I finished this race today. I didn't finish as fast as I wanted to, but I did beat my February time by 16 minutes. My first 3 miles was my best pace ever (37 minutes---see note about starting too fast below), at 6 miles I was still at a good pace 1:17. I even did well through mile eight. At this point, we ran out to the pier where the wind was BRUTAL. By mile 9 my feet were KILLING me and I had to go to the bathroom. Just after mile 10, we ran through Tropicana field (where the Tampa Bay Rays play--around the perimeter of the field). I was thankful for the SOFT astroturf and was able to RUN it out in there. Mile 11 was just OK. The last 3/4 of a mile, I was able to RUN. IT. IN. This is huge for me as it meant I did have something to give. Now to just pace it out a little better this February. Below are the things I've learned from running half marathons(so far). Well, I don't know if I really have all that much wisdom since I've only officially run two now. But I have DEFINITELY learned (and keep learning) every time my feet hit the pavement. Here, in no particular order, are some of the lessons I now have under my belt:
1. You have to "run your own race". My son (the Coach) has said this to me again and again. It's HARD, though. I WANT to be as fast as some of my friends. I HATE seeing people pass me that I think I should be able to beat. I have to remember: that's THEIR race and not mine. (Still, I often set my sights on a runner or two or three that I want to beat in the end...and I can't lie, I find that motivating---just keeping it real).
2. Today, while having a particularly hard time with my foot, I saw a sign that said, "Remember your 'why'." That's important for me. I have to remember WHY I run. I run because it's something that I never thought possible for me. I run because it makes me FEEL good (most of the time). I run because it's a way to clear my head. I run for those who can't run...YET! I run because it's helped me have a healthier body. (For the record, while that foot was throbbing its way through mile 11, I saw a sign that said, "Your feet hurt because you're kicking butt!" (I liked it.)
3. If you're a SLOW runner (like me), it's not fair to yourself to minimize your runs. Ever. I would not post my 13.1 sticker on my car after I finished Disney Princess in February 2012. My time was much slower than I wanted. I stopped and took pics along the way. I convinced myself I wasn't worthy of putting that sticker on the car because I "wasn't a 'real' runner". But, again, the Coach comes through and says, "The first time you run, you're a runner." My 13.1 sticker will be on the car this week. 4. Keeping track of your progress is motivating and a reminder of the growth you've had. I'm thinking this is such a lesson for anything we're learning. It's good to look back and see where you've been. I am serious when I say I could not run SIX FEET when I started. Any record keeping helps with perspective. It's good to know the steps you have to take to move forward too. Data can be a very good thing.
5. When you've gotta' "go" you've gotta' "go". I learned, the hard way, that your body functions differently when you run. Soooo...although I'd like to avoid the porta-potty at the races, I know that taking the time to take care of your body's needs is what really helps you move forward. And when you're in the middle ages, you have to listen to it...waiting is...well...not pretty.
6. Running with people is a good thing. I don't mean actually side-by-side running, because I really prefer to run with myself/alone. It's one of the only times my world is totally silent. And I love it! I have these ladies that I've come to call friends who keep me motivated more than they may know. Many are already serious runners. They all have hearts the size of Kansas and can encourage ANYONE to keep moving. I love having "running friends" who understand the maladies that often accompany this sport (from shoe issues, to toenail issues, to bathrooming). I love the encouragement and love they give. (As an added bonus today, I got to meet my blogging friend, Linda from 2nd cup of coffee! She came down from Indiana to run this race and it was definitely one of the highlights for me.) 7. Starting too fast can be KILLER! I tend to do this. I know there's a scientific reason for it. But isn't it true with everything? If you come out of the starting block too fast, you lose momentum and have trouble really sticking with it till the end. I'm trying to learn pacing in MANY areas of my life...running reminds me it's worth learning.
8. Pushing your way through something hard is VERY REWARDING! Sure I love the medal. I love the celebration at the end. I love cheering for others coming across the finish line. But realizing that you can stick with something and get through it just feels good.
There you have it, the top 8 things I've learned in the last 18 months. I'm sure there are more lessons, but right now I need to go put up my throbbing foot!
