Things learned over 13.1 miles

Annie and I ran the Salt Lake half marathon over the weekend and had a blast.

13.1 things I learned over the 13.1 miles:

1. Temperatures in the high 40's, low 50's with overcast skies is ideal race day weather.

2. It doesn't matter how many half marathons I've done, I always get a little tripped up during miles 8 and 9. You're close to the finish but not really. A lot can happen in those last few miles. Even in a half marathon. I always get a little wave of panic that sticks with me until about mile 10/11 and I know I'm home free.

3. I actually don't mind running with an ipod. I NEVER run with an ipod but after talking to Annie we decided it would be fun to listen to the same playlist for the last 3 miles. Let me tell you, it totally helped. I don't think I'm going to start listening to one on my weekly runs but maybe in future races for the last few miles I will. I was surprised at how much energy it gave me.

4. The race organizers/directors need to do a better job directing the marathoners to the marathon route once they split from the half marathon route. Until about mile 6 the half marathoners run with the marathon runners (for the most part) then the routes split from each other until the end where the marathoners meet up with the last 3 miles of the half marathon. They do such a poor job directing people where to go. Annie and I saw THREE different GROUPS of people who were running the marathon who had accidently run the half marathon route instead of the marathon route. They had to turn around and go back to where the routes split from one another. Ok do you realize by the end of the race they probably ran over 30 miles instead of the 26.2 miles? 26.2 miles is plenty long, no one should have to run more than that! One lady we saw was completely bawling. I don't blame her. I felt so sick for all of these people. How horrible. I'm going to write a letter to the race directors, not even kidding. I'll be polite, I promise.

5. The crowds are so fun and make a big difference. I loved seeing the Littles, my friend Brandon, my sister Katherine, my dad twice, my hot friend Lacey, my darling friend Jessica (who was kind enough to jump in and run with me for a bit) my Uncle Mike, Aunt Barb, and cousin in law Matthew; all those people spaced out during the race gave us the extra boosts of energy we needed. Thank you friends and family! Your support, cheers and whistles REALLY do make a difference.

6. I love this race but it's getting too crowded! Even after starting the race 20 minutes late, Annie and I were in line for the bathroom for a good 40 minutes, we had to weave our way through people the entire race. Kinda fun, kinda annoying.

7. Even when I PR, I always wish I could have gone faster. Yes, I was happy to have a PR and finally break the 1:50:00 mark, which just barely happened my friends, and is slow compared to most of my runner friends, I was really hoping to be a couple of minutes faster. I just didn't have it in me that day, maybe next time.

8. My mother in law is the best, well I actually knew this already. She stepped in to watch Charlotte last minute, when Mike got called from the hospital Friday night and was told he had to come in and work the next day. Surprise! Oh the joys of being a doctor on call. Thank you sweet Carol for playing with Charlotte all morning. She adores you and I do too!

9. My mom is a rock star, ok I had already knew this too. She ran her fastest time for this race. She rocked it and ran the entire thing. Even though I've watched her finish many a races, I still get choked up when I see her finish.

10. Racing is addicting. I'm ready to sign up for another half marathon. Who's with me?

11. I've got a long way to go if I'm really going to do a marathon this year. Thinking about doing one after finishing the race made me terrified at the thought of having to run another 13.1 miles. Again, who's with me? Anyone want to train for a marathon this summer?

12. It might be time for new shoes. My knees were really starting to both me at the end of the race. I'm hoping it's just that I need new shoes and nothing more.

13. I must have a sweatshirt at the end of a race. I shake and shiver uncontrollably. Anyone else have this problem? I'm always freezing at the end of races.

.1 I guess I didn't really learn this one either, but I was reminded during the 13.1 miles how lucky I am to have a healthy body. I love being able to run, and feel ever grateful for the opportunity to do it.

PS Did anyone watch the Boston marathon? I may have cried watching the women's race I can't even begin to imagine running that fast, or really fast enough to even qualify to run Boston. Amazing.