It was a cold morning as I dragged myself out of bed, at five in the morning. I couldn't even remember the last time I had seen this early or even stayed out that late. I shuffled towards a pile of workout clothes, that had been laid out the night before and began to get dressed; with the tempature for the day starting out in the low 40's and then rise to the 60's, I layered up with a long sleeve t, gloves and ear warmers (I really should have picked up some "Hot Hands"). My eye sight was still hazy, because they as well as I were not use to the early hours, I made my way to the kitchen for breakfast (cinnamon raisin English muffin with natural peanut butter and natural apple juice). After breakfast, I packet the Camelbak with water and shoved a few Gu packet in the extra pocket of my bag, laced up my shoes and waited on my friend to arrive.
And we're off to the race. We arrive to the race site a little after six am and then wait in the car until we can no longer contain our excitement, plus it was 40 degrees outside and the car was really warm. After gaining the courage to leave the car, we made our way towards the start line. We're surrounded by hundreds of runners and their families and friends encouraging them on and just trying to stay calm and warm. The music was blaring and was getting me pumped for the race. We captured the moment with a photograph at the start line, before the crowd begin to move in.
After making a pit stop at the port-o-potty, we were off to find our place in line. The pace leaders were scattered among the crowd, with their bright yellow signs, and we lined up behind the man in which time we hoped to finish. We both get in line behind the 2:30 pace guy and hoped for the best. I was flooded with emotions and went into the race with the determination to just finish the race and be happy with whatever time I received. Everyone was lined up and ready to go by 6:50 and the race was to begin at 7:00. I bounced up and down, trying to keep warm and to also shake out my nerves, I think the only time I was able to keep still, was during the National Anthem.
The start was only moments away and I was more than ready, to begin. The crowd was cheering and I was just waiting for the race director to announce, "Ready, Set, Go!". Everyone keep inching forward in anticipation and seemed like an eternity to hear those words and the shot of the gun. Finally, the race had began and it was like a herd of cattle being released from their corral. I begin with a slow and steady pace and keep to the far right. I know I am a slow runner and I did not want to be anyone's way. The early morning was dark and a sense of calm came over me. Something about running in the early morning darkness was calm and peaceful. Before I knew it, four miles had passed and the the sun had already began to rise. The crowd had started to clear out and I took the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the experience of the race and the beautiful scenery. Along my journey, I meet a nice lady from Atlanta and a gentleman from Mississippi, they both shared their knowledge and help me out with me first half marathon experience. Before I knew it, I was at the seven mile marker (this was the farthest I had ever gone in training). I felt great and keep telling myself that I was half way there and was final warm enough to shed me pullover.
I began to feel sluggish around mile ten and picked up some Reese's pieces for some sugar and energy; I continued on and knew that no matter what, I was going to complete this race. I had made my way up to the art district and knew I had about a mile left. I just keep pushing and saying to myself, "You can do it, you are less than a mile away". I was finally on the Walnut street bridge (which is a half mile long) and once I crossed the bridge, I would be in the home stretch. My body began to ache and I just wanted to be done and go home. As I made my way across the bridge, I could see other racers, who had already finished, out on the bridge taking photos with their race medals and taking in the beautiful scenery of Chattanooga, TN. I looked at those runners and said to myself, "If they can do it, so can you." I was finally at the end of the bridge and saw the 26 mile maker sign and I only had 1/5 of a mile to go, I could do this. I made my way down the block onto Frazier ave and made final turn towards the finish. Each side of the road was line onlookers cheering me to the finish. I crossed the line with the biggest smile on my face and bowed my head to receive my finisher metal, which was well deserved. I was then handed a cold bottle of water and was greeted by my fellow running friend and then my boyfriend. I was so full of emotion, I didn't know whether to cry, laugh, or scream.
I gathered my time and then I was off to sleep the day away.
Things I would change:
- Train more
- More cross training (biking, yoga and strength training)
- Buy some hot-hands
