Today I ran the Zeitgeist Half Marathon. This race was more difficult than my last race because it had 1100 elevation gain and loss over the course. And there were three fairly big hills. In fact, the first 3 miles were all uphill. My first race was more flat with a smaller hill at the end so I wasn't sure how I was going to do. I took it nice and slow at the beginning and took plenty of water/walk breaks throughout in order to keep myself fresh. My goal on this race was just to accomplish it and finish strong. I really wasn't sure how I would do with the hills because most of my running training has been on the greenbelt which has very little elevation gain. Here is the race route and a chart showing the big hills:
The night before, I was so excited and nervous. This would be the first run that I would do without my buddy Kendra at my side for moral support. So I read a good book on running marathons before bed and made sure to set out all of my running gear the night before. Oh, and I loaded up on carbs 3 days before the race too. (That part was great!)
And I decided that freshly painted toes make you run faster, so I treated myself to a homemade pedicure.
The race proved to be quite challenging, just as I expected although I always felt like I was in control of things. Because I concentrated on taking it slow during the first three miles and the first big hill, I saved enough energy for the giant second hill. It was during this hill that I passed all of the people who initially raced past me while I was taking it slow during the first three miles. Once I had covered some good distance on this second mega hill, I treated myself to a small walk break and a photo.
And you can't tell by this picture, but the big hill is CRAZY big. But the sun was shining down on me and it was the most perfect beautiful day for a run. Although this big hill was hurting right about here, I was loving every minute of it. I was telling myself "knock-knock" jokes to distract myself from the challenge. I made myself giggle because they were seriously cheesy jokes. And then right as I was just about nearing the top of the hill, my IPOD played the song "Missed the Boat" by Modest Mouse. I love this song because it talks about "missing the boat" of life and going through the motions. Tears started streaming down my eyes as I realized that I was living my life as it was meant to be. I was challenging myself and reconnecting with my youth. And although my legs burned, it was amazing.
This race benefits PKD and the Idaho Donor Network. When I reached the top of the crazy hill, there was this guy who was waving his arms about and jumping around from the side of the road. He had a big sign that said "I'm a survivor because of you" and he was shouting encouraging words and pointing at each of us. At this point tears are streaming down my eyes even more! It was such an amazing feeling to see my race fee going to such a cool local cause, to be feeling at one with my body, and to be exactly in the place where I felt I needed to be. Amazing! :)
I continued on through the miles with a gentle but agressive run taking time here and there to stop for a drink and a short walk break. I didn't feel seriously tired until somewhere around mile 12, but I still had enough reserve energy to make it. I ran the last mile a little slower, but when I saw the finish line, I couldn't help but sprint it out. I tried to smile this time instead of grunting and I definitely didn't take a giant leap and fall across the finish line. But I did finish somewhere around 2 hours, 35 minutes which was roughly 12 minutes more than my first half marathon. I was so impressed with this time as I had decided that 3 hours was good enough for me given the big hill challenges.
It felt amazing to cross the finish line, get the really cool Zeitgeist shirt that only finishers get, and have them hand me an ice cold bottle of water and gaterade. And waiting for me on the sidelines was my best friend and hubby, my other best friend Bachelor, and my family (Sweigarts).
It was such a wonderful perfect race. My best run ever! The weather was gorgeous. We ran through beautiful hills that were lined with gorgeous fall trees. And I even had a really cool inspirational moment during the race. I'm most definitely hooked! My next race will be on my birthday and will be the Race to Robie Creek which is supposed to be the toughest half marathon in the Northwest! I can't wait. :) And the next race after that (if training goes well), will be my very first full marathon! At this point I can't even imagine running 26.2 miles...but I will do it!
For now I'll sit on the couch with my wonderful family, drink lots of water, and treat myself to any yummy treat I want today. There will be lots of relaxing in my future today!
