I love reading race recaps though I don't normally do them myself. Honestly, it's because I don't have much to say about them other than 'I ran, sometimes it sucked and sometimes it was okay, but afterwards I ate lots of food' which basically sums up all my races (and I am okay with that).
I did want to jot down some feelings I had about this race though.
My last half marathon was back in April. I was actually registered for one 6 days before this one, but my friend hurt her foot and I was like... eh.. do I really want to do it without her when I have another one in less than a week? So I skipped it.
In regards to training, I suck at following training plans, always have, probably always will. But, my bestie and I run every single Sunday, and she is great about following plans so she would always tell me what we should run, and we always did. As for by myself? Eh. Not so hot. I did one long run on my own (10 miles, friend out of town) and a few sporadic outside runs, several treadmill runs. But mostly, I stuck around the 3-5 mile range because I'm just lazy and I tell myself it's okay to stop earlier than it should be. I'm not mad about it, just explaining.
I was feeling pretty confident I wouldn't die in this race, which is totally all I need in a race. I've done races where I was completely unprepared and I was miserable, and I never want to do that again. So as long as I can run at least half of it, speed walk the rest, not cause myself any injuries? I'm good. Of course, I hope for more, but that's my benchmark.
I accidentally got the start time wrong - which never happens, so I had to stand around in the cold for half an hour. It was like 45 degrees, so cold!
The Urban Bourbon Half is a lot smaller than the Derby Mini, which is great because I stood at the back and I crossed the start line after a couple of minutes on the clock. With the Derby Mini I normally cross like 15-20 minutes after the clock starts.
My goal for this race was under 2:30. That might seem lame, especially since my ultimate dream goal is under 2 hours, but there is no point in being unrealistic and I knew this wasn't my sub 2- which I was totally okay with!
I ran most of the race, I took a water/walking break around 10 miles I believe, and then I walk/ran the rest. I hate stopping to walk because it normally means I'm going to keep stopping, so I try and run as long as possible. I was in front or alongside the 2:20 pacers most of the race but then the hills towards the end killed me and I lost them. I don't mind though, I was really proud of myself for staying with them as long as I did.
Every time I wanted to stop or slow down, I would tell myself some variation of you can do it! Demand more from your body! If you run, you'll be done faster. Think of all the food you can eat when you're done. Just a little bit faster. Come on, just a few more minutes. It really does help sometimes.
Like I mentioned in my Derby Mini post, 2012 me was super fast but she was also pretty unhappy and super unhealthy. So yeah, 2016 me has an extra 30lbs on 2012 me, but I also am much happier, healthier and I would take that any day of the week. I would love to be as fast as 2012 me, but not at the risk of my health and happiness.
^ My favourite thing about races! Food & chocolate milk. I always have too much and make myself feel sick, but what can you do.
But of course, the most important thing... how did I do?
My goal for this race was under 2:30. That might seem lame, especially since my ultimate dream goal is under 2 hours, but there is no point in being unrealistic and I knew this wasn't my sub 2- which I was totally okay with!
I ran most of the race, I took a water/walking break around 10 miles I believe, and then I walk/ran the rest. I hate stopping to walk because it normally means I'm going to keep stopping, so I try and run as long as possible. I was in front or alongside the 2:20 pacers most of the race but then the hills towards the end killed me and I lost them. I don't mind though, I was really proud of myself for staying with them as long as I did.
Every time I wanted to stop or slow down, I would tell myself some variation of you can do it! Demand more from your body! If you run, you'll be done faster. Think of all the food you can eat when you're done. Just a little bit faster. Come on, just a few more minutes. It really does help sometimes.
Like I mentioned in my Derby Mini post, 2012 me was super fast but she was also pretty unhappy and super unhealthy. So yeah, 2016 me has an extra 30lbs on 2012 me, but I also am much happier, healthier and I would take that any day of the week. I would love to be as fast as 2012 me, but not at the risk of my health and happiness.
