Half Marathon Report

Well I made it across the finish line for the SLC Half Marathon.  I didn't do it in my goal time but considering I had shin splints AND asthma/allergy issues to contend with the last three weeks, I am just happy to have made it at all.  I still beat my previous half marathon time.  I won't know for sure my time until tomorrow so I'm not going to say by how much.

Overall it went well.  Of course getting to the race was a little slower than anticipated.  Thankfully you are timed by when you go across the start line.   I was happily standing in line for the porta potty with my friend Brooke when the race started.  It was cloudy the whole time except for about 5 seconds of sun that peeked through.  And yes, of course, I took my prescription SUNglasses instead of my regular glasses. Right now, outside, it's bright and sunny!   It only sprinkled a couple of times during the run as well which was a welcome event anyway.

The first part of the race was fine - I did pause at about .5 miles in to stretch the shins (a very necessary thing for me) but after that, the next 7.5 miles was good.  Feeling strong and fine.

At 8 miles though two bad things happened.  1) Stupid me accidentally pulled out my Nike+ connector from the iPod which stopped my run.  *sigh*   So I had to start that back up again for the last 5 miles.   But also my legs started killing me.  Mile 8 was okay...but mile 9?  Holy.  10, 11 & 12?  *cry*   Especially since they decided to throw in a nice up-hill stretch for three miles - which did not help my leg pain in the slightest.  Mentally and physically from the waist up, I was fine!  It was the pain in my legs that didn't let up.  So, unfortunately, I had to walk quite a bit.  Especially during the three mile up-hill stint because my right achilles and both of my IT bands went totally nuts on me.  Oh ya, and my left knee kept getting a sharp pain.  Ah ha...typical pain points on me when running.

I was NOT ready for this run.  Remember my shin splints & asthma issues that stopped me from training as well as I wanted?  Ya...I didn't have the mileage to suddenly push it that much more.  But it happened anyway.  I don't have the power to stop time.  I need to put in a request for that in my next life. I am just happy I crossed the finish line.  Run, walk, crawl - Just finish. 

Post race consisted of icing my lower legs & achilles, a nap and then a trip to Wasatch Running where I purchased (with the help of a wonderful group of prior co-workers who supplied a nice gift card for me) a strap for the achilles tendon.  I have it on now.  Hmmmm....support.  I also bought some more KT tape, some Body Glide (omg heat rash...in an omg not so nice place...) and two reflective vests for Christine and me to use during Ragnar in 9 weeks!