Brandice Says

Half Marathon Recap: 13.1 Miles in the Rain

This is a LONG overdue recap, but this past week and a half has been a whirlwind of really hectic work days, feeling pretty tired early in the week after the race, and a wedding this past weekend. I haven’t really had time to sit down and really digest the events of the day.

The basic recap: I finished a half marathon at a pace that is a PR for me (best mile pace for a run over 5 miles that I’ve EVER had) and it drizzled rain the entire time. Finished in 3:08:08. Lived. No injuries. The medal has a spinning guitar in it. Awesome.

Random thoughts I’ve had during and after the race:

- There were no bands. I had heard that there is usually a lot of entertainment along the way, but apparently the rain conquered the local talent. I only saw a guy playing Tainted Love on electric guitar outside a bar, a guy playing bongos on a corner, and a creeper with a boombox inside a bus stop.

- I did a really great job with carb loading, pre-race breakfast, race fueling, and post-race hydration and eating. I felt strong before the race, I felt really steady during the race (I never hit “the wall”), and while I was definitely tired afterward and super tired the next day, it seemed to be a pretty appropriate amount of tired. I also calculated EVERY single WeightWatcher point consumed (gels, Gatorade, everything) or earned (running time) the entire weekend. Didn’t waiver from my WW tracking for a second.

- I was definitely sweating during the run, but my hands were frozen solid from the constant rainy drizzle when I crossed the finish line. It took about an hour for my fingers to work well enough for me to use my phone.

- I want to remember THIS feeling for the rest of my life. I’ve never felt so strong, so sure of myself, so proud as I did right after crossing the finish line. I felt like a complete badass and I’m so glad Jim caught a random shot of that feeling on my face:

- Most importantly, I am so humbled and touched and flattered at the messages everyone left for me to listen to along the race route. I literally cried while running more than once, laughed out loud, and had a BIG smile on my face during almost the entire run. Here are some thank yous to those of you who made my race a really special experience:

• Laura and Jim - You two got me to the finish line! Thanks especially for the awesome “end of the race push” voicemails! You both know that you’re my ROCKS. I couldn’t have finished without both of you supporting me before and during. xoxo
• Tim G - Your voicemails were THE BEST. I can’t even tell you how much the heartfelt one choked me up as I was pushing myself up over a tough hill. You also made me laugh my butt off more than once. Thank you so much.
• Barb (WW Leader) - Your messages were SO inspiring, and you even got a couple of WW members who don’t know me to leave me encouraging messages. So grateful! You definitely gave me a needed push more than once. :)
• Mike Sevilla - Loved all of your messages, but the second one was my favorite, introducing the next song on my playlist like a radio announcer. I was running with a big grin on my face.
• Cathy - I couldn’t have asked for better Mom voicemails. :) You provided several moments of “we’re so proud of you! your family is behind you all the way!” that I really needed. You got me over a pretty tough hill at one point.
• Drew, Edwin, and Brandon B. - Such a cool surprise to hear from you three, PLUS Obi Wan Kenobe (sp? I’m a Star Trek gal ;) ). Viddler crew representin’! Obi Wan made me laugh out loud while running, which startled a little old lady I was passing. ;) lol
• Rhoda, Beverly, Rosie and Kevin - Co-workers extraordinaire! Thanks so much for the little tidbits of encouragement (or hilarity) from the workplace crew. Bev, you are one of my favorite cheerleaders EVER. You have the biggest heart!
• Lorie and Marcy - I was surprised to hear from you two, just because it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. What a great surprise! I teared up a little hearing about Marcy’s pregnancy and I miss you both SO much.
• Amanda, Joanne, Patti, and Simi - Thanks for encouraging love from my girls!! My two WW buddies, my favorite family therapist and my wifey all kept me chugging along!