Women's Half Marathon, St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov. 18, 2012: race recap

It's official: I love the Women's Half Marathon!

I ran this race last year as my first half marathon, and even though I was disappointed in my performance, I thought the race rocked. It's so well done. Everything. It's organized. It's a great course. It has sufficient water (and Gatorade) stops. It has great bling. And, as a bonus for me, it's local.

So it's probably no surprise that I ran this race as my fourth half marathon, and I thought the race rocked again. 

After more than three months of training, my running group friends and I were ready for this race. We met up early Sunday morning at a hotel close to the start (for indoor restrooms and a place to gather). It was a short walk to the start line.

Lori, Christine and me outside the hotel before the race

Thankfully, we didn't get to our corral any too early. It was crazy crowded and kind of warm for such a cool day (really, pretty ideal running weather: 60s and overcast).

A few minutes after we found and squeezed into our corral, the race started. It was pretty crowded for the first mile, so Lori and I started off slower than we usually do. 

Since we are fortunate to train in the exact location of the race, the course was extremely familiar. We ran along the water, into a neighborhood and back out along the water. We took a GU gel around mile 4 with some water.

At this point, I felt great! I was a little nervous when we got to mile 6 because this is where I stopped to walk last year (and never recovered). We kept on trucking through mile 6. We even kept on trucking on the Pier, my running nemesis. It proved to be my nemesis again as it was super windy. We ran straight into a strong wind up the Pier. Thankfully, once we ran around the Pier and back the other way, the wind was at our backs.

I highly dislike you, Pier!

Around mile 8, we took our second GU gel followed by water. Aside from the pesky Pier, I think the last 4 miles are the toughest of this course. It involves a gradual incline up through downtown St. Petersburg, a trip around Mirror Lake (boring), then on to Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, before heading to the finish. 

We knew what was ahead and prepared for this portion of the course. Our coach had us do multiple Mirror Lake repeats during training so once around the lake wouldn't seem so bad during the race. And, it really didn't seem so bad.

The run from Mirror Lake to Tropicana Field is what did seem bad to me. Even though I ran the course last year and did a 12-mile training run that included this portion of the course, I thought Tropicana Field was much closer to Mirror Lake than it really was. This part seemed long, but we kept running.

Once we hit Tropicana Field, we ran inside the dome. Yes, as a part of this race you run around the warning track of a Major League Baseball field. For a baseball-loving girl like me, this is pretty sweet. For a runner who ran 10+ miles on asphalt, this switch to a squishy surface is not so sweet. It was definitely slower going here. 

We had a gradual incline outside of Tropicana Field before we hit the downhill run back to the finish. Around mile 12, I met Denise. She was working a water stop, and I recognized her from her blog and the Tampa Bay Bloggers group. She was so sweet to jog some with me before taking a picture of our group.

Our coach joined Lori and I at this point to run with us before
going back out for the next group to bring in to the finish.

Then, it was time to really kick it in. We only had 1.1 miles left, and I was ready to run fast. It was all downhill to the finish. We took off. We ran hard that last 1.1 miles. Really hard. Really, really hard.

After a strong finale across the finish line, we received out medals from the military, grabbed some water and snacks, and met up with others from our group.

With the coveted bling

Purple power

Ahh! Grass!

I was happy with my performance. I only walked through water stops. I had a really strong finish. I ran the entire race with my running buddy, Lori, and really enjoyed almost every minute of this race. 

I was shocked to realize that my time was 2:45:33. This is only 3 minutes faster than my disastrous, walk-a-ton result of last year. Why did I feel so disappointed last year and feel happy this year? I'm not sure. I guess running the entire distance (aside from water stops)  feels better than walking portions. I'm not sure. 

The other question is: why is my time only 3 minutes better? I feel like a much stronger runner. And, the weather this year was ideal – especially compared to the hot, miserable, above-average temps of last year. Maybe I didn't push myself as hard as I could? I probably need to pick up the pace sooner. I'm just so conservative and worried I'll burn out before the finish. I need to work on that. 

As far as this race, I loved everything. As far as my performance, there are definitely things I can work on. 

