Unexpected Race Recap (PIP)

[shauni27]

So as you all know, I had signed up for the Covered Bridge Half Marathon back in December, started training for it, but then decided at the end of March not to run it.  Too much effort training when I have so much work going on.

Then three weeks ago I decided "damnit all to hell, I CAN DO THIS!  and I WANT TO DO THIS!"

So I ran 5 miles after not running all of April. 

Then the following week I ran 8, then ten.

The half was this weekend.  My only goal was to finish while actually ENJOYING myself the whole time.

I have heard people talk about running longer distances and enjoying it, or not knowing how the miles were ticking by so fast, etc.  That has never been me, in all four previous halves, I ran it and from the first step I always think "how many more miles until I am done?"  I wondered if I could ever run a half and actually enjoy it.

Sunday was perfect weather-wise.  It was very sunny, but starting temp was around 58, finish temp 64, and for about half the race there is good shade cover.  I started out REALLY slow.  I normally cannot hold a conversation while I run, but I was able to talk to my cousin for the first three miles without any effort, that's how slow I was going.  But it was GREAT!  All of a sudden, three miles down and instead of thinking of how many more I had to go, I kept just enjoying it.  Lost my cousin at mile three, he was a bit slower than me, but I just kept right along.  I stopped at every water break, but other than that, no stops until mile 8 (steep ass hill).  I literally couldn't believe I was already at mile 8, then 9 and then 10.  By mile 10 I was pretty tired, and the hip pain I was experiencing from literally the very first step was still nagging.  I was thinking "man, three more miles to go.  That's not far, but I am SO tired!" 

And yet, they too flew by!  I was smiling, having conversations with runners all along the course.  Was dancing and cheering for all of the bands on the route.  Was thanking every volunteer out there, giving encouragement to other runners, etc.  It was SO fun.  I had a great cheer squad plus I knew quite a few people running (this is my local half) so it was just great to be a part of it all, enjoy it, and see so many people out there.

I finished strong, not a PR, but considering three weeks of training??  I was 6 minutes off my PR and pretty happy with finishing at 2:15.  I was sure it would take me about 2:45 with my lack of training.  All in all a great day--though my hip is REALLY painful right now.

This morning my husband was on the cover of the newspaper cheering for me

[greysgirl]

Awesome job!!

[labbie]

Great story- and great job out there! Love those perfect running days when it all comes together!

[libbygrl109]

That is so great! Congrats!

[runaways]

Congratulations! I'm so glad you had a great time!

[coconutbug]

Fantastic job! Congrats!

[thom]

That's a wonderful outcome; congrats!! Sometimes the body just needs a break, but apparently you can still pick up where you left off and kick some butt.

Great pics, too!

[clseale]

I love this! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. You look much too pretty to have just run a half marathon! Great pics.

[G22]

Congrats! Way to go!

[marcyiam]

Nice recap and nice job! And from the title of it, it sounds like a beautiful course.

[sassystace]

Awesome!! So glad you were able go get out there and really enjoy the race. I think we (runners) often lose that in our efforts to improve all the time. It is supposed to fun!

Also we need PIP of the newspaper photo; Way to go DH!

[shelbyann]

You look like you're gunning down #25. great recap and pics!

[hannahb]

Awesome! Congrats!

[runblondie26]

Congrats! I'm glad it was such a postive experience for you. Great pictures too!

[Mushe]

Yay! So glad you had such a good time.

[cinco]

I'm so glad you decided to run and had fun! Great pictures!

[Deleted]

Great job!!!!

[sadlebred]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the race!

[shauni27]

Jun 2, 2014 12:01:57 GMT -5 sassystace said:

Awesome!! So glad you were able go get out there and really enjoy the race. I think we (runners) often lose that in our efforts to improve all the time. It is supposed to fun!

Also we need PIP of the newspaper photo; Way to go DH!

H cheers in the kayak along the river for everyone.  I always get comments from random strangers "that guy cheering in the kayak is THE BEST!"

