Running for Schroeder

On the 9th, I ran my first half marathon in 2:24:55. I missed getting the time on the first and last mile, but the splits for the rest are 18:29.66 (two miles at 9:14.83 each), 9:15.72, 9:40.22, 10:31.26, 10:06.14, 10:06.31, 11:39.79, 12:30.35, 11:12.10, 12:26.37, and 13:36.70. I stopped for a restroom break at mile 9, which added the extra minute there. It all got much harder at a point in the 10-11 mile range. That was really outside my training. I could have done a bit better at the end, but I really wanted to be conservative and make the finish line without any walking. I did have enough left for a ’sprint’ over the finish and my hands up for the pose. I don’t think I have ever had oranges that tasted as good as the ones from the box at the finish.

The day was great. Bo drove over to the house and he let me borrow a heavier shirt than the one I was planning on wearing (good thing). It was 19 degrees when we left the garage to make our way up to the starting line. They started the marathon and 1/2 marathon runners out together. It was quite a sight. By about mile 6, the water stations that were in the shade had ice out in front of them and the volunteers were bringing the water out farther and farther to keep the runners from the ice.

There were not a lot of spectators. The course was very hilly. I overheard several people talking about that being one of the reasons that the marathon didn’t have larger turnouts.

Bo ran to the end and then turned around and ran back to finish up the last 1.5-2.5 miles with me. I do know that I need to run longer runs during the week to get to the training level I need to be at to attempt a marathon next year. I am not going to rush it (as I did with the half) and want to build a strong base before increasing the distances.

So I never did do my 12 mile run. The cold of the 5k settled into my chest and I didn’t get up early enough on Sunday to do it before food. This past weekend I ran 7.5 with Bo and the ladies in 1:09:09. Good pace, finished strong. I went and signed up for the 1/2 marathon later that day. No running this week to speak of. Took Schroeder back up to work with me Tuesday night to fix some stuff. He slept.