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I ran my first 1/2 Marathon (13 miles) August 13, 2005 (the Georgetown to Idaho Springs 1/2 Marathon - COLORADO). Prior to the race, the longest competition I ever competed in was a 5k 12 years ago (finished at 24m 58s) ... and am a former basketball player (short sprints, not long hauls) ... hence I slept poorly the night prior to the race! (literally 2 hours of sleep). Race Results are available in excel format. My goals were lofty, not knowing how my body would respond ... I planned on finishing with a 10 minute mile average. To train for this race, I was running 5 miles stints, 4-5 days per week, for 2 months before the race. Towards the end of my training (with the advice of other runners, I added elevation running to my training - this proved to increase my lung capacity and overall stamina). Looking inward, here are somethings I learned as a result of running this race:
1. Stretching for 45 minutes prior to the start was very important, as my left hamstring was a bit tight ... this was a major concern.
2. The start of a Marathon (or 1/2 Marathon) was a unique experience I'll never forget ... the wave of people bouncing was so cool and energizing ... something I'll carry with me for the rest of my days.
3. Being a novice runner, I thought I'd start towards the rear of the 3,000+ heard. This was a mistake, as the 1st 2 miles running through Georgetown allowed for no passing, and was at a 10 minute mile pace. Next time, I'll start further up in the pack.
4. Being a novice runner, and taking advice from other multi-marathon runners, I purposely ran the 1st 6 miles slowly. My 1/2 way time was 61m 20s ... while my energy level remained quite high. At the 1/2 way point, my whole goal was to beat the 2 mark.
5. My Cardio and conditioning proved fine. My Leg Strength, however, was suspect. Miles 1 - 10 my legs felt fine (90-95% strength), miles 11-13 leg strenth QUICKLY faded. I finished running hard, but told myself at the end, there was NO WAY I could run another 13 miles (e.g. FULL marathon). I'll need to work on overall leg strength and stamina.
6. I ran solo. I wish I had brought an MP3 player with!
7. I ran 100% of the race (except for when gathering water at the 2 mile marks) ... this for me, was a major goal.
8. Running on a slated road is hard on my ankles and knees. I quickly sought out level running territory.
9. Many runners wore a running belt with small canteens of juice/energy things ... something I'll acquire in the future, although, the 2 mile increments of water sufficed for this 1/2 Marathon!
10. Weather was GREAT ... 63 degrees at the start, and 74 degress at the finish.
11. I finished with soreness, but without injury ... another milestone of mine. What was sore? Its probably easier to describe what ISN'T SORE! Oddly enough, my knees were fine. Tightness (at mile 10) occurred in my hip sockets ... something I did NOT anticipate. Mile 12, I started to feel a bit in my ankles. I'll need to do some research on this.
12. My training was on a treadmill, with a couple elevation runs at Red Rocks (Mathew Winters Park). I've found that running on the treadmill is more difficult, as I tend to lose focus. Outside running is the opposite ... I'm energized, awake, and vibrant (as the scenery dictates).
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