I finally conquered my first half marathon. I feel like I finally accomplished something with my running. (not sure what but something). Every one of us have different personal goals that we set when it comes to running. First run a mile without puking, 5K, 10K, then faster 5K, faster 10K, half marathon, then.... just good to get this one checked off. I'm sure you all remember the first time you notched a half - pretty good felling, huh?
I literally didn't sign up for this race until a month ago and now I'm glad I did. Today's race was strickly training run at a comfortable pace. I was supposed to be running with a friend, but that backfired on me when I couldn't find him before the race. 5000 bodies shoved into a small place makes it difficult to find a farting elephant much less a person. No matter, it gave me the chance to run at my own pace. The weather wasn't nice. It was the worse weather that we've had here in 3 weeks- remnents of this weeks blizzard that dropped snow out west. 38 degrees with a 17-20 mph nonstop wind. It was cold and brutal. I ran in shorts, underarmour layer and a short sleeve technical shirt - not a good choice...
I ran at a comfortable pace with my HR staying consistent between 70-74% max for the first 10 miles. The last 3.1 miles my HR climbed to the 80-82% range at the same pace. I wanted the race to copy a basic long run at home. For the most part it did minus the brutal hills. The Knoxville Marathon is known for its hills. No PR's on this course! Mile 1, 3, 7, and 11 were big hills and numerous smaller hills. I finished the race in 2:23:02.
Even though I didn't push hard my legs still felt like lead the last couple miles. I hoping a few more long runs will fix that problem. That's probably why my HR climbed toward the end. Conditioning.. Do you 13+ milers' have heavy legs toward the end of your long runs?
Running these races is just another reason why I love running. You don't have to kill yourself for a PR to enjoy races. Just run them for fun!
I've said this before, but I'll say it again. You marathoners are the bomb! I couldn't but feel bad as I was entering the stadium to finish and watching the full marathoners turn a corner just to run another 13 miles. Holy Crap!!! I was very much releaved to know I was finishing. I felt anguish for them - of course they have trained for nothing less..
Did I tell you that I got a medal too? They even give them to us slow people.
35 Comments:
Wooo Hoo! Congratulations on your first half marathon!
Congratulations!
CONGRATS! What a GREAT accomplishment!! You should be so proud of yourself! I love reading when people complete their first race of a new distance. It's the best feeling as a runner.
As for the long runs...in training the long runs are run slow. So while you're tired at the end, my legs don't feel anything like they do on race days when I'm pushing it much harder.
Congratulations! I don't have any advice for you. Right now you are my inspiration as I start my journey towards a half marathon this fall. Keep up that good work!!!
Way to go! I have just made the switch from elliptical to running and am looking forward to running my first half! :)
WTG DAVE, Congrats on your first half marathon!!!!
Awesome run SuperD!
Funny...I felt the same way last weekend when I finished my 7 miler...the thought of doing it 'again' (basically) was/is inconceivable to me! ANd that's for a half marathon...I can't even fathom 26.2. But...never say never, right?
Nice work Dave, you should be very proud!
You rock! 13 miles is awesome!
Way to go! You did it! :)
Bummer that you didn't find your friend...but AWESOME job!!!!
I hope that you gave yourself a huge pat on the back :)
Congratulations!! Well done :)
Yes - I have heavy heavy legs at the end of my long runs. And yes - my HR is definitely climbing up by the end of them too :)
Great job on your first half... I will be doing my first half.. and first full, later this year.
In about a month I have my first 10 miler... the longest I have raced at yet.
You always remember your firsts, and you set a good time to get a PR in your next!
So exciting!!! That's great, soon you'll be the one turning the corner
Sounds like a great race! On a day like that, you certainly earned that medal.
And yes, my legs feel exhausted during any run over 14 miles. I ran 18 today, and I haven't moved off the couch in more than 4 hours. :o)
Congrats Dave! My legs always die towards the end as well!
COngrats! It's such a great feeling isn't it? My legs felt heavy right after 10 miles on my 1/2 since 10 was the farthest I'd run before.
**bows in awe*
love,
A Woman Who Has Never Done A Race
"They even give them to us slow people." -- LOL!!!!
Dave, congratulations!!!
What a fantastic accomplishment.
I'm very impressed!
Way to get out there and complete your first half marathon!! After long runs or near the end my legs often feel heavy. However, I think after a few more long runs under your belt you'll be good.
WOOHOO!!! Dude you rocked it! I am very proud of you running your first half marathon!!
Just terrific Dave!!
First 1/2 marathon... that's so amazing!! You keep up the good work- I am somewhere between super impressed and jealous! :)
Congrats Dave!!!!
My legs always feel heavy after a long run (mind you, I've only logged a couple of "long runs" in my life, lol). At the end of my last long run, I wasn't sure if I was even picking my feet all the way up off the ground, or if I was just shuffling them, lol.
5000 bodies shoved into a small place makes it difficult to find a farting elephant much less a person.
LOLLLLL !!!! You got me cracking up. Hey Dr. Dude... CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Ain't the best feeling in the world to complete it, huh??? Now, you have a pretty good idea what to do for the next one. You ROCK !
WHOO HOO!!!!!!! Congrats on your first HM! That's an amazing accomplishment -- enjoy your victory and rest up! You did an amazing job! :D
Yay! That's such an amazing finish, and with all those hills too :)
congrats. That's a fine time. Now on to pick your next one out. Last Feb. I signed up for a half the morning of the race. I was planning on doing the 10k, but thought, Oh what the heck.
Wow, that fast at 70% HR!? That is amazing! I'm pretty sure that i'd be up around 90.
Well done man...good to read you're enjoying yourself.
I done a half marathon at the weekend as well and blew up in the last two miles. Still got a 10km and HM PB so absolutely delighted with the run. I agree about the conditioning comment...I hadn't done many long runs so think that's what the problem was towards the end of the race.
You see? You knocked about a 1/2 before I even registered for one! Nice going, buddy!
Yee Haw congrats Dave on that first 1/2 medal! I know of another 1/2 medal you are looking forward to :)
Congrats on the half! Great job!
Congratulations on your first marathon!
Great Job!
It's a great feeling to cross the finish line. It's what keeps us coming back for more torture!
And yea, my legs feel heavy after my long runs. I walk around like Fred Sanford. After finishing the Philly Marathon, I could barely lift my legs up over a curb!
Fantastic Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on your first half marathon!
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