Richmond half marathon - 18.2 miles total

November 16th I had a chance to run the Richmond Half. Last year, this was my first half marathon. I had such a great experience, I signed up the next day to run again this year. In the six months after, I ran three more half marathons. Since then, however, my training has fallen off quite a bit. I knew I had the endurance to make it through yesterday, but I worried that my body didn't.

Again, there was a rough start to the day. I was supposed to pick up my neighbor at 4:30. But instead of my alarm going off at 3:45, I woke up in a panic at 5am. She offered to drive while I threw on clothes and tried to wake up. I think a banana ended up being dropped somewhere along the way. Thankfully, I had a very caffeinated energy bar to replace my breakfast.

It took quite some time to work through the traffic and find a parking spot. Thankfully, we were able to make it to the start and drop off our bags with about half an hour to spare. 

The rain was pouring. Not a downpour, but a soaking to be sure. Did I mention in my haste, I forgot to change socks and had on cotton socks which were absolutely saturated at that point? My head was filled with fear of what would come from running in that.

But, it was what it was and it was time to go. I hid under an awning for a bit, then had my fellow awning hider take a picture for me.

Friday night, Brad and I worked on putting this shirt together. I wrote the 5k on the back and will add each run. We are going to get one for everyone. I was running with a few hundred others in wave F. There were 9000 runners registered for the half, but the organization is phenomenal.

A year ago, I finished the race in under 2:30. I figured I could run it this year in under 2:15. That wasn't going to happen. So I started at the back of the wave so people wouldn't have to run around me. I usually start out at a 10mm pace anyway, so I would keep up for a while. I would have dropped back a wave, but I welcomed the opportunity to avoid side running myself.

The first two miles are a straight shot down Broad St. I was surprised how good I felt after two miles. I was still worried about my feet, the squishing in my shoes was very disconcerting, but no problems yet.

Soon after, the pace cars came cruising down the other side of the street as the lead marathoners caught up (even though we had an 18 min head start). All the half runners turned to cheer them on. 

Then the courses diverted as we went on to climb the hill to go over the interstate towards the stadium. 

This is the part of the course, around mile 4, that folds back on itself. Both sides are cheering for the other.  This is truly what I love about running races.  The support that everyone has for each other. 

The Richmond half marks the halfway-ish point with 10k time in Bryant Park.  This part of the trail is no walk in the park (see what I did there?)  Some pretty serious hills lurk in this loop.  Still, there is a pretty cool party spot for spectators, complete with free food and music.  Makes for some awesome cheerleading lines at a pretty rough spot in the course.

Coming out of the park, we come upon this display.  My knee was starting to hurt a bit at this point, off and on.  I would adjust my stride and it would fade for a bit.  8 miles down, too far to look back.

Usually around mile 9, I start to lose clear thinking.  I saw the sign below and I was touched.  This person is saying that the work that goes into being a mom is so much more than what it takes to run a half (or full) marathon.  "If this were easy, it would be called your Mom."  Yea, it wasn't until Monday morning when it hit me what that sign really meant.

One of my person favorites...

 

So, around mile 10.5, my knee started hurting with a little more persistence and a lot more pain. Changing my stride wasn't working, so I walked past the 11 mile marker.

 

I kept attempting to run again, but after a few steps, the pain would return.  So, I was able to have more time to enjoy these signs...

Around mile 12, I finally figured out that my knee hurt less if I slowed my pace a little.  I still walked a bit more, to ensure that I could run for the finish.  This sign just seemed to tease me as I walked past it.

I don't remember if I was walking or running past this photographer, I guess I'll see once the pictures are released.Last year, I ran this marathon in just under 2:30.  I hit that time around mile 12.5.  Also last year, I finished at the same time the winner of the marathon finished, even though I had a 15 minute head start and he ran twice as far, but still.  This year, the winner passed on the other side of the street as I hit the 12.5 mile mark.  ("Hi, remember me?  I waved to you about 24 miles ago, well 10 miles ago for me?")

 

And one of the best features of the Richmond race is the downhill finish.  Seriously, the last quarter mile drops about 150 ft.  Thankfully, I was able to maintain a slower pace, but lengthen my stride to finish strong with minimal pain.  

And the beautiful, the amazing finish line. 

One benefit of walking toward the finish was that I didn't feel sick after the sprint.  I collected my medal, and my fleece blanket (it is quite an awesome blanket) and headed for the party on Brown's Island.  My neighbor was just outside the finisher chute, which was nice to have a friendly face.  Traveling on my own to races means I don't get that very often. 

So I did it.  13.1 miles towards our goal, for a total of 18.2.  Some more reflections on this race to come soon.