Four races down, two to go. Only the Rogue 30K and the Austin Marathon are left in the Austin Distance Challenge. Despite my concerns about bouncing back from my bout with pneumonia and not having run long in two weeks, the 3M Half Marathon was a success. It wasn’t my best race ever, but I had fun, and I finished only 4 minutes off of my PR, which, considering that I was a little worried about even finishing, makes me very happy indeed.
Whew.
I spent the first half of the race running with my good friend Ali, which really made it fly by. We were pretty much flying, too, as I was on pace to PR at that point! I held on to a great pace all the way to Mile 10 or so, when some rolling hills started, and my lungs just couldn’t keep up with the pace my legs wanted to run. So I slowed down a notch and reminded myself that my goal was just to finish and stay healthy. There was a nice downhill toward the finish, and my spirits lifted when I saw the hubby and Nora, all bundled up, cheering me on.
I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:12, with which I am pleased as punch, given the circumstances. Someday, maybe even next year at this race, I will get a PR, and someday I’ll break 2 hours, but today was not that day. That’s okay. It was a blast anyway. Now my goal is to take it as easy as possible, build my mileage and lung capacity back up, and be ready for the Austin Marathon in five weeks.
I took an epic nap, ate my way through the afternoon, enjoyed a couple of bowls of hearty veggie chili prepared by my wonderful hubby, along with some homemade tortillas (recipe forthcoming!), and now I am ready for bed. Back to your regularly scheduled programming soon. Zzzzzzz…
Congrats on the race! This is so inspiring seeing you run all these races, I entered my firs two last october and november. Dead4life 5k and Warrior Dash 5k. I was surprised at how fun they were haha, I really want to run more races now! Keep it up girl!
Sarah recently posted..Pork Chops with Whiskey Onion Gravy
Way to go with the 5Ks! Watch out, it’s addictive.
There really is no feeling quite like running in a race.
I heart you. I really enjoyed your company the first half. We were flying AND it didn’t even feel like it. WOOT! You will totally break 2 hours at this race in the future! Fantastic job running smart yesterday. Bring on the 30K!
Ali recently posted..happy second birthday
I heart you too, my dear. It was so great running with you. Can’t wait for the 30K!!
I’m exhausted just thinking about it. But I’m So glad you did it and finished. Pneumonia is a bitch!
Jester Queen recently posted..Rebirth at the ballet
It IS a bitch.
Congratulations!
I have no clue why people *like* to run, but more power to you!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts recently posted..Creamed Swiss Chard with Back Bacon–A Lovely Leftover to Have
I used to be one of those people who didn’t “get” running… and now I’m totally addicted. Go figure!