Got a very nice karat today! It is over! Today I completed my first half marathon. I was very nervous, especially because the summer has gotten the best of me. I feel like every weekend I have been going out of town or having visitors. I enjoy being active, but I have never been much of a long distance runner. The most I usually run is around 10 KM, and even then I am struggling. Today I set the goal that I did not want to walk, I just wanted to run the whole way. My time today was 2:22, which I am happy with. I mostly just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I learned a lot, but I think I am ready for early retirement. Running for two hours straight is just not my thing. I am overjoyed that I did it, but I am also glad that it is over. Now that I know what a half marathon entails, there are some things I would consider if I was to enter another half marathon.
Choose the Right Time of Year
I got so so lucky with Seawheeze, the weather was cool and there was a nice breeze. However, Vancouver has had one of the hottest summers ever! Training has been pretty hard to coordinate, because it is so hot! I had to do my runs either early in the morning or late at night. Since it was such a struggle I did miss quite a bit of workouts. I would consider the time commitment and plan for a comfortable time to run outside. It is very important to know a scheduled time to allow for runs. The long runs took me 1 – 2 hours and I often didn’t have enough time to devote to it.
Don’t Do it For Weight Loss
Fitness challenge? Yes! Weight loss program? No. Training for a half is a full-time task, so my regular fitness routine was put on the back burner. Running long distances leaves me feeling ravenous, and I mean starving! After a 10 – 15 KM I am shoveling food into my mouth. Any calories that I may have burned running, I have eaten back and then some.
Music is Key
Choose a song with a good beat. I don’t know how some of these people run without any music. I needed the songs to keep me going. Finding the right playlist to me, was just as important as training.
Get the Right Gear
Not being a big long distance runner all the side effects were a shock for me. Blisters were a big thing, my foot have just been butchered. I had to invest in some running socks. A few friend of mine who are committed to running actually got fitted for running shoes. It is very important that you start training with the running shoes at least a month before. On race day I also picked up Clif Shot Bloks , I find these easier to eat than the gel packs. The gel packs make me want to gag, I can’t even get them down.
Plan Your Meals
Running is one of those things that is kind of finicky. I can’t have a good run after I eat and if I run on an empty stomach I often run out of steam. The night before my race I read that it is important to try and have carbs. I I had pasta the night before the run. When I woke up this morning at 4:30, I had two pieces of toast with peanut butter first thing. I tried to get a banana down, but it is hard to eat so early in the morning. I also drank lot water leading up to the run.
What a relief! Seawheeze was amazing, the race route is very beautiful, everyone was so friendly and I got some Lululemom swag. I am so happy to be done! Such an amazing experience! Can’t wait for my next challenge.