A rockin' weekend

This weekend is going to rock! Here's why:

• Friday: I'll get sweet, sweet sleep! This week has been killer. Lots of work and not much fun leads to a tired turtle. I'm going to sleep it up tonight!
• Saturday: I shall meet one of my favorite celebrities of all time, the lovely and talented Jessica Simpson. I've loved this girl for a long time, and I can't believe I will meet her (when I say "meet," it really just means saying "hi"), get her autograph and get a photo with her. She'll be at a local Dillard's, and it's bound to be a little crowded and crazy, but it's so worth it to me. I'm beyond excited!

As close as I've been before

• Sunday a.m.: I'm running the Women's Half Marathon! This is my second year running this race, and I can't wait. I've trained for three months with a fabulous running group all along the course route, and I'm ready to rock this race (I say this, but I'm currently questioning my abilities).

• Sunday p.m.: I'm going to a post-race cookout at my coach's house for our running group. I love the coaches, the running group, food and drinks, so this is going to be an awesome way to celebrate with the people I've trained with and grown to like so much.  

Any exciting weekend plans? Running a race? Ever met a celebrity? Which one do you most want to meet?

This week in running: week 1

I love the title of this because it reminds of “This Week in Baseball.” I have fond memories of watching that before every baseball game I attended growing up. I guess they used it as entertainment for the fools who got to the stadium two hours before the game started.
 

What up, fools?

But, I digress.

My half marathon training group started this week. We run together on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 p.m.) and on Sunday morning (7:30 a.m.) for our long run.

Tuesday

We met the coaches and each other did a short run to acquaint ourselves with the area.

It brought back bad memories from last year’s Women’s Half Marathon. This stupid pier was the least favorite part of the race: long, hot, no shade at mile 9. Yuck!
 

Pesky Pier

But, I conquered that thing (it was still hot with no shade). It could have helped that it was only a 2-mile run, not part of a 13.1-mile race. Watch out, Pier! I’m coming for you in a race!

Distance: 2 miles

Thursday

Our mission: run 22 minutes out and 22 minutes back. Our group stopped for water along the way because it was freaking hot. I think that is the hardest thing to get used to: the heat at 6:30 p.m.

I’ve run at night or on a treadmill the entire summer. There is a reason I do that: to avoid the big, scary ball of fire in the sky.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Sunday

I’m not a morning person … at all. Especially on the weekend. So, I was thrilled to meet the group for a 7:30 a.m. run.

But, it was SO much better than running in the evening. Not that it was cool by any means, but the sun was not as strong. And, I rocked out the run and had the whole day for fun stuff like Costco and car rides and walks with my dog.
 

Chloe's favorite weekend activity

The group of three I was running with made three water stops in our 50-minute run, walking up to them and walking just a bit after to make sure we swallowed our water before starting again. It wasn’t speedy by any means, but I’m happy with the results.

Distance: 4 miles

From nervous to elated

Yay! It's less than one month until my training group starts for the St. Petersburg Women's Half Marathon, and I'm super-pumped.

Funny. Last year I was in a much different position. I was a bucket of nerves. Why? 

• I was nervous that I would be the worst runner in the group.
• I was nervous that I couldn't keep in the first weeks. I didn't even want to think about week 10.
• I was nervous that I didn't know enough about running.
• I was nervous that I'd get left in the dust.
• I was nervous that everyone would hate me because I'm slow.
• I was nervous that my previously severely sprained ankle would give out on me.
• I was nervous my coach would yell at me and run me into the ground. 

Guess what? All of that nervousness was for nothing. Being a part of that training group was one of the best things I could have done. Why?

• Everyone was extremely encouraging and supportive.
• I was a slower runner, but I was never left behind.
• The first few weeks were tough, but I made it through them.
• My ankle held up great – especially after my coach recommended a shoe for over-pronation: my love, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.
• It didn't matter that I didn't know much about running; I learned. 
• My coach never yelled at me; he was encouraging and supportive. We talked about my "speed" sometimes, but it was always in a friendly, joking way.
• I accomplished things I never thought possible, and I think the majority of it had to do with the support and training of this fantastic group. 

My smile is thanks to my training group.

If you're thinking about joining a running group, do it. If you're nervous, it's OK. Just give it a shot. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Are you in a running group? Do you love it? Are you thinking about joining one? 

