Half Marathon Recap

 Last weekend, I ran my third half-marathon.  This race was different than my previous two marathons I have completed. 

1. I am still nursing a child this time – so running with full breasts was not only intersting but also an eye sore.  

2.  I have THREE children’s schedules to work around (and convince husband to watch said children) for my long training runs.  

Overall I did enjoy running. I always do.  Running (espically races) is when I get to enjoy a little quiet ME time.  

Here are some running reflections from my race:   

1. You cannot out train poor nutrition!
2. When you are sick/not feeling well – rest (don’t run a marathon)
3. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
4. Always be prepared!
5. Body glide is good – use liberally – not sparingly!
6. Ask questions about the course – and make sure the LEADER knows where he/she is running!

ONE – I cannot emphasis proper nutrition enough.  If you are training or exercising, you really need to fuel your body efficiently.  I did not.  My body did not have enough proper fuel to get the motor going. 

TWO –  The week prior to my race I had a head cold that eventually dropped to my chest.  By Saturday I had a raspy voice and felt like I was breathing through a straw.  Silly me, thought I could still run my 1/2 marathon.  I knew that I could complete it (and did) but in doing so, prolonged my cold. 

THREE – Simple right? Drink water (exercising or not)! This was espically key considering they ONLY had 3 water stations the entire race! Yikes – talk about overheating and dehydration! Boo! 

FOUR – Like I mentioned above, hydrate.  Always be prepared. Had I brought my own water and gu (or sport beans) I wouldn’t have been so zapped at around mile 7!!  Also – be prepared for anything… like running 13.1 miles in 85* temperatures! No fun! 

FIVE – I love and use bodyglide. I was very happy to report that I had minimal chaffing this race.  Just a little under my arm from my ipod band… and underware line.  Chaffed crotch is NO fun! 

SIX – At the start of the race, the leaders (whom I and others were following) took a wrong turn on the course.  A 0.4 mile mistake!! #forreal! Always make sure that YOU know where the course is… and/or the people you are following are going the right way! 

I finished my 1/2 marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes (below is my Nike+ record) 

   Here are some pictures of me running (from the professional):