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.

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.

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!!!!!


Blisters and inexperience.


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!