The Shameless Whiner: The Seawall Half Marathon

Well this was a first for both of us- my first half and the first time this event was held. Overall, it was a great experience but I hope we both learned a few things that may make the next one go a bit smoother. The first lesson that I learned was not to count on the event planners to provide you with everything that you need. At packet pick up in the Moody Gardens Visitors Center (which was at the finish line) they had run out of pins for the race bibs. This sent us on a mad dash down Seawall Blvd. heading to the starting line at Stewart Beach where I was able to find a race person who still had a few left. The race ended up starting nearly 20 minutes late because we were waiting for buses to bring runners from Moody Gardens to the Starting Line. There were actually three events I guess you could say. There was a 10k that started and finished at Moody Gardens and then there was the half marathon that started at Stewart Beach and finished at Moody Gardens and last but not least was the Crab walk which was the same course as the half marathon, only for walkers. The starting line had pace markers up to 9:30 minute miles. I am no where near that fast so I moved more toward the back - not all the way- but apparently farther than I needed to. I spent at least the first half mile trying to get around walkers! The first two aid stations were understaffed. I didn't even get water at the first one and the lady was literally holding a hose over the cup as I reached for it at the second one. I was a little frustrated at the first aid station and actually said the word ridiculous out loud. In retrospect I feel bad about it. I am sure they were incredibly overwhelmed and were more than likely volunteers and I am grateful that they were even there. Luckily, all the other aid stations were good to go and they were set up every mile and a half with water, gatorade, and power gels. I think some of them even had fruit. I had a bit of a head cold which didn't end up causing me too much trouble. I was really worried that the drainage might make me nauseated or that my nose would be running like crazy. Lucky for me no puking and I didn't have to do any unladylike snot shooting. My Mom would be so happy about that. 18 years of hearing "Act like a Lady" every time you leave the house really sticks with you! The only thing I noticed from the cold was a dizzy spell or two but they didn't hang around too long!

Being the multi tasker that I am, I thought I would kill two birds with one stone. I would accomplish this half marathon goal and study for my pharmacology exam at the same time. Instead of bringing my iPod, I brought my digital recorder that I use to record my lectures. The batteries died at about mile 6. I really didn't miss it too much because I had the ocean to my left. It was beautiful and the sound of the waves crashing was so much more interesting that anti seizure medications anyhow. Come to think of it, around mile 12, how motivating would a discussion about anti-depressants really be? Looking for suicidal tendencies:

Practitioner: "Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself or others?"

Me: "Well, I didn't really think I did but here I am and I am hurting myself pretty badly right now!"

Practitioner: "Do you have a plan?"

Me: "Run a half marathon!!!"

So...... Its probably best that the batteries died. Another lesson learned- charge or change the batteries BEFORE the race! And don't select lectures to listen to on race day.

I was feeling really good from about mile three on. I got over my frustration about the first couple of aid stations and was really able to enjoy myself and the beautiful scenery. I am so glad I picked the ocean as the back drop for my first half marathon. The sights, the sounds, and the smell were so amazing that the mile markers were just whizzing by! I was so happy that my husband and baby were able to see me off at the starting line and then they popped up again around mile 8 which happened to be about a block away from the hotel. This worked out because I was really hoping to see them on the course for one, and I could hand off my digital recorder and get it out of my pocket. Getting rid of the thing was probably the smartest thing that I did because I found later that the Gu that I had in my pocket ended up giving me a chafing burn so I didn't really need to get one from the recorder as well! Another lesson learned! I need a fuel belt so I don't have to carry fuel in my pocket! I was feeling good and amazed that I was able to hold a relatively quick and steady pace. I was making anywhere from 11:30 to 12:00 minute miles until I hit mile ten. That is when I started to fizzle out. Mile 11 took 12:30. Mile 12 took just over 13. The final 1.1 miles took 14 minutes and 40 seconds!!! I am not sure what is to blame for the fizzle. It is possible that I didn't warm up properly and this could have led to the stiffness I was feeling. It is also possible that I was running too fast in the beginning. Another possibility is that I was under prepared in the fueling department. I had already taken about three or four Power Gels and/Gus and I was afraid to take another one. I wasn't sure if I was drinking enough water and I didn't want to make myself sick or overload myself with electrolytes (if that is even possible). So, I chose to fight the mental battle and keep myself from walking. Just about everyone around me was walking by the end. I am proud of myself for only walking at the aid stations (and not even every time!) I know there is nothing wrong with walk breaks. A lot of people have success with the run/walk method. I just can't wrap my head around it! The finish line was at Moody Gardens and the last mile or so actually took us around Moody Gardens. It was very difficult because I could hear the finish line for a long time but I couldn't see it. People all over the place kept cheering us all on. "You are almost there! Keep going. Another half mile. Another quarter mile. Probably just another two tenths keep going." Well, apparently I am a visual finisher. After running twelve plus miles hearing just another quarter mile isn't enough to kick it into overdrive for a strong finish!! A man even ran past me saying "Where is this finish line anyway?!?" Once, I saw it, I looked at my watch and it was 2:36 something. I thought to myself beat 2:40 beat 2:40 and I put the petal to the metal!!!!! I ran my heart out and saw my husband and baby there to cheer me on, I heard them call my name out over the speaker and I threw my arms in the air as I crossed over the finish line. My watch said 2:38:00. My official chip time was 2:38:17. The sweetest kids were there giving us water and our finishing metals. They had all kinds of recovery goodies. I didn't know what I wanted so I grabbed one of everything. I ended up eating the banana and the baby ate the tootsie pop and fruit snacks. I ate the pretzels later with my ham sandwich for lunch. I know I ran my heart out because I have NEVER been sore like this. I am still hobbling around stiff legged but its a good pain- I accomplished something amazing pain!

My official standings were 785 out of 1246 overall and 94 out of 153 in my age division. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

After we read the official postings we headed back to the hotel where I took a hot shower and let it sink into my sore legs. A little while later we walked over to the beach. That water felt soooooooooooo good on my legs. I think they should have a wave pool at the finish line of every race. It gives a whole new meaning to the concept of alternating ice and heat! And, who knew you would need a bathing suit for the beach in November??? Another lesson learned- Always wear a bathing suit to the beach because denim is heavy when wet. I am not sure what the ocean wading did for my cold but it felt so good on my legs I didn't even care!

And just because I can, I am just sending this out into the universe. To the lady who stopped to bend over and stretch ON THE COURSE directly in front of me: Although your figure is slim and may be appealing to some, stopping on the course to stretch is neither appropriate nor kind. Luckily for you, I had time to run around you (which I shouldn't have had to do!) because my knee up your fanny wouldn't have been comfortable for either one of us and if I had to, I would have run over you. You may consider moving two feet off the course to stretch next time!