For the love of the half

I got tired of thinking, debating, mulling over, questioning and wondering whether to do the Florida halfathon challenge, so I channeled my inner Nike and just did it.

I’m officially registered for six half marathons this race season:

• October 28, 2012: Halloween Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• Nov. 18, 2012: Women’s Half Marathon
• December 9, 2012: Holiday Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• January 20, 2013: Clearwater Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• Feb. 10, 2013: Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon

I loved the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. It made me happy.

• March 17, 2013: Beach Half (part of halfathon challenge)

I guess you could say I’m addicted.

A half marathon is the longest distance I’ve run, and it’s by far my favorite. I love the steady, enjoyable pace of a long run.

I used to like 5Ks, but I’m a little disappointed in my times lately. So, now I hate them. OK, not really. I’m just a little soured on them. It’s not them, it’s me.

I’ve only done one 10K, and it was fine. But, I just didn’t find a love for that distance.

But, half marathons and I, we’re crazy about each other.

Ready to rock

I got an email for my training group for the Women's Half Marathon. I got all excited, and then looked at the date it starts: August 16. 

Darn. That's still a long way away. 

I'm ready now. Nice change of pace from my nervous-as-heck attitude last year.  

My running confidence has really improved. 

So much so that I'm still debating (and leaning more toward doing it than not) doing a local halfathon challenge (four half marathons between October and March, in addition to the Women's Half Marathon in November and the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in February).

And, I'm really looking forward to it. And, not nervous. Or concerned about my abilities. 

I want to decrease my time. Not "just finish." 

Bring it on. August, are you here yet?

Running (and other randomness)

Since Florida feels like the surface of the sun (but more humid) from now until at least September, my race schedule drops off dramatically. As in basically nothing except one (maybe two) 5Ks until November. 

Surface of the sun (but more humid): craptastic
gym and outdoors (May-September)

 So, I decided to start dreaming about next race season ... just about six months in advance. 

And, I think I want to do a local halfathon challenge that involves four half marathons: October (Halloween race, and I think I require a costume), December, January and March, in addition to the Women's Half Marathon in November and Rock 'n' Roll in February. Six in six months. That's doable, right?

I keep hesitating because one race involves big, scary bridges. There's no way I'd sign up for the race on its own, but as part of a package deal, I'd have to do it. And challenge myself. I need that. 

Now for other randomness: 

• Jessica Simpson had her baby today! I shrieked a little when I heard it. I'm that excited. What I'm not excited about is that little Miss Maxwell Drew Johnson missed my birth month by a day. One day! I kind of love her name (and her mom), so I'll forgive her.

Maxwell's mom at the best concert ever

• I didn't try almond butter for the longest time because of it's pricey status. Um, $11 per jar? Is this normal? Do others actually pay this price? I found it on sale for $4.99 and could handle that. Problem is I now love it, but I refuse to pay double-digits for some nut butter. 
• I'm looking forward to a May trip to spend time with these crazy peeps.

Hmm. Maybe I'm the crazy one.

Running group-less

I got some exciting news last weekend: my defunct sand volleyball league is un-defuncting! This makes me a happy, happy, happy girl! The only issue: the league is now on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Why is this an issue, you ask (or maybe you don't really care so I asked it for you)? 

Thursday is running group night. Sigh. 

After some debate, I decided to say, "See ya, running group!"

I know, I know. I love my running group. It helped me to run two half marathons. It was something I looked forward to every week (three times per week). 

I owe this medal to you, running group!

The love is till there, but I'm not training for any long distances races now. I have a few 5Ks on the horizon (and maybe a 5-miler or 10K thrown in), but nothing over the 10K distance. I can train on my own for the shorter distances. So, that's what I'm going to do. 

I'll rejoin the group in August when I start training for my second (I feel so cool saying that, and yes, I'm somewhat pathetic) Women's Half Marathon. Until then, I'm going to be saying "in your face" as I spike volleyballs at my opponents. OK, not really. But, something like that. 

And, I'll still be running three times per week. Just by myself. No group support. No peer pressure. Eek! I'm getting nervous already.

