’m riding down to the race with friends. I’m sharing a hotel room with Tonia (I know you are jealous!). I’m going to get over that hill and then I’m going to give it all I’ve got.
It may not be pretty. I may be limping for days afterwards. But my bling shelf is lonely and it’s time to bring home a shiny new medal!
Yay for having fun while running!! You’ve got this!!
i really hope there is no limping to be had from this, but instead just another great experience to go with the bling
good luck in your race, you will do fine!
Have a great race.
So exciting! Good luck and have fun:)
OMG, I am totally with you! I have been fighting my way back, too. Good luck, good luck, good luck!!!!
You are going to do fine!!! Just remember, take it easy, at least for the first couple miles leading up the the hill and it will be smooth sailing the rest of the way!
Good luck! Sounds like it will be a fun weekend, no matter how the race goes!
No panicking allowed! 🙂 You will do great! Try to enjoy yourself and don’t stress too much. I always try to remind myself that we do this because it’s supposed to be fun. 🙂 You have accomplished much coming back this year and I hope you enjoy your race and celebrate the progress you have made. Good luck! hugs!
Have a FANTASTIC Race, I always find myself in hilly or challenging races. It makes a PR that much more glorius. But this year, I’m seeking out something flat. I want to see what the legs can do. Have a great race weekend, enjoy it, run strong and finish stronger.
VIBRAMS! you’re a rock star.
Hills always throw me off. You never know how killer they will be, unless you’ve run them before.
Best of luck with this one. You are a 1/2 marathon pro. Bring home the bling and enjoy the run!
you’ve got this! You are in great condition, even if training hasn’t been at it’s best!!! Just listen to your body as far as pacing and you will finish! 🙂
You obviously like a challenge. I like to stick to courses that say ‘fast and flat’ – even if I’m not fast, the flat part is encouraging. You’ll do fine regardless because you’re a stubborn, hard-core, bad-a$$ runner and your medal shelf will thank you for it.
Good luck. Take it easy and just enjoy the race.