RNR NOLA Half: I Survived my First Half!

[mysticmuffin]

I apologize in advance, this got really long.

To say this training cycle was a disaster in terms of actual race preparation would be IMO an understatement. Despite that I have a list of lessons learned. Among the top 2 if I’m going to make a go at a late winter marathon being a significantly greater amount of home buy-in on the plan, and changing my work schedule to run in the morning. There were WAY too many weekday runs that didn’t happen in the dark winter days that negatively contributed to my performance on Sunday.

All of that being said I ran 13.1 freaking miles. I’m stoked to have finished. Even better is that 2 days out (and even 1 day out yesterday) I’m feeling pretty good. My legs are tired, but not dead. The only real ache is a cranky right Achilles, but that is not surprising in the least.

H and I flew to NO Friday after work. H reaalllly wanted to hit the Acme Oyster House, so I obliged even though it was 10pm by the time we got there. In hindsight, this is probably one of the best decisions I made all weekend. We ended up in line in front of a RNR VIP Coordinator and one of her VIPs. H is very social and strikes up a conversation while we waited. She gave us free VIP access. Score!

This is the biggest race I’ve ever done, so I’ve never experienced an expo. I spent way too much money. You only have one 1st half, right?

Race day, I was up and walked the few blocks to the VIP pre-race breakfast, downed my bagel and coffee, checked my gear, and walked allllll the way to my assigned corral. We crossed the start about 30 minutes after corral 1 and it was finally go time. With the goal of survival I started out with a run 1 mile: walk 1 minute interval plan, knowing that I would adjust as needed.

The roads were… not great. Rough, potholes, construction barriers narrowing the road at times, etc. Course support was great. Ample water stops, bands every so often (even though it seemed like every single one would take a break just as I was getting there), but the signs and the funny shirts. There were a few that gave me life.

I saw a new tshirt for wambam . I wasn't quick enough to snap a pic, but it was this one:


There was a woman at mile 1.5 with a sign that said: Alternative Facts: You’re almost done.

I saw another woman around mile 7.5 when I really needed a laugh. Her sign said “You’re running this race better than Trump is running the country.” When I about fell over laughing she pulled out another sign that said “Do epic shit.” I needed that boost.

I thought of H&F every time my phone dinged with your good lucks and well wishes, and again when I saw this sign:


Things fell apart a bit around mile 10. I started having hip tiredness/pain. Not “ow” pain but more “what the fuck are you doing still moving lady” pain. Lesson 3: need more hip strengthening. I walked a lot those last 3.1 miles. But I made it!

ETA: The post-race massage in the VIP area made my legs/hips feel infinitely better. I really think this is one of the top things that contributed to how good I felt the next day.

TL:DR I ran 13.1 miles and I didn’t hate it. I’m signed up for my next half 6 weeks.

I also put those race photo posing tips to good use and actually got a couple race pics that I liked! Bonus win!
Jazz hands:


And speeding up:

[sassystace]

Congratulations! Sounds like it went well if you are already signed up for another. Way to score the VIP passes--you'll be spoiled for your next race for sure.

And that shirt is great.

[shauni27]

Oh congrats!! I'm so happy for you! It sounds like a great experience despite some of your hip pain. Welcome to the club!

[wineandcheese]

Congrats!!!

[lilypad1126]

Congrats!!

[emilyj]

Awesome job!! Congratulations!!

[luckystar2]

Congrats!! It's an amazing feeling to complete your first half...bask in it!

[mrsjthompson]

Congrats! The roads in NOLA suck and my sister said it was really hot Sunday. You did awesome.

[mysticmuffin]

Feb 7, 2017 11:12:39 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

Congrats! The roads in NOLA suck and my sister said it was really hot Sunday. You did awesome.

I was a salty sweaty mess from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. 

[libbygrl109]

Congrats! I'm so glad you had a good experience despite the hip pain. Can't wait to hear about the next one!

[hurricanedrunk]

Congrats on your first half! Sounds like you had a great experience overall despite the hip issues. Great score on the VIP access!

[jene]

Congrats!

[mrs.jacinthe]

Congrats!!!

[cinco]

Congrats! I'm so happy for you! Amazing, badass, pictures too! Frame that shit

[thom]

Congratulations!!! Super job and what a fun city to run your first half. How fun that you got VIP access too.
Acme Oyster House. I have such fond memories of that place.

Glad you are feeling pretty good and hope recovery goes well.

[irene adler]

Congratulations on an awesome race! And your second race picture is EPIC! What a leap!

[itsme]

Congratulations on your first half and finishing! Great pictures!

[gt7301b]

Congrats!

[sweetptater]

Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment!!!

[Vally]

Congrats on your first half !!

[katyintx]

Congratulations! You're right - the roads were absolutely terrible. I'm actually in the process of telling my friend not to do that race as her first full for the sake of her ankles!

Which did you choose for your next half? Is it local?

Good job again on your first half!

[mrshandy]

Congrats!!!

[1confused1]

Congrats!!

[mysticmuffin]

Feb 7, 2017 15:07:35 GMT -5 katyintx said:

Congratulations! You're right - the roads were absolutely terrible. I'm actually in the process of telling my friend not to do that race as her first full for the sake of her ankles!

Which did you choose for your next half? Is it local?

Good job again on your first half!

OMG no kidding! That was my only complaint yesterday, I wanted to chop off my feet and ankles. I just couldn't decide if it was road induced or it was a me problem. #istilldontknowwhatimdoing

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations!! Sounds like you had a great race even with the roads and hip issues!

[everafter07]

Congrats!! So exciting. And what a race to run. I love NOLA.

[Deleted]

Congrats!

[sadlebred]

Congratulations!!

[labbie]

An awesome first half- congrats!!

[juliabug]

Congratulations! I hope that your hip feels better soon. Love your pictures!