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Another half marathon done! The world does not define me, I'm in charge of my destiny!
Whenever I do a race, I go through a roller coaster of emotions questioning why I'm doing it. After all, 13.1 miles is not easy. I'm won't lie, it hurts a little. To push through it is just as much mental as physical. Around mile 11 or so, I remind myself of the things I've achieved...losing 80 pounds 3 years ago and overcoming a severe injury doctors told me I would not recover from.
Last night I laid out my clothes & gear and set my alarm for 5 a.m. I slept like a baby last night, which is not like me at all. When the alarmed went off, I was all but eager to get going. I spent an hour relaxing over coffee & checking email before getting myself to the race.
Little pre-race breakfast... greek yogurt & fresh raspberries @125 calories. Yum!
Race playlist with new songs for added motivation.
Lovely weather for a race, right? It was a chilly start at 7:50 a.m. & good thing I had my running gloves, but it warmed up beautifully once the sun smiled down on us.
The Rock & Roll PF Chang's Phoenix half marathon was incredible! The course was gorgeous with great desert views. The race started at ASU in Tempe, to Scottsdale & through Papago park http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago/ then back to the start/finish in Tempe. The race had a killer climb at mile 10 and rolling hills from there to the finish. The race crowd slowed down considerably, but I gained serious time. Because I cross train & weight lift regularly, my legs are strong & can take that on easily.
Two things I notice at races - most people start too fast & slow down on climbs. Starting slow allows you to set a consistent pace while reserving energy. It's not a sprint, it's 13.1 miles. Cross training is incredibly important to incorporate so you can handle elevation changes easily.
Mom asked this morning if I was trying to better my time to which I responded no. Secretly, I am extremely competitive with myself & always trying to better my pace. Funny enough this race ended up being my all time best despite gaining 5 pounds over the holidays. I also burnt oodles of calories (Garmin reads 1100). I've been a little under weight so I'm not worried about them 🙂
A lady approached me at the finish & asked what my pace was. This woman & her friend were using me as their pacer because my speed was consistent & my bright pink shirt was easy to spot! She said they lost me at mile 12. I laughed & told her the last mile is the hardest for me so I dig deep to sprint through it.
The most important thing for anyone racing is...TO FINISH. That's all and nothing more. I really like the Rock & Roll series http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/tour-stops because their races are friendly to everyone - runners, walkers, women, men, young, old, handicapped, etc. I can't say that about all races plus with RnR there are bands every mile or so. If you're looking to sign-up for a half marathon, it's a good one to consider.
Another Mom pic...lol
Well, I'm off to reward myself with good food at my absolute favorite place Pita Jungle then rest while enjoying time with my Mom while she's here with me another week.
By the way, no Sunday Fun-Day post today friends due to the race!
xoxo,
Megan
Congrats on finishing the PF Chang's marathon and making it your best time ever!!!
Mom
Thanks, Mom!