Lawdy, I survived. That was a beast. Beautiful, but a BEAST.
As you all know I have been battling PF in my right foot for the past month and have been pretty nervous about this race. When I got up this morning I was just a little sore so I taped her up and headed out.
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The La Jolla Half Marathon started at 7:30 am at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It was an overcast morning which was AWESOME. Perfect running weather.
Even though there was approximately 7,000 runners it felt like a small race. No pace groups, just an old fashioned foot race…for 13.1 miles.
I went into this with the mentality of I just want to finish. If I could keep an 8:30 pace on this hilly course I would be happy.
Mile 1 was flat! It took me approximately 40 seconds to get across the start line and kept reminding myself to go slow, take it easy. etc etc etc. I crossed mile one at 8:02 pace- too fast for my bum foot. The plan was 8:30 so I needed to slow down by 30 seconds. Did I? Nooooo. DUMB DUMB DUMB. I hit mile 2 at a 7:46 pace. What am I doing? SLOW DOWN INJURED ONE. The hills started at that point and we had a slow steady incline through mile 4.
At that point I knew we were nearing Torrey Pines reserve and I needed to chill. We got a nice little downhill before taking on the BEAST.
This picture makes that baby look tame.
At mile 3,4 and 5 I was at a 7:51 pace. I knew I was going to pay for it. I just knew it. At mile 5 we started up the reserve. I got half way up and I started to feel an ache in my right foot. Nooooo! I prayed and asked God to allow me to run this race how HE wants me to, not how I want to. At that point the genius words of my friend Maureen and my Hubs were in my head “YOU HAVE 2 WEEKS UNTIL A FULL MARATHON. IF YOU NEED TO WALK THE RESERVE TO SAVE YOUR FOOT, WALK. WHO CARES.” I have never ever walked in a half marathon. Ever. I decided at that point I was only a half mile to the top and I pulled over and walked. GASP. I took the time to take a gel, drink water and say another quick prayer.
I crested Torrey Pines at mile 6 with a pace of 10:05. Not bad for a 1/2 mile walk!
The climb continued through mile 7 where I still kept a slow pace, around 9 min. That was more like it. The rolling hills went from 8-10 and I stayed steady around an 8:20 pace.
Then a SWEET downhill at mile 10. RECOVERY! FINALLY!
I stupidly hit mile 11 at a 7:37 pace. I knew we had another 150 climb coming around mile 12, this would come back to bite me in the butt.
I hit mile 12 at a 8:12 pace then the last hill killed me. I think it took me 24 hours to get from 12 to the finish. Kidding, but it did take me while. An 8:55 pace. BRUTAL WAY TO END. BOOOO.
I ended up crossing the finish line in 1:50 and 10 seconds, average of 8:24 pace.
Not bad for someone who threw a 1/2 mile walk in. I am glad I did it to save my foot but I am still mentally beating myself up a bit. I’ll get over it. I am just glad I was able to run!!!! After a DNR 2 weeks ago it was questionable if I would be able to run this race. I did it! Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that I will be able to run at OC. I better learn to pace properly or I will wear out quick!
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Here are a few more pics from today!
Me and Gretchen! This was her first half marathon!!
Me and Maureen. She ran the 5k! What is going on with my face?
My fam 🙂
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Now I’m off to do the typical Sunday Costco trip. This should be interesting…
Great job Mama I know how hard that must have been for you to walk. You won’t regret it after you stop beating yourself up about it. Job well done!
Gracias mi amiga!! Loves ya- xo
I think that Is REALLY Rockin! That is the time I am just hoping to make it under 2 hrs next time! I want to be like you when I grow up… Lol funny since I am actually older than you 😉
You WILL break 2 hours!!! I know it!!!!
Look at that big smile in the 2nd to last picture! Looks like you were feeling great!
Not bad at ALL — many would do anything to get a pace that solid, and you did it with major hills and a walking break. Be proud, sounds like a huge success for you!
Keep healing that PF, hope it feels well. I know it is one of those injuries that never seems to go away, but MAKE IT! say GO AWAY!!
p.s. successes so far from your giveaway: I like the endurance cubes a lot! They were tasty and easy before my half on Saturday. The lava gel tasted ick after I brushed my teeth (duhhh), so I’m saving the other half for a training run. A surprise winner: the chapstick!! I love the stuff. Mission skincare is a gem. Oh, and the Zico was pounded today after an easy 4 mile run, I loved it. hits the spot after a run!
Thanks girl, I need this foot to heal. It is SO FRUSTRATING. Arrggghhh! Just wish I paced better today. Oh well, next time right?!
I drank a ZICO today too and love it. So good after a run! LOL about the Lava- I tested two new flavors this past week (tropical mango and peach) that I like better than the Kona Mocha- although for a coffeeish flavored gel it’s one of the better ones. The Hammer Gel espresso is NASTY. ICK! Agree with the chapstick!!
Hi,
Thanks for visiting my Blog. I loved looking at these pics. Thanks for posting. I didn’t bring my camera. I’ve been running along Camino Del Mar (miles 2-4) 3 days a week for the past 5 years. Man, that hill is a monster, eh?
You had an awesome time. Congrats.