...all 13.1 miles, that is!!!
I completed my first 1/2 marathon this past weekend -- pulling out a slightly better showing than even I had hoped for.
I did the inaugural San Antonio Rock n' Roll half marathon & had a blast! Even in spite of being sick with a cold for the 3-4 days leading up to the weekend and actually being sick the day of the race.
I had not had great expectations for my race time...in fact, I had given myself permission to be slow (10 minute mile) if I needed to be. But, as it turned out, I was able to be slightly faster, finishing in exactly 2 hours & 20 seconds - which is a 9:11/mile pace.
Luckily, I actually felt decent throughout the whole time. I started out really, really slow (which had been my plan anyway) and then just slowly, but surely tried to up my pace. My body actually gave me no problems. No aches or pains - really the only thing that bothered me was my congestion. Trev had suggested some kind of mint tea before the race to help clear up the congestion a bit (which I really wanted to get, but couldn't because of the chaos with traffic n' such before the race) & also sucking on cough drops through the race. I actually did do the cough drops & they did seem to help a bit.
It really wasn't until mile 11.5 that my legs began to feel fatigue. But, not even in a horrible way. Although, when I saw the 12 mile marker...I actually said "thank you, Jesus" out loud because I was definitely feeling like I was ready to be done.
All things considered, though, my body felt great all the way through.
I am psyched for my 2nd 1/2 marathon coming up in January -- called the 3M Half Marathon. Supposedly a fast course (almost completely downhill), I will look to beat my 2 hour mark from the SA Rock n' Roll this past weekend.
Can't wait to do my next race!!!