Long run loser

After my first half marathon on Nov. 20, I really didn’t have a desire to run. After a week break, I finally got back into the groove (for the weekly speed workouts, anyway). But, I just couldn’t muster any desire to do a long run.

I’d try and would run 3 miles and call it quits. My longest run during this time was 6 miles. And, it was miserable. I probably walked half of it. I kept telling myself that next week would be the week I’d complete a long run. And, next week came, and I couldn’t do it. A few miles were OK. But, anything much more than 4 miles was getting into iffy territory.

As with all running-related issues, I started evaluating why I felt this way. And, I came up with a few reasons:

• I’d accomplished the goal I worked so hard for (completing the Women’s Half Marathon), and I lost my drive.
• With holidays, visitors and travelling, running took a back seat.
• My last long run was the half marathon race on Nov. 20. Because it was hot, miserable and didn’t go at all like I hoped, I lost my love of the long run.

I think all of these played into my lack of desire to run a long distance. But, I think the last reason probably played the biggest part.

I used to love long runs. We lucked out with the weather for most of our long training runs for the half marathon. The weather was fairly cool (for Florida) for most of our longer distances. The training was working, and I could run a longer distance each week. After a rough 7-mile run one week, all of my runs were pretty glorious. I remember loving two 10-mile runs. They were just completely enjoyable. Then, this blasted half marathon came along and ruined everything. It was hot. It was humid. It was awful.

I'm only smiling on the outside.

Every time I thought about a long run from that point forward, I remembered that terrible run. And, I hated it.

With the holidays over, the visitors gone and the traveling done, I decided this past Sunday was the day to do a long run.

First step, tell my coach that I really sucked it up in regard to long runs. I really didn’t want to admit that my training was turning into a big pile of failure. But, I did. And, I felt better already. So, instead of running the 11 miles (yikes!) on my schedule, my coach suggested a 6-8-mile run. That sounded doable.

Second step, show up and run. At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, I met my group for a still undetermined number of miles (but between 6 and 8) run.

The first few miles were kind of rough. My first few miles of any long run usually aren’t the best, though. So, I kept going. At the 3-mile turnaround point, I decided to keep going. The run still wasn’t a masterpiece by any means, but I’d gotten in the groove. I went another 0.5 miles before turning around. The last 3.5 miles were easier than the first, and I’m so happy I finally ran a non-stop 7 miles. And, my time was almost exactly the same as my (better) 7-mile run during my previous training (1:21). I’ll take it!

I have a tendency to take a turn to negative town, so part of the run I was so disgusted at myself for not being able to run the 11 miles on my schedule. But, toward the end, I felt happy for getting back out there and tackling a long run. And, replacing my last miserable long run memory with a pleasant one.

Women's Half Marathon, St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov. 20, 2011: race review (Part 2)

I woke up at 5 a.m. on race day. Normally, I hate waking up early. I wouldn't say it was my favorite thing this day either, but I was happier than most days.

First thing: toast an English muffin, spread with a little peanut butter and slice a half a banana on it. Second thing: eat this.

Due to the aforementioned car starting problem, as soon as I ate my runner's breakfast of champions, I headed out with my dog to see if my car would start (oh, and to let my dog go to the bathroom). The car started! My dog went to the bathroom! Hooray on both accounts!

Knowing my car would start made the morning a little more relaxed. Of course, I thought that even though it started that time, it may not start the next time. Sheesh! I always think of something to ruin my relaxedness.

After getting ready (handy that I set out the clothes the night before and packed everything I needed ... I should do this every day) and after Chloe wished me luck, I headed out the door.

I still left in enough time that, if necessary, I could call a taxi. I was a little nervous starting the car, but thankfully, it started without issue. Whew!

Since my running buddy, Caroline, lives close to the course, I parked at her house, and we walked to the start line (probably about a one-mile walk). We left her house at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. start time, and even with a stop at a porta-potty on the way in a park (not a race porta-potty, thankfully; this one smelled like cinnamon and had hand sanitizer) and a stop for a quick photo, we made it to our corral by 6:52 a.m.

This was just enough time. I didn't get nervous about not making it, but I also didn't have too much time to stand around and get nervous about the race. Although, one thing did trouble me: I started sweating on the walk there. Yes, a walk. Before sunrise. I was afraid bad things were to come.

