I am picking up where I left off in part I sharing lessons I learned while participating in my first half marathon. You can read my first six lessons here. So let's carry on...
LESSON 7: Choose a race that has an unbelievably fun theme!
When I first read about the Diva Half Marathon and 5K, I thought it sounded like it would be fun. Tutus, tiaras, boas, and hunks... oh my! I must admit I do embrace more of my tomboy tendencies then I do the "girlie" side, but this race did sound like fun! I had already planned to travel to North Myrtle Beach with my mom, aunt, sister, and neice, it would definitely be a girls' weekend. I was the only one who would be participating in the race.
The atmosphere race morning was full of energy, very cheerful, and very PINK. Various running groups were meeting up together to take pictures and other runners were posing for solo pictures. You had men, women, and kids adorned in pink and in tutus as they made their way to their pacing areas. One man in a tutu announced that he was supporting his wife in the run as he made his way closer to the front. I was a loner, so I stood alone and just took in the surroundings until a runner approached me asking about my shirt and the breakdown of my miles. After that point I was in and out of conversations with varrious other runners in passing. I even happily took pictures for runners who did not have someone else to capture their starting moment. The music was bumping as runners conversed and returning divas greeted one another happily. Even though I knew absolutely no one else out there, I did not feel alone. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming.
The breakdown of my miles dedication for the 13.1 miles for my #miles4change fundraiser
After the playing of the national anthem, one runner came to me and said she was almost in tears after reading the miles dedications on the back of my race shirt. Throughout the run I received encouragement from runners regarding my motivation for running along with my dedication miles through passing conversations or a quick thumbs up. Again, the atmosphere was very fun and upbeat before, during, and after the run. Definitely do not be afraid to register as a solo runner in this event. You will not feel alone!
LESSON 8: Focus on the mile you are in!
Once the race started the challenge was focusing on one mile at a time. I'd read and heard other runners say focus on the mile that you are in. Though I heard it and knew it was true, it was still a challenge focusing on that one mile and not thinking about the stretch that was to come, but I purposely made myself focus on the mile that I was in as I reminded myself to run my race, my pace. Sidenote: Running is so like life! It is so easy to get wrapped up in what's to come and totally miss what already is...think about it.
This method was all good, until I got to mile 5 and my thighs started to cramp! Mile 5! This is when I went into a serious self talk moment; reminding myself that I had just ran a 10K with no cramping, so I refused to accept my legs attempting to cramp up in the first leg of this race. I reduced it to a slower trot and withinn seconds it was feeling a lot better. Then at mile 11 it hit! The mega thigh cramps of all cramps! I had to jog to the side and grab a light post as I stretched out my muscles in my thighs. Once it felt better, I was off once again. From mile 11 to the end, I battled with my thigh muscles tightening and went into a high stepping march or went off to the side to stretch it out. Even while cramping, I still only thought about getting through that mile and was so thankful when I saw the home stretch.
Even as you race, pay close attention to what your body is telling you and focus on the mile that you are in!
I was very comfortable running in my Pro Compression socks and New York Giants leggings. I need them to make compression running tights with the Giants theme.
LESSON 9: Enjoy the run!
I was looking forward to running in North Myrtle Beach and enjoyed the scenery from the roadway to the neighborhoods. We passed through beautiful neighborhoods and quite a few beach houses on the course was for sale! I wanted to stop and snap pictures of my future summer homes, but I had to trudge on! It was an amazing run and even though I wanted to keep moving, I still enjoyed every single mile.
LESSON 10: Don't sell yourself short!
I was very nervous about signing up for a half marathon, but after finishing the Diva Half and 5K, I was very happy that I signed up and proud that I was able to finish it. I finished the race in 2:49, my mental goal was anything from 2:30 to before the sun went down however long it took to finish. I had my cell phone with me in case of an emergency which would be having to call for a ride back to the hotel, but my cell phone died tracking my run at mile 11, without being used for music! So I was grateful to make it across the finish line with no problems, other than tight thigh muscles. Of course I didn't know my phone died until I went to text my sister to let her know I was finished. Womp-womp-womp...it's energy was drained and mine was recharged!
After grabbing a few snacks and some bubbly ginger ale, they also had champaign; I started my journey back to the hotel. I was thinking my 2.5 walk would be my cool down and yes, I had enough energy and snacks to do it! Along the route 3 race buses at different times stopped and checked to make sure we, me, my sister, and neice who had met me walking down the road, didn't need a ride to our hotel. I thought that was amazingly awesome of them to stop and check. I was on a running high and was very excited that I had finished my first half marathon so walking while we were talking helped me to burn the extra boost of energy. Finally the impossible in 2012 had become possible in 2015 and I couldnt wait to find a new half marathon to sign up for!
What an amazing theme and awesome running event!
Kudos to the organizers, volunteers, runners, and law enforcement who made this race fun, safe, and memorable. If you are hesitant about running 13.1, this is definitely a "rookie-friendly" race you may want to keep in mind. What theme races have you run and really enjoyed?
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