So, the forecast for Myrtle Beach on Saturday keeps changing. Like, one day it'll say a 70% chance of rain and in the 40s and the next it'll be sunny with a high of 60. This makes it really difficult to not pack my entire running wardrobe, just in case. Also, I realized yesterday that our official race results will literally be available immediately after the race. This means that the drink I'll have in hand Saturday night will either be a celebratory one or a "drowning my miseries" one. Either way, I'll be wearing my [first] race medal!
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| I hope this isn't this year's medal. I don't wear hearts. |
The half and full marathons both begin at 6:30am, starting at the same location and along the same route until mile 11. I wonder if I can keep up with Alyssa for 11 miles. I highly doubt it, as I lost her and Kara around mile 1.5 at the 15k in December since they are more of the "kill or be killed" type of racers. I haven't been running long enough for that. Plus, I'm afraid of being punched and having paid $65 to run a small part of a race before having to be transported by ambulance to the hospital to fix my broken face.
I have the bright idea that I'll take a dip in the ocean after the race instead of taking an ice bath. Don't worry, there will be pictures and, if you're lucky, video. There's a pool and hot tub in the hotel we're staying at that I plan on spending a good amount of time in also. This weekend will be epic.
If you've ran one, what was your first half marathon like?
Have you ever ran a race in the rain?
Is there runner tracking for this race? I want to stalk, I mean follow you.
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to through a few elbows. :)
Yep, there's a tracker. I think I have to sign up for it at the expo. Don't worry, I will. I know my stalkers need to know.
DeleteUnless you somehow manage to run off of the race route and not finish, your drink will automatically be celebratory because you ran a half marathon.
ReplyDeleteMy first half was awful, record winds, and basically one solid up hill. Even though it didn't go as planned, I was jazzed when I finished (and, no, my time wasn't fast).
You're so much more motivating than some :)
DeleteMy first half was the Mulberry Island Half... It was during a torrential downpour. Absolutely cold, and windy. Visibility was about a block and a half at most.
ReplyDeleteI did this race as an after thought because I had been drinking all night the night before and decided at around 12am that I wasn't racing it. But my running partner at the time begged me to drive her to the venue. Soooo, being a nice guy, I drove her to it at 5 am. And being the smart cookie I am, I decided that I would drink and stay up all night instead and not sleep because if I slept, there was no way I was waking up at 5am to drive the 2-3 hours to the race. (I'll just sleep while she runs) GENIUS!!
So we get there, she's registering, I have to use the restroom. I get out and she says, "Dude, you might as well register. You are already here!"
Long story short, I register. Down a 32 ounce gatorade and a Gu packet and I'm warming up. Line up. Cannon goes off to start race and 10 minutes later the sky opens up.
My finishing time: 1:15:59, that's a 5:48 pace.
~lee
Your first race medal!! How exciting! I remember mine. I thought I'd never take it off. . but eventually you will :-)
ReplyDeleteI ran the whole 13.1 miles of the RnR Providence in the rain. . the entire time. It wasn't that bad. You just have to accept the fact that you're wet and go with it. I started the race in a 99cent poncho but took it off at mile 7 b/c I got too hot. Also, wearing a hat helps keep the rain out of your eyes.
Have fun!!
Your 1st race is something special and when you cross the finish line, regardless of time, a celebration is in order!
ReplyDeleteMy 1st marathon was cold and wet ....like 16 miles of poring rain! And it was AWESOME!
Just enjoy yourself :)
My half was a little bit of a disaster, but mostly because I am the stupidest person I know and I shotgunned water with no gel or anything at every hydration stop. So if you don't do that then you'll have a great race! That medal is seriously sweet and it sounds like you are set on your race strategy (avoid Alyssa's fists), so I think it'll be awesome. Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteI do not understand this. Why would I punch Emily? It's the other runners who need to avoid my fists.
DeleteMy comment from my phone never posted! I said the hotel MIGHT have a pool. Don't quote me. We WILL be celebrating Saturday night! I have total faith you can keep up with me and you'll have a great race!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck! My first half was freezing cold. And it snowed...and it was mid May! But it was a great experience. Make sure to pace yourself. It is hard not to go out too fast.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you finish without spending time in a medical tent - celebrate!
ReplyDeleteMy first half marathon was perfect weather wise - cool and sunny. Not being able to find my husband after the race while also not carrying a cell phone - not so perfect.
My first half was okay....I did better than I thought I would but I also made some stupid mistakes that I learned from, especially in the area of fueling. I didn't use any GU or nuun back then (I only drank water). So when I was done I felt like dying/vomiting. The first half is always a learning experience!
ReplyDeleteMy second half was run in POURING rain. Like so bad that they had I reroute the course right before it started due to flooding. I thought the rain would make it suck. But it was actually a ton of fun and I never overheated. If it is rainy just be ready to change clothes quickly after your are done because you will get cold really fast.
Good luck this weekend! You will do great! I can't wait to hear all about it :) Have fun and pace yourself!
Good Luck girl!! It will be a awesome time!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time and good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first half marathon was the Asbury Park half marathon along the boardwalk in NJ. The last 2-3 miles were rough but I was thrilled when I finished and I soon signed up for my second.
ReplyDelete