Last Saturday I did my very first Quarter Marathon at the Cap City Marathon. I decided to participate since I got $20 reimbursement from my company. I had been running at least 5-K or 3 miles almost everyday last Summer, but never ran farther than 5 miles. When I told my husband I wanted to join the marathon, he told me either I do 10-K or no joining at all. I’m glad he pushed and challenged me, because I did it!
A dear friend of mine sent me a training schedule that I should follow to help me running that far. However, Ohio Mother Nature planned otherwise. I actually didn’t start training until about 1 1/2 month ago. About a week before the race, I finally managed to run 7 miles, which was the requirement in order to meet 6.5 distance. The next day I could barely feel my legs. I gave myself a good rest and didn’t run at all until the race.
The day finally came and I was nervous like hell! I was so worried that I would be the last one standing and the cops would start opening up the streets to let the public drive through again. My husband and my kids took me to the race. He dropped me off a couple blocks from the starting line and took my kids for breakfast. Then he would meet me again at the finish line. Or so we thought!! The streets were closed everywhere and my husband couldn’t find a parking. So they missed me crossing the finish line. O well… at least the thought that counts. They did see me running while eating breakfast, and my husband said I was doing great and kept on running while some started walking.
The race went really well. I actually finished in 1:28:10 with an average pace of 13.28 per mile, which is about 1 minute faster than my training result. All the things that worried me, obviously didn’t happen. I guess when you run with a bunch of other people, it motivates you even higher. I guess right now, I’m officially hooked with marathon! The things that I love the most:
- Support from strangers. In every corner and every 1 mile point, strangers were holding signs saying, “Run Strangers Run!” (Forest Gump, anyone?), “You’re almost there!”, or some funny signs like, “This is boring, get it over with!” They were clapping their hands, offering high fives. It was just overwhelming!
- Some freebies, well maybe not free since the admission is $70. But at least I got an Under Armour t-shirt, a really nice medal (actually my very first). After the race we got Panera bagels, nutrition bars and some other goodies. From the company, I got a free headphone.
- Such a great feeling when the race was over. I finally did it! Now I understand how it feels to finally accomplish something.
My next goal is working on my pace from 13 to 11 mpm. I’m running my way into a healthy lifestyle…and I hope I can keep up with it!
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