I was extremely impressed with the organization of this race. About 7,000 runners fit easily into their corrals for an on-time start. Almost three minutes after the horn to start the race, Caroline and I crossed the start line to "Going the Distance" (I love some Cake. I'm glad the race organizers do, too.)

The first few miles were a breeze. The street was crowded, but it wasn't too difficult to pass someone if necessary. There was a ton of fan support at the start, so that helped pass the time, too.

Miles 4-5 got a little hot and boring. We ran through a neighborhood with little crowd support. But, we did hit our first water stop of the day, and we ran into the race photographers. I tried to keep my vow to myself: look happy in all of the photos. I started off on the right track.

Even though you can already see my shirt is soaked with sweat, I'm still happy (or pretending to be). Caroline is still really happy, too (I love this picture).

I don't really remember being that happy from this point in the race forward. Oh, wait. I was happy when I saw Caroline's husband and parents. That was fun. But, that was probably the last memorable happy time during this race. We kept trudging along until we took our first walk break (about the 6-mile mark). It was then we decided if we wanted to finish, we needed to walk some. It was freakin' HOT and HUMID, and it was barely 8 a.m. Oh, and it's November!

We kept going. Hit the next water stop hard. I took water (sometimes two or three) from each stop (The water stops were plentiful and well-stocked. I am extremely grateful that this was the case. Thank you, Women's Half Marathon organizers). I drank some and poured the remainder on my head.

I think miles 8-9 (I may be off on my miles because I was somewhat delirious from the heat)were the toughest of the course. It involved running The Pier. No trees. No shade. Out and back. Extremely hot. I almost had a meltdown when I realized we had to run around the stupid thing as opposed to turning around in front of it. This was really probably only an additional 0.1 mile, but this explains my level of hate of this portion of the race. We ended up walking a portion of this stupid pier, too. Maybe our longest walk break of the day. Stupid, stupid pier!

After the stupid, long, hot pier, we headed up to downtown St. Pete. At this time, we saw our coaches (both guys; they probably felt like pimps) and yelled at them, so that was a nice distraction. It was fun and all smiles until I realized they were finishing the race. Then, I got angry and bitter. I wanted to be them, but we still had 4 miles to go. Ugh!

The coaches saw this; we did not for another 4 miles

I knew that we were headed to Tropicana Field (home of the Tampa Bay Rays), but I didn't realize that we weren't taking a direct route there. So, when we had to turn to run around a lake in a park, I almost had another meltdown. I was also literally melting. I was hot. Really hot. As in, getting dizzy hot.

After more walking and more water, we dragged ourselves to Tropicana Field. I should have enjoyed this. I love baseball in a serious way. I love the Rays in a serious way. I should have been super-pumped that we got to run around the warning track of the stadium. I DID NOT CARE. I just wanted this race to end.


On the field at a much, much happier time

We walked some in Tropicana Field and some outside of it. Down to our last two miles, I thought I felt a surge of energy. I was wrong. Or it only lasted 0.5 mile. We walked some more and ran some more.

Thankfully, we ran into another coach at about the last mile of the race. She finished the race (in 1:44, no less), and then kept going out to find people in our group and run them almost to the finish line before she ran back for the next group. This was the sweetest thing ever and exactly what we needed. She had us running and running at a pretty good pace for the last mile. As she left us, she said the finish is just around the corner. She lied about that (or our ideas of "just around the corner" are different). But, we finished, and we finished strong!

My official time: 2:48:26 (Oh, my gosh. I am slow, but not that slow. Except on this day). I was really hoping for a  2:35 finish, and based on my training runs, I could do that (of course, our long runs were on 60-degree mornings with no humidity, and this was an 84-degree day with high humidity). I really think the heat and humidity were to blame. My body felt great. I was prepared. Nothing hurt. I just felt out of it. Dizzy. Nauseous.

After about the 6-mile mark of the race, I started feeling disappointed. I wanted to run the entire thing. I wanted to feel good throughout the race. And, things were falling apart fast. I had this feeling the entire race until the finish. Crossing the finish line strong really made these feelings go away (somewhat). I guess I'm still kind of disappointed, but hey, it was my first half marathon. It was unseasonably hot and humid. And, I finished. And got a cool medal. I now remember that this is part of the reason I signed up for this race.

