3:18:38. This is the finish time for my first 1/2 marathon of the 2011 season. I'm hoping it's the last time this year I see a 3 as the first number in my 1/2 time, but that might be wishful thinking.
This race was mentally tough. It was the first time I've ever seriously considered flagging down a volunteer or policeman and posting a DNF. Seriously. I threw myself a little pity part during mile 9. I was having a wonderful conversation with myself.
self: what's the point. my knee hurts. I won't be able to run again. why does running hate me so much. why don't I just sit down on this curb and quit right now.
self: This really isn't the most pain you've ever been in. It's not most disappointing situation you've ever been in. It's not even the most disappointing race you've ever been in, because you KNEW that it was going to be hard and that your knee was not ready.
self: f*ck this. why do I even do this. this is crap.
self: What this really means is you need to get back to cross training. Get to the finish, get home and start planning your swim and cycling workouts while fixing your knee. You know that's what happened the first time. YOU KNOW that's how you finished training for your first 1/2 marathon. YOU KNOW if you even THINK you can do a Olympic Tri in May you have to get back to the other sports AND they'll give your knee a rest. Also, you will probably beat yourself up for posting a DNF when there is no blood or bones protruding out the skin.
self: fine, now STFU and let me get to work.
At some point I started to see people cheering on the course with medals. I forgot this race gave out medals. I didn't want to be the only person in my group, the person who encouraged her friend to train for and run his first 1/2 marathon, not to get a medal.
So I sucked it up and started to post some 15-15:30 min/miles walking. I didn't have enough in my knee to sprint at the finish line, but I could jog.
My plan going forward:
Get through this week. I'm planning the bean's 1st birthday party (yes, he's almost a year. I can't believe it either). I haven't really done anything for this party but send out invitations. I may be screwed.
Find a PT and see them. I need to figure out how to fix my knee issues.
Check out the Y. I need to pick my gym or the YMCA and sign up for the childcare program. It's really the only way I can, reliably, get in the pool or on the bike.
I'll keep you all posted.
6 comments:
Good job for finishing. I remember mile 9 in my only HM (so far). Mental was so much harder to overcome than the physical.
You dug deep and you finished! Congrats!
I can't believe the Bean is 1!!!
Congrats on your first Half of the year, Yas!
It can only get better, right?
I'm still hoping that you'll be up to running a full in the Fall. :)
Congrats on the finish! And don't be so hard on yourself. You still beat my Long Beach HM time.
I think I had the same conversation with myself around mile 10 at last year's Surf City 1/2.... and with the same outcome....just gutted it out.
Good for you for finishing! That's what's going to make your Tri training so successful!
Congrats on completing the 1/2. I think even 10k seems way too long. Sounds like you have a great plan.
What Yas didn't mention was that she 'ran a mile/walked a minute' for the first 6 and walked 7 and 8 at a fast enough clip (that pushed me to maintain a faster than usual pace) that allowed me to get my first sub 3 hour Half when I picked up running again at mile 8. I never would have made that mark if she hadn't pushed me. You are one tough cookie, Yas. I have no doubts that you'll manage that knee with PT and cross training and get out there in time to ROCK your Tri season this year!!
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