^ My favourite thing about races! Food & chocolate milk. I always have too much and make myself feel sick, but what can you do.
But of course, the most important thing... how did I do?
^ Yep, my goal was under 2:30 and look at that! 2:23:55. I'm pretty damn proud. That's my second best. Far away from my best, but who cares. Not me. This is a big deal for 2016 me, and I'm not gonna ruin it by comparing myself to 2012 me.
Well, at least some things never change. Apparently when I'm running and I see a photographer, I stick my tongue out. I'm like a dog. Or Miley Cyrus.
Here's to the next half marathon! Oh, and to my bestie and running-partner-in-crime - it's her birthday today! We've been running together every Sunday for over a year now, plus when I lived with her when I first moved to the US, we ran together then. I would be a lazy slob and never run if it wasn't for her, so happy birthday Jenni!
I love seeing all my half marathons next to each other:
2011: 2:37:15
2012: 2:04:48
2014: 2:39:15
2014: 2:33:21
2015: 2:50:36
2016: 2:32:12
2012: 2:04:48
2014: 2:39:15
2014: 2:33:21
2015: 2:50:36
2016: 2:32:12
2016: 2:23:55
Well, at least some things never change. Apparently when I'm running and I see a photographer, I stick my tongue out. I'm like a dog. Or Miley Cyrus.
Here's to the next half marathon! Oh, and to my bestie and running-partner-in-crime - it's her birthday today! We've been running together every Sunday for over a year now, plus when I lived with her when I first moved to the US, we ran together then. I would be a lazy slob and never run if it wasn't for her, so happy birthday Jenni!
Great job Kristen! Sounds like such a fun race. Any race with alcohol in the name is OK with me ;)
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so awesome that you made it way under your goal and it was your second best!!! Congrats!!!! And happy birthday to your running frannnnd!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, lady! I had dinner with another blogger Friday night who ran this marathon, too. I'm definitely not a runner but this is a race I could get behind!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a good race & running under 2:30! That's impressive! & hey, I recognize that start/finish line area :) Thinking about food is usually what gets me through the last couple of miles, too. It's always great motivation!
ReplyDeletelol "i'm like a dog. or miley cirus" love it. and congrats on your time. and hello you had me at bourbon so i read the whole dang thing. yep this former runner is def congratulating you!
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
Woo hoo!!! Congrats on meeting your goal for this race!! And also kudos on your "healthier, happier" mantra!! I'm with you on that. And happy birthday to Jenni! That's so great you have someone that's so committed and helps keep you on track!
ReplyDeleteI need both of y'all to move here and make me run. I literally downloaded the C210K trainer the other day so I can hold myself accountable. Also, the "I'm like a do. Or Miley Cyrus." made me literally lol. Congratulations on another half, friend! You're a rockstar.
ReplyDeleteGood Job!!! Lol at.. just think of all the food you can eat when you're done.... that would be me!
ReplyDeleteGo you at getting under your goal time!! I am so so bad at preparing for races too, I did a 5k and had absolutely zero training, maybe 2-3 days on the treadmill at the gym, but nothing more. The food is most definitely the best part of any race!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job lady! That's super exiting you made it under you goal time! I'm so terrible at running, I'd be the one walking the entire thing ;)
ReplyDeleteyou are so badass! i love seeing this. so great you got to your goal!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! You shaved so much time off just from a few months ago- that's amazing! It's so much more fun to get to run with a friend- especially on days when you really don't feel like it.
ReplyDeleteYou ran/walked 13 miles. Some people don't even like to drive that far. I'm beyond impressed. Also, I think your Miley/dog face is awesome and hilarious. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! We started running last fall and I was loving it... but then I quit when I found out I was pregnant and started feeling terrible haha. I went to take Brady a couple of weeks ago, but I literally cannot run without peeing myself now. It's awful!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go girlie! You totally rock! I need to get back into running, I use to years and years ago. It is goal of mine to one day run a half marathon. haha one day.
