Pages

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Getting uncomfortably close

I haven't blogged in a while, one reason being I was busy, one being I didn't know what to say except I'm getting extremely scared. 

First, the half marathon.  It went well.  I came in at 1:59:4something.  I barely squeaked by and achieved my goal of coming in under 2 hours.  It was a very challenging run.  First, I had forgotten how long we had to stand around and wait for the start.  I don't like that anticipation too much, and the fact that it was pouring rain didn't help.  Secondly, IT WAS POURING RAIN.  I was soaked.  Thirdly, it was hillier than I remembered.  I hoped it would be the opposite, and that the course wouldn't be as hard as I remembered the first time I ran it, but no, it was hilly.  Just when you think you've hit the hardest hill, a harder one comes along.  And then people tell you "it's flat from here on in!!" from the sidelines, just in time for you to turn a corner and see an enormous hill.  Honestly, spectators, don't ever yell it's flat unless you are 100% positive that there are no more hills.  It's just not nice.  While we're at it, don't you dare yell "you're almost done" unless I can see the finish line.  Telling me I'm almost done with 3 miles to go is just plain false.  Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.  The fact that I was soaked mixed with the hills made the race really tough on my feet.  I have been dealing with some forefoot tenderness that I thought I had under control, but the up and down and the soaking feet and shoes full of puddles made me feel like I was running on cheese graters.  Ouch.  It was mentally tough, physically tough, but I remembered I was running for my grandma and for alzheimer's, and I pushed through to sneak in under 2 hours.  Great!  Everyone else who ran with me did amazing, and I was so happy for everyone. 

Next up, the 70.3.  Just writing that gave me butterflies.  I'm scared.  Really really scared.  I don't know what else I can say but holy freaking crap why am I doing this?!?!?!?!?!  I feel like I'm a 5 year old going in to take the SATs.  Ahhhhhhhh!

And that's that!  Sorry I've been absent!

5 comments:

Kabekona Tri Girl said...

Great job on your half marathon, you really showed mental toughness. Hopefully the 70.3 will be nothing after that! You can do it! half the battle is mental and you've got that down.

kristen said...

You can DO it! It will be scary and it will be hard, but you can do it.

sandbocks said...

I love you and you'll be great!!

Linda said...

Awesome work on the half Heather! You kick butt in the 70.3, I know it!

Runner Leana said...

Wow, congratulations on getting in under 2 hours on a tough day! I hear ya, I hate people telling me it is flat or that I am almost there. Those are the last things I want to hear!

You'll do great at 70.3, I know it!