Shamrock Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I was the least trained for this race than any other. Between work and kids, I've had a hard time getting in my hard workouts at night. I was worried headed into it that, for the first time, I thought I might end up walking it, or not finish altogether.

But I had a few things in my favor....I knew it was my favorite race that I have raced up until this point (I did it two years ago) and I knew the time of day and the temperature were both ideal for my run.

Typically I run 10min/walk 1 min-or some derivation of that, depending upon the heat and how I'm feeling. I felt great with the first strides...I knew it was going to be a good day. I told myself that I couldn't walk unless I was drinking, going to the porta-potty, or changing clothes. I didn't visit the porta-potty once-which is a record in itself....and I stuck to my plan. Only walking through water stops and to take off my throw away shirt. My first walk without a cause wasn't until mile 9-which is just huge for me.

I was mentally tough-and I attribute that to some very tough training runs lately and being sick of making no training progress for the last 2 years. And being that I felt so good-I had no reason to not go for it. I was determined to PR. A few times I thought I would G8R, but I kept it down and kept movin. ;)

And I know that a lot of my speedy friends can't understand how someone would be so excited about running 12-13 minute miles-but this was a really big deal to me personally. I ran it differently than any other race I've run and I surprised myself and am quite pleased. :)

Another great thing about this race is that Doug schlepped all four kids to the (very early) race and I got to see them in a few different spots. He had them all make signs for me and it was really a boost to see them out there. All so cute in their green hats standing there with my handsome man. I heart them. :)

I missed racing with Doug. This my my fifth half, my only one not racing with him. I missed not having him to look for on the course...nice to see him with the kids, but not the same as if we were racing together. I hope we get to race together soooon.

Besides that....train more, weigh less. Besides that, not a freakin thing. It was an ideal race. Unexpected and tough and wonderful.

I got my medal and my blankie and walked around lookin for my family. You'd think an Ironman surrounded by four loud Ironkids would be easy to spot. I was a little down after 35 minutes and not being able to find them...so I went to my car, called them and we all met up. I skipped the beer tent in order to get home and get warm...once I stopped running I was freezing. I told myself I could have my post-race beverage at home...in the hot tub.

So, after an hour and a half and a few beverages in the hot tub, I took a nap. All was great in my world. While I was recovering, Doug went out and knocked out 15+ miles on the trail and then came home and rode his trainer for a butt-numbing hour and 10 minutes. Stud.

Great day!


Butt, lack of training mentality.


This is my favorite race and I want to do it every year...I'll skip the RnR 1/2 over Labor Day-that is a heat death march of Hell. I'll take cold and frosty any day. Whoohhooo!