He has been doing it since I started running it three years ago.

[shauni27]

Jun 2, 2014 11:57:31 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Nice recap and nice job! And from the title of it, it sounds like a beautiful course.

It is simply stunning.  Running in Vermont is always beautiful, and this route in particular.  But yesterday seemed like truly the most beautiful race I could imagine.  Leaves were so green, sky super blue, river was serene, roads were clean (and dirt, haha)...just made me so grateful to live and run in such a beautiful spot.

PSA: everyone come run this race next year!!

[marcyiam]

That does sound like a perfect day!

[gncorman]

Congrats!!

[bostonmichelle]

Congrats! I might have to come run this next year, it sounds gorgeous.

[osulori]

Congratulations!

[shauni27]

Jun 2, 2014 18:20:30 GMT -5 bostonmichelle said:

Congrats! I might have to come run this next year, it sounds gorgeous.

You should!  So many people from the greater Boston area run this race, it is great!

[bostonmichelle]

Jun 2, 2014 19:23:57 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

Jun 2, 2014 18:20:30 GMT -5 bostonmichelle said:

Congrats! I might have to come run this next year, it sounds gorgeous.

You should!  So many people from the greater Boston area run this race, it is great!

I just looked it up, they have the date up for next year. I have a wedding the night before in RI. Why are all the good races on weekends that I get invited to weddings?

[enfuego23]

I'm so happy for you that you had such a fantastic race!!! Loved your recap and pics:)

[awick14]

That sounds like a great race. I'm glad you stuck it out and just went for it.

[jchokie79]

So glad you changed your mind and ended up having such a great and fun race! Congratulations and you made awesome time!!

[jreeds]

Jun 2, 2014 11:22:32 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

So as you all know, I had signed up for the Covered Bridge Half Marathon back in December, started training for it, but then decided at the end of March not to run it.  Too much effort training when I have so much work going on.

Then three weeks ago I decided "damnit all to hell, I CAN DO THIS!  and I WANT TO DO THIS!"

So I ran 5 miles after not running all of April. 

Then the following week I ran 8, then ten.

The half was this weekend.  My only goal was to finish while actually ENJOYING myself the whole time.

I have heard people talk about running longer distances and enjoying it, or not knowing how the miles were ticking by so fast, etc.  That has never been me, in all four previous halves, I ran it and from the first step I always think "how many more miles until I am done?"  I wondered if I could ever run a half and actually enjoy it.

Sunday was perfect weather-wise.  It was very sunny, but starting temp was around 58, finish temp 64, and for about half the race there is good shade cover.  I started out REALLY slow.  I normally cannot hold a conversation while I run, but I was able to talk to my cousin for the first three miles without any effort, that's how slow I was going.  But it was GREAT!  All of a sudden, three miles down and instead of thinking of how many more I had to go, I kept just enjoying it.  Lost my cousin at mile three, he was a bit slower than me, but I just kept right along.  I stopped at every water break, but other than that, no stops until mile 8 (steep ass hill).  I literally couldn't believe I was already at mile 8, then 9 and then 10.  By mile 10 I was pretty tired, and the hip pain I was experiencing from literally the very first step was still nagging.  I was thinking "man, three more miles to go.  That's not far, but I am SO tired!" 

And yet, they too flew by!  I was smiling, having conversations with runners all along the course.  Was dancing and cheering for all of the bands on the route.  Was thanking every volunteer out there, giving encouragement to other runners, etc.  It was SO fun.  I had a great cheer squad plus I knew quite a few people running (this is my local half) so it was just great to be a part of it all, enjoy it, and see so many people out there.

I finished strong, not a PR, but considering three weeks of training??  I was 6 minutes off my PR and pretty happy with finishing at 2:15.  I was sure it would take me about 2:45 with my lack of training.  All in all a great day--though my hip is REALLY painful right now.

This morning my husband was on the cover of the newspaper cheering for me

Awesome recap!