I have had some GREAT training runs/workouts since then, AND I managed to make a new personal record for the half marathon (13.1 miles) distance. I ran the Scottsboro Half Marathon in 2:05:45...that's around a 9:35 pace! I was super stoked and very thankful, considering how I felt around the 9.5 mile mark. It's funny to think that a year ago that a 10:30 half marathon pace for race day would have been impossible for me. One of the things that I love so much about running is seeing yourself and others grow & improve as runners when you train right. And yes, your pace is something that you watch improve by your running data and race time, but even by how we encourage and motivate others in their running journeys changes as we change. It's a really cool thing! :) :) :)
Myself, Susi (pacer), Alex (pacer) and Denise!
I had never ran the Scottsboro Half before. I had heard both negative and positive things about it, but here is my pros to this race and why I would do it again:
1) It's close to home (45 minutes away from Huntsville).
2) It was inexpensive (I think I paid around $25).
3) It is a small, local race (I don't like a huge crowd...there were around 250 runners running the half marathon distance).
4) The race had pacers (what a great motivator!!).
5) There were plenty of aid stations, and the volunteers were GREAT!
6) I loved the bling! The medals are soooo bright! I love it!
7) The course was relatively flat, and I enjoyed the scenery. I had heard people tell me it was hilly, but what I ran on the course I would have considered an "incline". I had also heard the course was "boring" but honestly, I didn't think it was that bad. I thought it had some beautiful scenery in some areas!
8) The awesome company (well, I guess that didn't have a direct connection to the race itself...LOL!) but seriously, I am so thankful for Denise, Susie, Alex, Mike, and for the others that I was able to meet and run with along the way! I even had a couple of folks during the race that recognized me from my blog, haha, and I was able to have a good conversation with! The We Run Huntsville community is AMAZING, and it has truly made me a better runner...NO QUESTION!
Some of the awesome WRH Madison crew! :)
I had a great race that day, all things considered. If I could take back anything, it would have been NOT to wear new race shoes on race day. Yeah yeah yeah...why would I do that, you ask? Well, I wore a new pair of trail shoes for my first 50k and did GREAT, I wore a new pair (but same style) of shoes for my marathon and PR'd, so I figured I would have the same luck with this race (same style, and I needed a new pair of shoes anyway...)
UMMMMMMM...NOPE.
For 9 miles, I was feeling great and just rockin' and rollin'. No stomach pain, No headache. No allergy issues. No shin pain. I was talking and feeling like I could get that 2 hour half marathon finish time no problem. But, around mile 5, I started experiencing ball of foot pain in my right foot, and it gradually got worse, but I will still able to keep my pace at or below a 9:15 minute pace. By mile 9, it REALLY hurt, and at that point, I was feeling the fatigue from me racing & pushing myself to be faster...but that ball of foot pain was something else. I didn't walk right for two days after that. I blame it on the new shoes.
Lesson learned.
I am still very happy about my 2:05:45 PR though. And this race also reminded me that I am getting closer and closer to my 2 hour goal! I KNOW I CAN DO IT!!
By mile 12.5, I could see the finish line. I remember not feeling the adrenaline rush that I usually do, and I felt so stinkin' tired. Even hearing cheering didn't help, I had to talk myself into pushing myself hard to get to the finish line. I remember Denise and someone else, meeting me and running with me close to the finish, but I don't even remember what they said at that point. It felt like my brain and my vision were not connecting.
What happened at the finish line that day was a first for me. I remember being talked to by Amy, but I can't even remember what she said...I remember telling her what I was seeing and how I was feeling. I literally felt like I was on a rocky cruise ship, and I couldn't keep my balance. I also remember not being able to focus...a fence, a fire hydrant, etc looked like they were moving when I knew they were not. I remember leaning up against a building, but still feeling like I would fall over if I didn't think hard about where my feet were along with keeping my balance. Tired, thirsty Holly at that point started crying and asking Amy "What's happening to me?! Do I need to get someone, a nurse, something?" But she was able to calm me down and help me get fluid (thank you, Amy), which I am assuming the lack thereof was causing how I felt. I must have REALLY pushed hard during that race because I had NEVER experienced that. I hope it doesn't happen again! :O
HOLLY'S MARCH/APRIL RACE SCHEDULE
March 21st- Rocket Run Ten Miler, Mooresville, AL
March 28th- McKay Hollow Madness 12k Trail Run, Huntsville, AL
April 4th- Oak Barrel Half Marathon, Lynchburg, Tennessee
April 18th- Cookie Dash 5k, Huntsville, AL
April 25th- Country Music Half Marathon, Nashville Tennesee
I am running as a St. Jude Hero for the Country Music Half Marathon. I am over 90% of my fundraising goal: help me reach 100% to bless the children and families at St. Jude! Here is my fundraising site!
Holly's St Jude Hero Fundraising Page
Anyway, it's my Spring Break, and tomorrow I will be running in the Rocket Run Ten Miler, and next weekend will be McKay Hollow (Trail Race #3 for me!) and then Oak Barrel the first weekend in April! I told myself that I wouldn't be racing as much this year, but who was I kidding?! I am loving free and cheaper races along with running friends to hang out and run with! :) Whatever works to be motivated, right?! I am looking forward to a week off of work along with spending time with the ones I love. Have a great weekend, everyone! Get out there and get active! Find what motivates YOU. You know, like workout buddies, tracking your workouts, losing the weight, feeling better, or this huge pizza! How's that for motivation? YUMMMMMMM :)
-Holly :)
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