Van Mommy on the Run....in HEELS!: April 1st: Running 13.1 miles is fun!

Today I accomplished a major feat. I ran 13.1 miles for FUN! I never ever would have imagined that I would be able to do this but I did and it's no APRIL FOOLS! :)

Back in December a friend of mine mentioned that she wanted to run in the Diva Wahine Half Marathon so that she could get a medal. In my head I thought, "She is CRAZY," and told her to go do it. About that same time I signed up for the Honolulu Marathon because it was 1) cheap, and 2) on my 40 year bucket list. After signing up for the marathon I realized that I would need to train for it since I refused to wasted my $52 dollar entrance fee ($26 for me and $26 for the hubby who jumped on the band wagon). So I started to do some research, start training and somewhere along the way decided that I should do a half marathon before the big dance to see what I was getting myself into.

So, I bit the bullet and signed up:

http://www.runlikeadiva.com/

I began training and a few weeks before the race hit my longest training run, 11.5 miles in 2 hours and a 1minute. I decided I was ready.

Well, the big day was today and I was crazy nervous. So many doubts, so much of the unknown. So many things that could go wrong. What if I drank too much water before the race? What if I got a side stitch? What if my feet hurt? What if it was too hot? What if the vog rolled in? What of my clothes started to chaffe? What if I was just not good enough? What if I wasn't strong enough?

But with all the doubts I found myself at the start line and there was no turning back.

The run was hot. There was no breeze, a strong sun, and a thick humidity in the air. My plan was to run conservatively at a 10 minute pace. I didn't want to burn out early and I knew that at 10 minutes I could run comfortably, without pain, and for a long duration. During the run I ran with my friend Sheryl and we were right on pace every time our Runkeeper app sounded off. We ran around Magic island, through the hills of Kakaako Park, along the water front, around a huge warehouse at the Piers, then back toward where we came. I enjoyed the run through Aloha Tower market place and especially along the shore line at Kakakao. I did not appreciate the steps there, though. While only about 5 steps, after running 9 miles, any steps are a blow to the body.

When we got to 10 miles I texted my husband that I was on my way to the Finish Line because he had brought my son to watch. Let me tell you, it was an amazing inspiration to see all the dad and their kids cheering for the moms running on the course. As I reached mile 11 at Ala Moana Beach Park I kept searching for them and turned on the heat. As I entered Magic Island at mile 12 I really let myself fly as fast as I could. Only thing I could not see the Finish Line. Where the HELL was it? How much farther did I need to go? Longest mile ever. As I turned the corner, there it was. I could see the Ambulances waiting in case they were needed and I could hear Stephanie Lum calling out names. I ran toward the line smiling and as fast as I could (thank goodness for that turbo chocolate rasberry GU I gulped down at mile 8). I got my medal from a hottie, took my pic, grabbed my anthurium (say what) then my banana and cookie. I was also still looking for my family. Nowhere to bee seen I sat down and stretched.

As I reflect back I am amazed at the feat that I have accomplished. 13.1 miles in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 20 seconds. Not bad for pushing 40, 2 kids, and too much going on. The weirdest thing is that there was nothing at all painful about the experience. I ran with so much joy and wonder for the entire race.

So, my first Half Marathon is in the books. We'll see if there is another one in my near future. Right now I just need someone to massage my legs!!!