Friday, May 14, 2010

Racing and Pacing and Plotting the Course

She's goin' the distance...she's going for speed.
(Hey Traci...Does that remind you of stake scripture chase? That and pockets full of gummy bears?)

So I ran a half marathon a couple weeks ago. (I use the term run very loosely...it was definitely more of a jog.) I was feeling pretty awesome about myself until I read what my cousins did that same weekend.

I was unprepared. I had planned on running it but backed out because it was the same day Mike was supposed to get married. Then a week before the race I was back in because a friend had to back out and gave me her spot. I had never run more than seven miles in training...and that was just one time. But Abbey and I have been running (again, I mean jogging but calling it running makes me feel cooler) since the fall. I'm not totally out of shape. I could finish seven miles with energy left over so what's six more miles? I decided...why not.

I had THE TIME OF MY LIFE! (Even though it rained for at least nine of those miles.) I forgot how much I love racing. I LOVE IT. So much adrenaline. I never really hit that wall that people talk about. It was 13.1 miles of runners high. It made all the early morning runs worth it. I was starting to think I just don't like to run, but I'm converted. For me, it's not a once in a lifetime accomplishment like I expected it to be. I plan to do it again and again. Next time I'll be more prepared.

And though I certainly didn't break any records, I finished much faster than I anticipated. I now have a time to beat next year.

14 comments:

jeanine said...

That is awesome! I don't ever think I could run that much distance... Way to go!

Traci Elizabeth said...

the second I read your title I had memories! Scripture chase, totally!

I am really proud of you. You have always been really good at running, I am glad you have fallen in love with it again.

Cameron is a runner. He is trying to get me into it...so I am working on it! wish me luck!

Genn said...

Way to go Katie! That's awesome. Especially for only having run 7 miles in your training.

I've always enjoyed to go for a jog, but I've never even attempted to run that far. I am impressed.

Kelly said...

I'm so proud of you! And I know when my mom reads your blog, she will be too! haha good job!

The Hardy's said...

Congrats! That is so exciting! And don't you love how addicting running is??? I can't wait till I am able to run again! Only a few more weeks! Woo hoo! You are so awesome too for only being at 7 mile, yet doing the full half marathon with out even hitting the wall! You ROCK!

Kipn n' Sarah said...

I am totally impressed that you never hit that wall as well, that rocks! Especailly since the training and all that was only up to 7 miles, you go girl!!! I have been converted as well. I totally get it! CONGRATS!!!

Unknown said...

Way to go! I will run a half before the end of the year, it is one of my goals.


PS I love love the Ragnar races. I am doing the one in Utah in a month for the second time :)

Autumn said...

That's so awesome! I'm definitely not the natural type. Good for you, I'm so glad you were able to do it with one week's notice!

Megan said...

Congrats! That's a great accomplishment! I love the 1/2, it's been my favorite (with the Ragnar exception). I ran my first full marathon yesterday and it was a surprisingly incredible experience!
Keep up the running and have fun!

Tammy said...

Hey Katie! Nice work! And that song is one of my power songs on my ipod running playlist. ha!

J, E, S & L said...

Isn't it exhilerating??? I don't run, I walk, but even still... Great job!

Eric said...

Katie that's fantastic! I've never been interested in running until like everyone I know does it and loves it. So this summer I'm going to start training. Good for you and what an accomplishment!

amelia said...

Katie, GO YOU! That is awesome! I have never done a half...I'm thinking of signing up for one this summer. I'm glad it was a good experience, you've inspired me to really do it :)

Harmony said...

really impressed! here's my running story not that you asked(yes, jogging, but come on, that's just lame). I ran in high school, college, with some time off every once in a while, then I quit and never looked back, i didn't even miss it. Then I suddenly did at the end of my last pregnancy. Since then I've been running regularly and I am proud to say that....I haven't improved a bit! I'm hardly exaggerating. I can run 3 miles! woohoo! And it never seems any easier or faster! sad. But it does feel good and it is having the effect of taking off my baby weight. but I know exactly what you mean about looking at someone else's accomplishments and suddenly feeling a bit diminished. But now you know you're that person for me! You and almost anyone who runs at all! That's awesome that you raced and loved it and did well!! Congrats! My friend posted about her 18 miles run the other day. sheesh.