Baby's First Half Marathon

Helloooooo all!

This morning I ran my very first half marathon. Now I know what you're thinking - Rachel, you fool, you've covered way more than 13.1 miles in your Saturday long runs, you've run a bunch of half marathons. BUT, I've never run a certified half marathon race. So, this morning I ran the 2010 Brooklyn Half Marathon! The race started at 7am, so I left my apartment at 5:30am and somehow managed to be borderline late. I got into my corral at 6:57am. Oops. At least I had a little warm up because I jogged to the park from the subway stop!

Overall I had a great race. I ran it nice and slowly, slower than my training pace so as not to aggrivate my ankle or burn myself out, my nutrition was good, my hydration was good, and I felt pretty awesome the whole time! The course was 2 full loops of Prospect Park and then you run down Ocean Parkway for like 5 and a half miles. It's strange being on such a long straight away during a race, but also kind of cool to run down the highway. The last half mile or so was on the boardwalk at Coney Island. Let me tell you, running on a boardwalk is dicey! If someone was running next to you, the clapboards would kick up on your side - I tried to run on the nails to avoid this problem, which largely worked. Coney Island, by the way - strangest place ever. I'd never really been before and I don't think I have any intention of going back. It's just a boardwalk with a bunch of questionable rides and cheesy shops.

I have to say, crossing the finish line was one of the coolest feelings ever. I was wearing my Team in Training t-shirt, so the announcer yelled out "Alright Team in Training! That's Rachel, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!" So. Freaking. COOL! And throughout the entire race people were cheering for me because of the TNT affiliation. That purple Team in Training t-shirt is a badge of honor, and I am so proud to wear it, and so proud to be part of this team. Shout out to Jasmine from Finish Line who came out to cheer us on!

And a member of Team Rachel got her ass up at 6:30am on a Saturday to come cheer me on! Major shoutout to the beautiful and fabulous Jenn Freeman. I was finishing my first loop of Prospect Park and suddenly I hear "GO RACHEL!". I turn to my right, and there's Jenn hopping along in her flip flops, with her purse and headphones. She even stuck around for my 2nd lap of the park. That kind of loyalty and support and love is really a rare thing in this world. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her.

I was sore after the race, obviously, but I stretched it out with Dom and Chad, who also ran the race, and then post ice-bath I felt a lot better. I was, however, very ready to stop after I crossed the finish line. I knew I could physically keep going, but I was really really ready to be done running. In my head, of course, I was like "Holy shit, I have to do that all over again in the full...". That is scary, and I'm already pretty nervous. I think it was because I was mentally banking on 13.1. Maybe for the full when I mentally bank on 26.2 it'll be easier. Either way, I'm so glad I did this race because now I feel more prepared for the full. And for now I'll enjoy the glory of my first ever half :)

Countdown to San Diego: 15 days
Current Status: STILL FREAKING OUT