2012 Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon

Last Sunday, I ran my first half marathon.

I got up bright and early and got ready.  Lee, Lilly and I piled in the car and headed out to Wayzata, so I could run the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon.

Lilly and I Before the Race

The race started off really well.  I started off with the 2:20:00 pace group, but decided after a few minutes to just take it at my own gentle pace (the 10:41 per mile pace felt really slow to start off).  I just kind of went with what I felt was good for me.  The miles were flying by until about mile 7, I knew I had to make a pee stop at the mile 8.8 water/pee stop.  Well, I stopped to pee and there were only 5 people in line...which made me assume 4 minutes...tops.  Wrong.  I waited in line for about 7 minutes, got in and took 30 seconds to pee, then took off again.  I struggled after that...big time.  Iran until mile 10 and then had to walk...something I promised myself I wouldn't do.  I just couldn't pick it up after that, which totally broke my heart.  I had some digestive issues between miles 10 and 13...I couldn't run more than 1/4 mile before I'd have to walk a little to keep myself from...messing myself.

Me Around Mile 12

I was super bummed that it didn't go as planned...especially being set up to finish under 2:20:00, but it is what it is.  I finished it!

FINISHED

My official time was 2:32:28.26.  My iPod says I did it in 2:25:44 (that is minus the 7 minute bathroom pit stop).  All in all, it was okay.  Very humid, but it didn't thunderstorm.  Oh!  And when I got to the finish, Tammy, Tony and Chasey were there to surprise me.  And Lilly and Lee got to give me my medal.

If you are interested in my splits, here they are (unofficial):

Unofficial Splits

My Token Finisher Photo

And want to see something funny?  Click HERE!

My First Half Marathon

2:32:28.26 official time for my first half marathon.

More to come tomorrow.

Off to bed in exotic Columbia, MD.

Up early for training!

XOXO

Less Than 16 Hours...

The nerves have officially started to hit...big time...

Tomorrow is my big day...

Tomorrow is going to be a huge day!  I have to run my half marathon and then catch a plane with Kali to exotic Columbia, MD.  The timeline is very tight.  Here is the planned schedule:

5:00 a.m. - Get up and get ready!
6:00 a.m. - Leave the house for Wayzata
7:00 a.m. - Arrive in Wayzata to prep for the race
8:12 a.m. - Start running my first half marathon! (I'm in wave #4, which is supposed to start {roughly} at 8:12...)
10:45 a.m. - Must be finished with said half marathon!  Quickly get post-race food and drink and hug Lilly and Lee!
11:15 a.m. - Leave Excelsior Commons Park for the Brand household
Noon - Arrive at the Brand household to shower like a speed demon
12:30/1:00 - Leave the Brand household
1:00/1:30 - Arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

As you can see, if I run too slow, I screw up the whole entire plan.  If I run at a quicker pace...BONUS EXTRA TIME!!!

We went this morning to get my packet.  I grabbed a pace band for both the 2:20:00 and 2:30:00 pace groups.  I haven't decided yet which I will run with, but I have to finish NO SLOWER than 2:30:00, or my schedule fails.  I'm leaning toward 2:20:00, knowing that I can always drop back a bit if need be.  WISH ME LUCK!!!  This may be weird, but I'm running with only one ear bud in.  That way I can hear my music still, but if somebody wants to yell my name (it is totally on my bib!) and boost my mood, I will be able to hear it.

My Bib and Potential Pace Bands...

BTW...just have to mention that it is supposed to be 66° F and scattered thunderstorms tomorrow for the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon (but more like 56° F and T-Storms around race time).  It was supposed to be low 60's and sunny, but not anymore.  I thought I was going to get a break after last weekend's race, but I was wrong.  CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR GOOD WEATHER!!!


XOXO

THIS! IS! HAPPENING!

I will be completing my first ever half marathon on Sunday, May 6, 2012!!!

Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon in Wayzata, MN

Goal Time: 2:20:00

Gonna do this!

Got nothing better to do that day?  Come cheer me on!

Yes, this is my big annoucement.  If you don't like it, you can stuff it.

XOXO