Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run - RunHalf Marathon


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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
United States
60F / 16C
Sunny
 		Total Time = 2h 18m 17s
Overall Rank = /
Age Group =
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Up around 6:15 and laid in bed with Brian and doggies and snuggled a bit. Ate only half my oatmeal and banana cuz I just wan't hungry (I've had NO appetite all week)
Event warmup:

Walked down and met my tri hubby Frank. Checked my bag in, had my pre-race bowel movement
(is that considered WU???) Then went to my corral and waited nervously.
Run
  • 2h 18m 17s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 10m 34s  min/mile
Comments:

Well, the first 4 miles through the city were very congested. I was scared I would push myself too hard to stay with people. The exact opposite happened. I would get 'stuck' behind someone slow and get too comfy. I was a little scared to push it too hard since I had never run 13 miles and had no idea what to expect. At mile 5, I felt the blisters...OH NO!!! I had some left over blisters from my tri last weekend that I guess hadn't quite healed. But I figured what could I do. It was a matter of pain, it wouldn't stop my run. But it sure did slow me down. So then at mile 7 I cramped big time. Took in a gel and accelerade and felt fine after that. Once I hit mile 10, I was ready to turn up the juice, I can do 3 miles in my sleep...so I thought. My knees at this point felt like they had been hit with sledge hammers. My body was telling me how it felt and it wasn't good. So I just chugged along and was determined to not stop running.
What would you do differently?:

I would properly plan for blisters. If I even think I may get one, I'm goign to be prepared. Other then that, not much. Considering I couldn't run 1 mile 8 months ago, I have come along way. My engine was good, I maintained a conversational pace the entire race and hardly sweated at all. But my 'parts' just need more time to get used to the pounding of 13 miles. Also, I may try and incorporate more asphalt into my training. I usually train on trail paths, cuz they are soft. So today was a shock to my footsies.
Post race
Warm down:

Walked around and tried to stretch. Guzzled down 2 chocolate soy drinks. They were free and coincidently my favorite recovery drink. Looked for Brian and Frank and was bummed/pissed I couldn't find them to hug and have a shoulder to cry on. Finally met up with Brian at his apt, went for lunch, and back to his place for some Steelers and a nap. Oh, and I had my requisite after race drink...YOOHOO!!!!!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Blisters and inexperience.

Event comments:

I totally missed my goal time by 18 minutes, but for the first time, I am totally ok with it. Let's face it, a little over a year ago, and my life was almost over. I was an alcoholic and an addict. NOW, I can run a half marathon. I don't care that I didn't do good, I'm just glad I was here to do it. Next year though, watch out. I'm gonna smoke that course!




Last updated: 2007-09-16 12:00 AM
Running
02:18:17 | 13.1 miles | 10m 34s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/
Performance: Good
Course: 5 miles winding through city, out West River Drive to East falls bridge, and down Kelly Drive
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge
Organized?
Events on-time?
Lots of volunteers?
Plenty of drinks?
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5]