ReplyDeleteBahahaha! Love the tongue pictures, and laughed at the Miley Cyrus comparison. I get what you mean about running as long as possible - there's a psychological barrier and once you break the streak of running, your brain doesn't care how much more you run after that. It feels like it doesn't count or something stupid. I love how happy you look in all these pictures! Get it!
ReplyDeleteSo impressed! I'm training for a 10k right now and am bad at the training part. I normally run in the mornings before work but there's 2 problems with that right now 1) my training runs need to get longer, which means getting up earlier and 2) it's now dark out until like 45 mins before I leave for work so it's dark when I'd want to run (also gets dark within 45 min of getting home). My weekend long runs are no problem, but weekdays are rough.
ReplyDeleteI'm a run/walker as well. I run at least 75% of the time, but need those walking breaks still and totally agree on running as long as possible because once I stop I'm going to keep doing so every so often.
I always have so much admiration for people who can run marathons, especially those who can meet their time goal!! I can't run a block. :( So proud of you and hope you ate lots afterwards!
ReplyDeleteAhhh congrats! Especially beating your goal time!
ReplyDeleteYour race description at the top had me cracking up. But seriously. Run, sometimes hate yourself for signing up for this, cross finish line, drink lots of chocolate milk, shower, nap, forget all the pain & sign up for another.
I haven't run a half since May, but I'm excited to get back to it.
Hey, Great job! What a great feeling to come in so much under your goal.
ReplyDeleteChocolate milk is my favorite post-race too.
So jealous of your running bestie. My fastest time ever in a half marathon was also in 2012 - I guess that's a speedy year! - before I moved away from my own running bestie. It makes such a difference to have that camaraderie.
Congrats on meeting your goal! I've seriously considered running a half before, but after almost dying while running a 10K (and I was seriously training for it), I think that I'm just going to stick to 5Ks and I'm ok with that. The food at the end is seriously the biggest motivator for me to run too!
ReplyDeleteLove your thought process while running, Hahahaha! You did an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteYou're so awesome! Congrats on meeting that goal!! I LOVE that you stick your tongue out when running! It's like your signature!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! Under 2:30 is SO awesome to someone who doesn't run one little bit, haha! I love that you're also really happy with yourself and realistic about what your body can and will do! And happy birthday to your running partner!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job! And congratulations! And I totally overdose on bagels and chocolate milk at the finish lines. I mean, if you can't carb-overload properly after a race, why go?
ReplyDeleteWoo! You did awesome and that is a really good time! Glad you had a fun race and it look like the weather was pretty good too.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm sure there are people out there (nasty people I don't want anything to do with) who would have something negative to say about your benchmark, but I actually think it's an awesome one. You're not winning the million dollar cash prize for coming in first, so who's to say your goal can't be to just get a good workout and enjoy yourself on the course? I'm lessening my expectations of upcoming races for a while and oh man, it feels so damn good.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing lame about a 2:30 half marathon. Nothing. And those mantras? The same things I think of during races—and sometimes even on training runs haha.
I love that you're so content with your finish because that should always be the goal, right? Not to add one more thing to the long list we all have of things to beat ourselves up for. Who needs more of that?! You had a great race and I can't wait to do 13.1 with you again in a couple of weeks! (Please be wearing that shirt then, too! ;))
So proud of you! You trained properly and put in the effort and met your goal because of it! I think all of this just shows how much your mindset had changed from all of those years ago- You're in much healthier, positive space now. Love running wi5rh you and can't wait to fet back to it! Thanks for the birthday shoutout!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you! You trained properly and put in the effort and met your goal because of it! I think all of this just shows how much your mindset had changed from all of those years ago- You're in much healthier, positive space now. Love running wi5rh you and can't wait to fet back to it! Thanks for the birthday shoutout!
ReplyDeleteWay to meet your goal, lady! So excited for you! Especially with 45 degrees out!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on beating your goal!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! The best part of running is eating :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, girlfriend! So proud of you. I admire your mindset and the goals that you set for yourself.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the finishing and finishing under your goal time!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on beating your goal time - I feel like when I run I basically tell myself think of the food you can eat after to get through it too LOL! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI've only ever done one half and I mean I applaud you for keeping in with these! I wouldn't mind doing more but I NEED to follow a training plan and I'm the girl who is religious about it haha!
