13 miles of Memories

My half marathon, as I remember it. The night of the race I sat down and outlined this post, with a vivid memory from each mile of the race. After time, all the miles run together. I really wish I'd thought to do this earlier, with previous races. This just might become a new tradition!

1. My emotions at the start of this race really surprised me. Through training I felt somewhat disconnected and didn't feel I'd really trained that hard. I was surprised when I was on the verge of tears for the first mile, overwhelmed by the other runners, spectators and what we were all about to accomplish.

2. I came upon a man who had what sounded like $5 worth of change in his pockets. Spent the mile pondering how he could even get his feet off the ground; his pockets were loaded with so much stuff that his hips were about double their actual size. And me, with nothing on me but clothes, shoes, iP0d, and some sharkies stuffed in my pocket.

3. Caught up to the 4:15 pacer, and had to hold myself back not to pass him.

4. This was my first race where I listened to music. By this point, I was feeling really disassociated from the race and decided to turn it off. I couldn't hear the other runners, the rhythm of their running, and most importantly, I couldn't hear the crowds cheering! And yes... there were crowds!

5. Overheard the 4:15 pacer saying his pace was 9:43 minute miles, and decided I could go a little faster... buh bye!!

6. Hit the 10K maker in under an hour... way under an hour! This was approximately my half way point.

7. Realized finishing in under 2 hrs was possible, contemplated going faster, and did!!

8. Long before I reached the high school on our route, I could hear the crowds cheering us on. This was one of the advertised "best spots to watch from", so there were lots of people there! I didn't know any of them, but to me, they were all cheering for ME!! I thanked them profusely as I passed by.

9. Pancake station... uh, no thanks!

10. Caught up to the 4:00 pacer. I was starting to get a little tired, but felt like I could pass them. I knew were would break apart from the marathoners soon, so I held back until that happened. We'll just call it a "little break".

11. Reached River trail and broke apart from the marathoners. I decided to bring back the music (no spectators on this portion) and picked up the pace.

12. One more mile! Didn't even slow down crossing the final bridge! I can do it!

13. Entered Hayward field... what an amazing feeling to end a fantastic race on the track of legends. My feet hit the turf and it felt great, so I gave it all I could and finished super strong!!

Can't wait to see how the second half turns out...