Reflections From My 1st Half-Marathon

• Well, the half-marathon has come and gone.  I really wanted to write about things yesterday, but I found myself both physically and emotionally drained.  After church and lunch with the family, I parked myself on the couch and watched football and read until it was time to go to bed (around 8 PM).
• I laughed out loud when I looked up my Bible reading for the day of the race--Hebrews 12--"run with patience the race that God has set before us"
• This was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I cannot tell you how much joy I felt as I ran on Saturday.  It was not about winning, in fact, I came in 6252nd place, but I am fine with that. I finished the race in 3 hours 18 minutes and 41 seconds which made for a pace of roughly 15:17 per mile.  This was very consistent with my best training times for long distance and I am very happy with it.  
• I know that everybody who reads this blog may not be able to run or walk any kind of race.  Let me encourage you to go to a race and cheer on competitors.  There were times that cheering from strangers caused me to laugh out loud and even cry at times.  I was so moved that so many people would come out on such a cold morning to cheer for family and also for complete strangers.
• A few people asked about how much I ran vs. how much I walked.  My goal had been to run half of the race and to walk half of it.  Adrenaline definitely took over and I would say that I ran about 75% of the time or a little more.  
• Did I mention it was freezing???  The temperature was below freezing when we started and had warmed up to about 40ish by the time I finished.  I had layered well and wouldn't have wanted to wear any more clothing, but I do which that I had invested in some runner's glove because my hands were freezing by about mile 10.
• I didn't really notice any aches and pains until about mile 9-10.  About that time, my toes and knees were throbbing.  I could tell that I had a couple of blisters but couldn't do anything about them at that point.  
• All in all, the race went very smoothly for me physically.  I believe I owe that to God's grace, consistent training, good rest two nights in a row, and the right balance of carbs the day before.
• I wore my Crimson Alabama shirt that has big block letters across the front that say BAMA.  I can't tell you how many people caught my attention along the way by calling me "Bama"...btw, how 'bout that Crimson Tide???
• The last mile of the race, my iPod battery died.  It was actually cool because I took that time to simply reflect on the journey as I could see Autozone Park in the distance and thinking about how incredible this whole experience has been.
• The feeling of crossing the finish line and spotting my family was something that I cannot fully describe yet I will never forget.
• Some of you out there have said to me that I am an inspiration to you...I really appreciate that, but I am only truly an inspiration if you decide to get off your rear and get in the race...next year, I want 100 people to run the St. Jude 5K, Half Marathon, or Marathon with me...If I can do it, I KNOW you can!!!
• As soon as I can get pics and video uploaded, I will let you know!

Comments

[DPeach]

Congratulations. I am excited to get home and read that you finished your race and are still able to stand.

I have only run one really cold race, but several cold training runs. Gloves are a must. In my marathon last year it was not until mile 12 that my hands started warming up. I thought about dumping my gloves at one point, but carried them until 24. Glad I did. I wore them on and off all day. I think they were more important than long sleeves.

If you finished and did not think you never wanted to run again, then you did better than me on my first 1/2. It took me 2 weeks before I even wanted to look at my shoes again. But as soon as I got back on the road I was planning my next one.

Congrats again.