It's so big and shiny! And, it has a detachable charm that you can add to a necklace or charm bracelet ... still haven't decided how I feel about that.

After getting our bling, we headed to the post-race refreshment area. First stop: ice bags. Oh, this felt glorious on my head and chest and neck! I finally could cool down.

After sitting on the asphalt (sitting on the hard ground never felt so good) applying the ice bags for awhile, we decided hit the snacks. I really wanted an orange. They didn't have oranges. But, they did have bananas, frozen strawberries, granola bars, pretzels and yogurt. I took some for later, but couldn't even think about eating anything at this point. All I wanted was liquid. So, I drank more water and more Gatorade along with more water and more Gatorade.

We finally found Caroline's parents and husband and got the cameras out!

Even though the race didn't go as I wanted it, there were a lot of great things about this race:

• Extremely scenic, beautiful course. Sometimes I forget how beautiful it is since I live and run here all the time.
• Well-organized race. Everything seemed to go the way a race should.
• Well-manned and plentiful water and Gatorade stations. This was a lifesaver on this hot day. I really don't think I could have finished without the many, many water stops.
• Great crowd support. It was pretty awesome hearing people you don't know yell your name.
• The Bondi Band did the job! I love this thing! It stayed in place (no headband ever stays on my head), and it prevented sweat from going in my eyes. Amazing!

Really, the only negative things I can think of had nothing to do with the race itself:

• HEAT AND HUMIDITY (Oh, did I mention this before?!?)

I'd definitely do this race again ... on a much cooler day. And, I'm looking forward to my next half marathon in February, when it better be cooler.

Women’s Half Marathon, St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov. 20, 2011: race review (Part 1)

Well, because I’m being extremely wordy, I decided to break this review in two. Part 1 chronicles the day before the race (race expo, preparation) and Part 2 will chronicle the actual race and aftermath.

I keep hearing that solid sleep two nights before a race is important. So, I took this to heart and slept a glorious 11 hours on Friday night. If there’s one thing I can do, it is sleep!

So, after getting my bearings, hydrating incessantly and watching a little “Beverly Hills 90210” (this show, the original version, still rocks), I decided to hit up the race expo.

I basically live in St. Petersburg (technically, I’m in Clearwater, but St. Pete is right across the street), so I knew where I was headed: the spiffy Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Visiting Major League Baseball teams stay at this hotel, so I’m familiar with it due to my stalking autograph-seeking.

After picking up my race bib (very cool that they were personalized) and goodie bag, I followed signs to the T-shirt pickup area and expo.





Not only is it cute, it contained lip gloss and Chomps (two of my favorite things)

Cute shirt, but as with most running shirts, it is too short (on me)

I’ve never been to a race expo, but I thought this one rocked! I loved being able to see all of the cool running gear I’ve seen online or in magazines in person. I had my second stint as a cover model (as an intern, I rocked the cover of Produce Merchandising magazine) and got to pose for Running Women’s Magazine (I keep waiting patiently for this photo to be posted. I am still waiting. Still somewhat patiently. When they do post them, and if mine is not too hideous, I will post it here).

My supermodel days: the cover shot for Produce Merchandising magazine

For a nasty, sweaty girl like me, the Bondi Band booth was a welcome sight. I’ve wanted to try them to help with my sweat-dripping-into-my-eyes problem. So, I grabbed one (in purple, of course). When I say grabbed, I mean I picked it out and paid for it (not that I grabbed it and ran).

Save me from my sweatiness, oh Bondi Band

After the expo, I headed to Target (while hydrating incessantly) to grab toothpaste. Toothpaste is one of those things that I always stockpile. I usually have two to three tubes in reserve. Somehow, Saturday morning, I couldn’t find any. I finally found a dollop in a travel tube that I eeked out. After grabbing toothpaste and many other items (darn you, Target), I headed out.

Next stop: Olive Garden to pick up my pre-race meal. Problem: my car died pulling out of the Target parking spot. PANIC! I tried for what seemed like hours (realistically it was probably 5 minutes) to get my car started. All the while, my main concern: How am I going to get to the race tomorrow (behind this concern: How do I get home? Who do I call? Where am I going to have my car towed? How much is this going to cost?)?!? Finally, the car started. Whew!

