Rough runs to an AMAZING 13.1

Folks---I am officially a half-marathoner.

No fucking joke--I DID IT. 


Last we spoke I had just returned from the UK, and was heading back into my last lap of the 3M Half Marathon training.  I swear to you, each and every single run leading up to the half was AWFUL.  I was THISCLOSE to saying, 'screw it, I'm not doing it.'   I had done an 8 miler last Saturday--and I can easily say it was the worst run ever.  I haven't felt that terrible running...ever.  Shin splints bilaterally, side stitches (again, bilateral!) that would not quit, and overall just feeling spent. I didn't run for THREE days after that one--I was pretty much scared I couldn't run anymore.  I know how silly that sounds. 

Also, had a crazy running dream that I was in the wrong gear and got totally lost on the course--I woke up and panicked and realized it was only Wednesday...

I did a few shorter runs earlier this week, with my last on Thursday morning before I went to pick up my parents from the airport.  So happy to see them!  Last time I saw them was in July, and this is the first time they'd been down to awesome Austin. 

We did so much with them here, South Congress with lunch at Hopdoddy *drool*, Curra's *drool again*, Esther's Follies (totally key), 1886 Café for late tea and desserts *drool*, Alamo drafthouse *drool*...then to the expo on Saturday for packet pickup...I was already suffering from butterfly indigestion.

I pretty much paced around the house that night sort of freaking out, everyone telling me to chill, and then eating a massive bowl of pasta.

We all went to bed and I set my watch and phone alarm for 4:30AM--and surprisingly passed out.

~4:45...planning parking....

4:30 came along, and I got up, stumbled to all my gear I left out for myself the day before and munched on a Stinger waffle.  Everyone got up fairly quickly, and we were off around 5:30.  I was expected heavier traffic, but to my surprise--there was none!  So, I was there early--dropped my 'dry gear' bag off, scouted out the port-o-potty scene, and then rushed back to my car with my hubby and folks BECAUSE IT WAS FREEZING OUT.  Austin is not usually in the 30s--but it was yesterday morning...

Eventually, I had to force my ass out of the car--hugs and kiss to the fam, and then kind of walked in circles and stretched around where the starting line was.  6:45 was the scheduled start time..but I kept checking my watch, and we were starting late...I was so ready to roll and get warm!

And then, the crowd of runners lurched ahead little by little and we were off.  I made sure to start off a bit slower while my body eased into the cold running.  I put my music on and got in the zone.  So much so that I missed the Mile 1 marker, and was surprised when Mile 2 came up.  I was like "Hot damn!"

Mile 3 came and went pretty easily, and at that point I told myself "You so got this."

From there, I cruised through Miles 4, 5, 6, 7 (well here I slowed to text my fam where I was at after halfway), 8, and 9--I couldn't believe how quickly they went by!

Around 9 and 10 the course hit a few little hills, and I definitely felt a little foot cramping coming on, so I slowed a bit so they might release a bit.  Made sure to get a big glass of Gatorade at Mile 11, I figured electrolytes were getting down and needed a double dose of the stuff here, that and a ShotBlok (which was totally half-frozen from being in my water bottle bag--I though I was going to lose a tooth!).  Alright, near the end of mile 11 came more hillage, and then at 12 the hill kept going. 

I called the hill an asshole, and then chugged up the side of it.  Then one big drop, and then another steeper hill.  Jerk.  But a good challenge right near the end.  Around what I thought was 12.5, I popped out my ear buds and could hear the announcer in the distance.  I was feeling the soreness setting into my quads, but I was like---You ran 12+ miles..you can make it a little more. 

There was one last bend right before the finish line--and my family was all there at the corner, yelling and screaming--oh, man, I can't even tell you how awesome that was.  There are no words, but suddenly I kicked the legs into high gear and soared past the finish line.

It is runs like these that remind me how much I fucking love running!

Hubs and me at the finish :) <3

picking up clothes--so ready for warm stuff!

2 of 3 moms present ;) My mom, me, and my stepmom--All the way from NH!

Bling-bling, bitches!

 I was so spent, and it was so windy, I grabbed my dry gear and got to a handicapped port-o-potty to change.  Have you ever been naked in a port-o-potty? Something I didn't think I'd ever do.

Once I got out from that little endeavor, they wanted to take me out to eat.  All I wanted to do was go home and chill--and that's what we did.  I passed out after I took a bath for about an hour...what a treat.

The other thing I didn't expect?  The wave of stomach aches I got once I was in the car.  Does anyone else get that?  It was so weird--I felt like I couldn't eat and go to the bathroom (TMI, sorry) like 4 times.  It was totally out of whack for a while after the race.


Oh, my time?  I was expecting myself to get somewhere between 2:45-3:00 for my first.  Nay.

2:25:30

Totally for realsies--I was a bit shocked--I had no idea I could do that.  Or any of this!  It was only a little more then 5 years ago that I was 90 pounds heavier then I am today, in an awful place in my life--zero faith in myself.  I have to thank my family(every single last one of them) for all their encouragement and support, and honest to god, all my Twitter and DailyMile folks--your words of wisdom, helpful tips, and ever inspiring comments have given me confidence in myself that I didn't know I was able to attain--Thank you so much.

Well, well, Krissy--well done *pats self on back*

Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to go to my room and polish that medal. 

...again.


:)


Go Fork Yourselves!

Krissy