Inagural Run for Wine VA Half Marathon

On June 4, 2011, I had the opportunity to participate in a half marathon with a group of women I love. My training was essentially non existent, but I wasn't about to sacrifice my entry fee or the experience of my first half. I walked. Well, I did run the downhills. But mainly walked.

Short story: I finished. 3:38.

Long story: I walked with my good friend Noel. We got to the start line, and things were delayed! The race started a good 25-30 minutes late, which pretty much sucked. We got started, and things were going well. Noel didn't tell me that she was hurting, but she pushed on. First mile, right on pace. Second and third miles, still going strong. Fourth mile, Noel made me laugh and I almost peed myself (thanks, Peter). Yay for portajohns! I was afraid I would be using the side of the road, and it was full of poison ivy. Mile five--great. Still feeling good. I'm officially further than my longest distance. Great. I can do this! Mile six. Uphill. A big uphill. Like the ones on campus but longer. And then a dirt road. But it's not really dirt; it's pavement with rocks on it. Ouch. By now, my toes feel funny and my knees hurt. Don't complain. Noel is hurting. I must stay strong! Mile eight...kids at the crossroads give us high-fives. Awesome. Mile nine--big house. One of the guys on the course refers to it as Tara from "Gone with the Wind." Fair statement...it was big and gorgeous. Mile 10, and I'm ready to be done. I'm hungry and my knees hurt. Mile 11, and I know I've got this. This is like a day at the mall. Power-walking the mall, but still. I'm going to finish. Noel and I part ways. She needs to run more to ease her legs up some. Fair enough. I start walking with random people on the route and talk to them. Mile 12 is crap. I bonk. I go through the cemetery along the route, and seriously consider stopping to sit on a tombstone. Who puts a hill in a cemetery anyway??? And then, the finish. Even worse...the last stretch is uphill. I hear people saying the finish line is at that silo over there (points). That silo is way off in the distance. And then, I reach the driveway of the vineyard. I see mom and Peter. He's asleep. Then I see Noel at the finish, and she's holding cups of water! Hallelujah, water! I pause for a picture with the two random ladies I finished with, and then cross the line. I did it! Ouch! I'm thirsty. Someone give me water. Thanks, Mom, for freezing some so it's cold. I strip out of my shirt and sports bras (I had on a cheapo nursing bra too). Ahh...relief!

What will I do differently next time? I'll train. I'll eat a bit more before hand. I'll drink more electrolyte drinks. Will I have more fun? Not likely. It was a weekend with a bunch of friends, my mom, and my baby. It'll be hard to top that.

Go Cupcake Chasers! :)