Yes, you read that correctly, I ran a half-marathon. Actually, run might be the incorrect term to use, maybe survived would be more appropriate!
So, here's what happened...Back in May(ish) Amanda somehow talked me into training for a half-marathon. For some strange reason I said okay. Looking back, I was completely nuts, but we went ahead and started to process of getting the lazy, out-of-shape, former runner (ME)conditioned enough to survive 13.1 miles of running. I'll be honest, the training's sole purpose was to get me to finish, that was the only goal and I am happy to say that it was accomplished. We ran probably 3 times a week (if that many). Here is the kicker, on my Summer vacation I woke up early enough to be at Amanda's by 5:30 a.m. THREE TIMES A WEEK! Many people would call that dedication, I call it INSANITY.
I was feeling pretty good most of the Summer, but a few weeks before the race my right IT Band started to bother me. I wasn't very shocked since most of my high school running career I was fighting some sort of tendinitis. Our longest training run was about 9 miles, so going into the race I wasn't even sure if I could make it 13.1! To top it all of, the week before the race I somehow tweaked my back and could barely walk for 2 days. Thank heaven for a good chiropractor, ice, advil, and a lot of rest. The entire week before the race I did not run one time. Ah, the serious nature of my training ;)
The evening before the race Amanda and I drove down to Provo to pick up our numbers, t-shirts, and any other instructions needed for the following morning. After picking up our stuff we met Shannon at Macaroni Grill for some prerace carbo loading. It was so good to see Shannon and catch up a little bit. After dinner Amanda and I drove to Lehi where we would be staying at Erin's (Amanda's friend) house. We really meant to get to sleep earlier, but I had a feeling that wouldn't be the case. Too much chit-chatting before bed!
The alarm clock went off WAY TOO EARLY. My thoughts included: What in the heck am I doing up at this awful hour to run 13.1 miles? Is my body going to hold up? Am I going to survive? Will I still speak to Amanda after this is all over, since it was her idea? We drove back to Provo, hopped a bus on a pretty chilly August morning. (I never imagined I would get a 64 degree day for a half-marathon on a Saturday in August, but I was EXTREMELY grateful for that temperature.) I am still thinking that this is completely crazy, but then again, so am I.
We started the race, and to be honest, the first 4-5 miles just flew by. It is the best I have ever felt running. By mile 7 or so my knee started acting up, but you all know about how stubborn I am, so I just kept on going, stopping every now and then to tighten my knee strap. Then the real fun kicked in, my left foot started hurting, and I mean HURTING, at about mile 10 or 11 (I really try to block out this portion). At this point I was considering just walking the rest of the way, giving up, etc., then the stubborness kicked in. I tried, and tried, and tried to get Amanda to go on ahead. I knew she was feeling good, but she insisted on staying with me. We walked a little, but for the most part just went at a pretty slow jog. At mile 12 I told Amanda to go ahead and I would see her at the finish line. I knew at this point that I would finish if it killed me, I wasn't about to go 12 miles and not get that last mile in. That last mile wasn't as bad as I had imagined it would be. I spent that time thinking, pondering, and communicating with my Heavenly Father.
People ask me how I did and my response is that I accomplished my goal, FINISHING! My time was 2 hours 12 minutes and I am 100% fine with that time. The course wasn't too bad, mostly downhill with beautiful scenery.
At the finish line Amanda gave me a big hug and asked if we were still on speaking terms. I assured her that we are :)
After the race I didn't dare sit down because I knew that if I did I would never get back up. Amanda wanted a pancake, all I wanted was the delicious watermelon and some water. Once we were done eating we went back to Erin's to shower and get into some clean clothes. Then the lovely drive back home.
It only took me about 2 days to be able to walk normally again, and the left foot thing...the doctor says it is either tendinitis or a stress fracture! Ah, the joys.
Looking back I can say that I am glad I did it, will I ever run another half? Not anytime soon! I am so grateful for Amanda who stuck with me the entire race when she was feeling good and could have gone so much faster. I can guarantee that if she wouldn't have stuck with me I wouldn't have finished. Thanks for sticking with me and encouraging me the whole way. You are an amazing friend and I am so blessed to have you as a part of my life. Love ya babe!
