Half Marathon – Race recap

Thankyou for all your lovely words of encouragement and congratulations :)

A few people have asked me some questions about the race, and my training in lead up to it, so hopefully this post will answer those questions!

Training

As you know, I spent most of the summer training and competing in novice triathlons. While my training for these races included running regularly, the longest distance I covered was 10km.

With the end of the "season" on the horizon, I was looking for other events to complete in and came across a half marathon. I figured that with some specific training runs I could probably "up" my mileage so as to compete in the 21km race.

I started my formal training in mid January, slowly increasing my distances each week. I pretty much kept to a routine of 2 to 3 medium distance runs each week, and a longer run on the weekend. The longest distance I covered was 16km, last weekend,  around 5km less than the actual race distance. The key for me was not so much the distance of individual training sessions, but running consistently throughout the week.

Pre race

I woke up at 6am, and after showering, hit the road at 6.30am. I arrived at the race start and collected my race number, only to find out that they had no safety pins left (so that I could pin the number to my shirt). Luckily they had sent out for extra supplies, so shortly before the race started I was able to pin my number on.

 

I had ample time to strap my knees (while hoping, wishing and praying that they would not give me trouble over the longer distance).

            

This was a local event, yet I was surprised at the number of people participating. I think there were probably 300+ people there, and I overhead a fellow runner commenting that this was the largest turnout that he had seen.

The course was an "out and back" style course, which was relatively flat with only a few hills....perfect really. I think the turn around point was at at approximately 11km.

Race thoughts

A little after 7.30am the gun went off (actually I dont know whether there was a start gun.....the pack of runners just surged forward) and the race began!

It was extremely crowded over the first kilometre, but thinned out after that.

My race 'plan' was to try and maintain 6-minute kilometres. Being new to distance running, I wanted to race consistently over the distance, and see how my body handled it.

1-5km - I really enjoyed these first 5 kilometres. I settled into a comfortable rhythm early, and with so many people around, there was a lot of things to distract me. I approached the 5km mark feeling strong, and was pleased to see that Mr BBB had driven there to cheer me on.

 

5-11km - This is where things started to change. My legs and breathing felt great, but like my last long run, my tummy just felt off. I kept looking for a toilet along the course (but there was none to be seen) so I just turned on my i-pod and tried to take my mind off my tummy. Around 8km the front runners passed me (coming from the other direction) and were incredible to watch. I swear they were running faster than I would run a 400m - super impressive! A while later I hit the turn-around point, which gave me a wonderful sense of achievement, I had passed halfway mark and now it was time to "head for 'home".

     

11 - 14km - I was still maintaining a 6-minute kilometre pace at this stage, although my tummy problems were not going away. They didn't seem to be getting worse, but not getting any better either, so I figured the best thing to do was to try and forget about them. I was so so happy when I approached the 14km mark and saw Mr BBB standing at an overpass, camera in hand, cheering and telling me that I was 2/3 done.

15-19km - Every step after the 16km mark was a new personal distance record for me, which was the exact motivation that I needed. My knees were holding up (just a little pain) although I was starting to feel an odd pain in my hip/butt area. Nothing too troubling, just the impact of distance running I suspect.

19-21.097km - At 19km I knew there was only a couple of kilometres to go, and with a view to coming in under a 6-minute km average I tried to kick it up a notch.

It was drizzling slightly at this stage, which was actually quite refreshing. Soon I rounded the bend and saw the 21km sign - with Mr BBB standing right behind it.

 

I decided to sprint to the finish line (well as much as I could anyway) and crossed in a time of 2:05:00 or thereabouts.

 

I walked back and snuck a photo next to the finish line, then grabbed a huge cup of water.

Due to my tummy problems I had not been game to take in a lot of liquids on the course, so I knew I needed water asap.

Post race thoughts

This was such an awesome experience. My previous longest run was 16km, and this race allowed me to increase from that by 5km. I achieved my goals of running the entire way, and also running 6-minute kilometres. Will I do another half marathon? Definitely! Now that I know I can do the distance I want to work on increasing my speed.

The aftermath

After a shower and a stretch, my knees started to hurt. I found that if I was standing, walking or sitting - they were fine. It was just when I tried to stand up, or walk up or down stairs that caused me trouble. Mr BBB and I spent the day doing some shopping, and then later attended a party for a friend. I think I made it to 9pm - before I crashed into bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

The day after

I woke up this morning actually feeling pretty good. My knees feel 100%, and although my legs feel a little tired, I am sure they will be feeling fine again after a day off exercise.

Time to start planning for the next half marathon which will hopefully be on 2 May 2010!

Happy baking :)