Running with Julia: Hell of a Half Marathon 2013

2nd time around: I was not happy with this race last year. I was suffering from a hairline fracture on my right baby toe and by the top of the first hill, I was done and suffering. I knew I had to come back and improve my finish time. While I did not get in all of the training I was hoping for, I did manage to cut off 18 minutes for a course PR! I had a few issues with fuel that didn't help much either, but I met some great runners and the volunteers were great as always.

I had recently discovered an allergy to Stevia and didn't realize until after the race that one of the electrolyte tables I took during the race contained it. I could feel my stomach doing something funny as I climbed the first hill but didn't know the cause of it. I guessed it may have been the tablet since it was a different brand than I usually use but had grabbed since it was there. Made a mental note and tried to move on.

The sun was starting to beat down upon me, as was evident in my rosy cheeks. Dripping would describe how sweaty I was, but that is normal during a half marathon, just usually not as bad as with this one. By the time I reached the top of the first hill, I knew I was going to struggle to get the rest of it done. At the same time I knew I was still feeling way better than last year and as long as I got in under that time I was good. I knew I had to fall back on play B, getting under 3:30 since my 15 minute per mile pace was lost forever by the top of the first hill.

I was out of gas but the top but knew I would pick up a little strength on the downhill. The cool breeze felt good but I knew it wouldn't last. I knew I had to keep moving as fast as I could until the next hill or I wouldn't make my 2nd goal either. The aide station at the bottle of Rocky Hill (hill #2) offered frozen e-lyte's like Otter Pops. This was super yummy but didn't help much in regaining my strength. Just get to the top, I kept telling myself. I don't remember ever moving so slowly as I did up this 2nd hill. About half way up, I was beginning to feel a little dizzy and just wanted to sit down. I knew if I did sit, I would DNF and that was not an option unless vomit was involved.

The volunteers were great. They were still smiling and cheering all of the runners on. I wasn't the only one struggling to get up the hill but it seemed that many who I had passed on the flat portion were now passing me on the hill. I was just done, but knew I wouldn't give up. As I reached the top, I knew I was home!

The coast down Rocky Hill was just what my body needed. Many of the people who had passed me on the way up were now struggling with the down hill, something I am usually good at. I kicked it into the next gear and had a 10 minute mile coming down, something that is good for me at the beginning of a race let along around mile 10 and 2 climbs! I had refilled my water bottle at the top of the hill so I didn't need to stop until I was done.

There was a fire pit at the bottom of Rocky Hill, a nice touch to the race, just wish I had gotten a photo of it along with the crew working the station.

I continued to coast past people who left me on the climb. I finally knew I had turned the next to last corner and was heading to the finish line. I walked until I saw the final mile marker ahead then kicked in the last ounce of what I had. I grabbed my water bottle, chocolate milk and banana and just flopped down on the grass. I was so happy to be done! While it was not my first goal of 15 minute average per mile, I got my under 3:30! So I will be back again next year Rocky Hill & Hell of a Half Marathon! Guess I need to get some hill work in before I do!