ReplyDeleteDang you go girl! Congrats on beating your goal and how do you still look cute after running?! I would look like a gross sweaty tomato haha!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Congratulations, that's amazing! I can't imagine running that far so you have my eternal respect. You definitely deserve to eat all the food. Also I love that you have a dog/miley face, I think it's serious competition for my horse face!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your bestie!
Ugh, you're so amazing! That looks like one awesome half, too! I might have to do that one someday :) Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou seriously rock!! I admire you for doing a marathon! As I sit on this couch... ;)
ReplyDeleteGet it giiiiirlllll! You killed it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I suck at running so anytime is better than my time of, not getting off the couch to try! But great job at meeting your goal!
ReplyDeleteTrish
www.thetrishlist.com
WOOOOOOOOOT on accomplishing goals! I need to run another half so I can see my time. My goal is sub 2, but I'm always pleased with under 2:30. Under 2:15 is also fist pump worthy.
ReplyDeleteFor the Disney training plans, they actually suggested 45 minutes of activity (so short 3-5 mile runs depending on pace) 2/3 times a week and then long runs every weekend. So your training plan was right on! ;)
WOW! Go you! Girl, I am so impressed with your time! And I'm so glad that you are in such a healthier place mentally than you were in 2012, girl!
ReplyDeleteOkay so first I am really sorry your friend hurt her foot and I hope she is okay!
ReplyDeleteI think the not feeling horrible thing is what people don't understand about training...like most of the time I train like I do for things because I have felt horrible during a race and I never ever want to feel that way again! It sucks so bad and makes the whole thing not even really worth it. Definitely best to go in at least somewhat prepared!
I know I already told you this but *I* am super proud of your time and you should be too! I hope 2015 (was that RnR?) was the low (high if we're talking time?) point, and I was so happy and excited seeing your two races since then come down so far. But I know it's not all about that, and I think you should be so happy and proud of 2016 Kristen even if she's not quite as fast as 2012 Kristen, because 2016 Kristen is pretty awesome. I am SO excited to see you and run with you SO soon! <3
Congrats on the time! I really like reading about people's marathon experiences because I know I could never do it (hip problems) and I'm always in awe. Even before my hip problems running wasn't really my thing.
ReplyDelete'I ran, sometimes it sucked and sometimes it was okay, but afterwards I ate lots of food' <<< I feel like that would be my exact thoughts after running a marathon. Who am I kidding.. I'm not a runner. I can run maybe 30 minutes and I'm like "that was great!" but any longer and I'm like "why do we run? there is no lion chasing me and thus there is no need".
ReplyDeleteWay to go on smashing your goal, girl!
I am not a runner, but I am super jazzed that you got your second best!! :) That's awesome! & as always progress is progress so that's so awesome for celebrating your time. I think it's amazing to run and finish these, period! Go you! :) XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Way to go friend!! You beat your goal!! Yay!
ReplyDeleteYou did awesome! That time is nothing to be unhappy about! Your running approach sounds a lot like mine (when I'm running that is)...I stop easily too unless I have a buddy and I never get in a long enough training run. Although, I've also never ran a half marathon so I can't say for sure how I would treat that training plain! Lol. Probably the same ;) And 7 half marathons!! That's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty impressive lady. I love your encouraging words throughout ;-) I ran one half marathon in my life and didn't really train for it. I ran the whole thing which is insanity and then I almost passed out. I am just not a runner, I think I need a running buddy to help motivate me.
ReplyDeleteHoly moly woman, that's amazing! Great job and hey, booze!
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome time! So inspiring!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Under 2.5 is AMAZING! That is my goal for my next one! :) go you! I love reading race recaps. I actually had quite a few friends do that half as well!
ReplyDelete