Really?! Another Half Marathon?

August 26, 2011 by 11 Comments

“Really?! Another half marathon?” – that’s been the response from a couple of my non-running friends to the news that I’m running Philly in November.

The truth is I had barely crossed the finish line of the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon before I knew one thing for sure – I was registering for another!

When I started running in March 2010, I could barely complete a mile. Running a 5k seemed like a major undertaking! But even then I was harboring a secret desire to run a half marathon.

So what is it about the half marathon distance?

  •  13.1 miles is a significant enough distance that you need to respect it and have to put in the training for it. There is a level of both mental commitment and stamina required.
  • On the other hand, you can train for a half and maintain a balance with the rest of your life! As a mom of two active young boys, I just don’t know how I’d fit in 3-4 hour training runs. To all you running moms who do it and my hat’s off to you — I’m just not there yet!
  • Recovery time is manageable. I’m comfortably walking the next day and can be back out on the road within a couple days of racing.
  • I love a race with bling! (Most 10ks and 5ks don’t offer medals)
  • There’s a great sense of accomplishment when I’m done!

So my answer to the question about another half is quite simply – Heck ya! What’s not to love? Yes I will run my third this year and I’m already eyeing a few halfs for next year! I think someone warned me before my first that this distance would be addicting…and they might be right 🙂

What’s your favorite race distance?
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Filed Under: fave things, Half marathon, RnR Providence

Splish, Splash, Run – Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Recap

August 8, 2011 by 17 Comments

The weather people started predicting rain last Wednesday…and well let’s just say there’s rain and then there’s R-A-I-N! After worrying for weeks about preparing for hazy, hot and humid – I got a super soaker! Mother Nature definitely has a sense of humor 🙂

I was up and out by 5 to make the drive down to Providence. I realized over the past couple of days that I was far more wound-up for this race than I was my first half and I couldn’t put my finger on why until that morning. With my first half, my goals were simply to finish, to finish strong and to have fun. Going into this race, I realized I was feeling a self-imposed pressure to PR. But every race is different right? In fact when I registered for this one I hadn’t even run my first – I was just psyched to do an R’n’R race right in my backyard! So on the ride down I let go of the pressure – just gonna let go and run!

It was a continual downpour from start to finish but the bands, cheerleaders, some diehard spectators and fellow runners made for a fun race! And I loved that my family cheer squad was out in force again!

Running in sloshing sneakers was not even a little enjoyable – it really took me about the first 5 miles to find a rhythm. I had this crazy headache and felt like I was running in a bit of a haze – really odd. I took some GU chomps and water and started to feel much better.

By mile 8, I was feeling really good and when I spotted my family around 10 I was in good form and feeling pretty strong! I felt great as I crossed the finish line…um, who’s idea was it to make the last 100 yds uphill?!

(This pic’s not out of focus – that’s rain!)

So my second half marathon in 10 weeks is done! And, while there was no PR, training in all kinds of weather conditions this year (and I do mean all – bitter cold, snow, rain and crazy heat), really helped me to have the mental toughness needed to get through this race. And I loved that I felt stronger the late in the race! All-in-all a good day!

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Filed Under: race report, RnR Providence, weather