GRU Augusta Half Marathon

I did it.

I have completed my first half marathon!

Let me tell you the tale of the GRU Augusta Half Marathon..

Woke up early, literally couldn't breathe because I am still really congested. I'm glad I did get up so early though because we were running a little late. By the time we got down there and walked to the start line it was already 7:40, with an 8am race start time. I didn't have time to wait in line for the porta potties, but I knew there was a bathroom at the BBQ pit. It's a terrible bathroom - no lights, doors don't close, and no TP. But apparently... today the toilets were not flushing. It was possibly the worst toilet I've ever seen. Both of them were.. filled. Yep. But I squatted and peed none the less, it's better than waiting in line. My warm up was not as long as I wanted it to be, because it was time to get lined up to start!

The weather was perfect. 45 starting out and warmed up to about 60. Our race started after the 10k. I was at the back of the line because I knew this would be a slow one for me for a couple reasons - it's my first half marathon ever and I didn't want to burn out early, and I also wasn't sure how my foot was going to react.

During the first mile I ended up talking to a couple of ladies about the course compared to last year's 10k course. They were actually running the 10k and missed their start time so they had to catch up. Simply chatting with them really did a lot to relax my nerves. I was so much calmer after that, and was really just taking in the sights around me and appreciating the support of the spectators. I took a gel at mile 3.5 (and 7 and 10) I overdid it with the gels on purpose, I'm hypoglycemic and wanted to eat preemptively instead of get caught in a blood sugar crash. Looking back on it I probably could have survived with 2 gels.

Somewhere between miles 3 and 4.. I was not having any foot pain yet which was a great sign.. however I notice my foot began to tense up. It was like my toes wanted to curl involuntarily, and the top of my foot would just pulse and quiver for a few seconds. I tried my best to just relax my foot and not think about what could go wrong. Mile 5, along comes Walton Way. Long ass hill. I remember this well from my 10k last year. I made it with only a brief walk at the top. Enjoyed running through Augusta, seeing all the beautiful old southern homes and what not. My mentality for this race was just to take it all in, and think of it as just another long run. And it seems to have worked. I didn't have any music - they ask you not to wear headphones and I respected that - but the volunteers and spectators were amazing at cheering us on! It made such a huge difference for me. It's heartwarming to see so many supporters out there.

Beyond Walton Way I didn't really know what was up next. I had looked at the course map briefly about 2 weeks ago and didn't remember much. We turned onto this road called Berkmans road or something, runs right along side Augusta National. All of a sudden there's this big ass hill ahead of me. Oh god. I ran it slowly - but at this point most other people were walking. I started to feel some random knee pain that would come and go. My endurance was still strong. Around mile 10 is when my foot actually started to hurt, and the spasms were becoming more frequent. The bottoms of my feet hurt now too. The last mile was the worst. Everything started to hurt and I basically hit the wall. But I pushed it out and made myself keep running to the finish line, where I saw my husband screaming at me - ordering me to sprint. Yeah right! It took everything I had left, but I did it! I FINISHED!

My time was pretty bad. 2:42. First half marathon and a bum foot - I was being conservative. But nothing stopped me from finishing and that's what's important. I have laid the foundation. All that's left is for me to improve upon it.

I had a great time - once I got out there and started running I was super relaxed, I enjoyed being there with all those other runners and spectators cheering us on. I loved running through town and putting myself up to this challenge - and beating it! Plus I got to spend the whole morning with my husband, who once again was super supportive!

After the race I got some very tasty and satisfying lunch from Genghis Grill. I freaking love that place. Now I'm home, very tired and in pain. But that's alright. Pain is temporary. I can do awesome things!