It is the first race I did not have butterflies before a race.
What was different? I am still not sure - just that I did not have pre-race anxiety, like I usually do. I just wanted to get started (the race began about 4 minutes late, according to my watch), and about mile 8, I just wanted to be done.
I had not been looking forward to the race, because I do not feel that I trained as much as I would have liked. Life, you know? It was in Charlotte, which I hate driving in. It would be hilly.
However, I had not run in a race since June. I've been trying to cut back - but not that much, so I was due for a race.
I was looking forward to running through neighborhoods - I always enjoy looking at houses.
Last blog I wrote about how awesome running HILLS can be. . .this week, I would like to say, Hills Suck.
If it's at all possible, I think the race yesterday was entirely uphill. With a few more uphills for funsies. I was moderately familiar with the course, as I think it was very close to the Ramblin Rose Half Marathon I ran a couple of years ago. I knew about the Big Hill at mile 5. I forgot about the other big hills at miles 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12.
That said, I did fairly well. I ran with a friend until Mile 4.25, at which point we got separated. After that, I ran my own pace, enjoyed looking at the houses, thanking all the police officers, volunteers, and spectators, high-fiving children standing on sidewalks to cheer on their families, and grooving to my playlist.
Hillly and humid - I had a good run.
Eleven 1/2 marathons, and maybe I've just found my groove? I know what to expect. I know what to wear, and how to prepare. I know that I will finish.
Or, maybe, I am finally confident in my abilities as a runner?
I know that I CAN do this. . .
And I am glad I learned to use the chaffing cream in places where one would not normally think chaffing could occur.