I pulled into a to-go parking spot at Olive Garden and left my car running. With the keys in it and the windows down. I was unconcerned for two reasons: (1). My car is crappy and (2). The Olive Garden door holder opener and the 532 people waiting for a table were witnesses to anyone wanting to steal my piece of crap car (sorry, car, I love you, but you’ve seen better days).

I made it home, pondered options for how to make it to the race if my car wouldn’t start (finally decided on a taxi there and a ride home with a friend that was coming to the race), ate my dinner, laid out my race outfit, filled my water bottle, packed my Chomps, charged my Garmin and called it a night. I made it to bed by about 10:30 p.m. for a 5 a.m. wake-up call. Not bad.

I had a dream that I ran a fabulous race, got my medal and adoration from my many fans (like I said, this was a dream). I was a little irritated when I woke up that I had to run another half marathon. 

Day 44 (Nov. 17)

Sadly, this is my last training group run for the Women's Half Marathon.

The run: an easy 3 miles. It finally cooled down some, so this run was pleasant. Not sticky, sweaty, nasty like Tuesday's run. It gave me hope for race day (Sunday), but I think (when I write "think," I really mean I know because I've been obsessively checking the forecast for the past week) the temperature and humidity are supposed to creep back up by then. Boo!

Aside from almost getting hit by a car, this was a fairly uneventful run. When I write "almost," I really mean almost. As in, if we didn't jump into the grass and wave our arms to stop the car we would have been smushed. Uncool right before the race. Well, uncool anytime actually.

So, that's it. The end after almost 4 months of training.

I'm sad. I love this group and our trainers. But, I'm also extremely happy with my accomplishments. When I started I hadn't run any farther than a 5K. On Sunday, I'll be running 13.1 miles!

Sad no more

I find myself getting depressed because my training is coming to an end – not excited because my first half marathon is approaching. I should be pumped – my half marathon is less than a month away (Women’s Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Nov. 20), and I feel ready to rock this race. But, I’m just sad. I don’t want this to end.

(This is an old photo, but my dog and I were feeling sad about something … just like I am now.)

So, what’s a girl to do? Sign up for her next half marathon training and race!

I’m going to be rocking and rolling in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Feb. 12 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon! And, I’m staying with the same coach and training group to help me dominate this race. Yay! Feelings of sadness gone! Feelings of excitement, fun and challenge are back!

 

A few good decisions

I’m not the best decision maker. In fact, I can count on one hand the good, major decisions I’ve made in my life (this doesn’t include daily decisions like choosing to drink a Diet Dr. Pepper or watching the Miami Dolphins to get a glimpse of Reggie Bush – these are obviously both excellent decisions, though). I’m talking major, life-changing decisions. I’m terrible at those, just terrible.

Here are my only good decisions on major issues in my life:

1.   Choosing a college. Kansas State rocked my world, and it prepared me for life. I loved every minute of school, and I appreciate the programs, professors and life at Kansas State.

2.   Getting a dog (both of them). Maggie came first, and she was the best thing in my life. Then, after her death, Chloe came along at just the right time. She rocks, and I’m happy every day I spend with her. (On a side note, a number of years ago I was asked to list five things I’d like to accomplish in the next five years. Number one on my list: Get a puppy. This wasn’t greeted with enthusiasm, as I was told this was a “serious” exercise. Well, I was serious. And, I’m happy I accomplished this goal every day of my life.)

     

3.   Changing jobs. My last job wore on me. Well, not the job itself, but the work environment: home. I know, I know. It sounds so great. No commute. You can start laundry or dinner. You don’t have to dress up. All of those are nice. But, the one thing I think people tend to forget: no human interaction (besides the UPS guy ... poor guy). After three years of working at home, I need coworkers. Real, live coworkers. Thankfully, with my current job, I have them. And, I enjoy my job (most days).

4.   Joining a training group for the Women’s Half Marathon. I’m happy every day I go to my running group. I’m amazed at what I’ve accomplished – things I never thought I could do. This program made me a runner for life, and I’ll be forever grateful.