Half Marathon Name and Date
Museum of Aviation Annual Marathon, in Warner Robins, GA, January 2008
Number of half marathons completed
1
Would you run another half marathon?
Yes
How I Trained for My Half Marathon
My longest runs were typically 5 or 6 miles. As I was training, I'd go a little longer and then do my typical 5 mile run twice--albeit, much slower. I never did a full 13.1 miles until the day of the half marathon but, as many had told me, I didn't need to. At most I ran 10 miles or so to prepare.
How I Ran My Half Marathon
It was cold, rainy and miserable--even for Middle GA! Very cold. I started out running with a friend of mine, whom, I should mention, was pretty good and good looking! Unfortunately, about 3 miles into the race, I took off my prescription sunglasses (due to the rain) and looked up at a changing street light -- I went right into a pothole and twisted my ankle pretty bad, and cut up my knee.
My friend ran on, but an older gent, who was one of those "run a marathon in every state" guys, stopped to help me. He asked me to run slowly with him and basically "carried" me over the next few miles. The cold weather and adrenaline helped numb the ankle and we pushed on the rest of the way. When I finally finished, he wanted me to go the last half with him but the ankle had swollen up too much -- I had a hairline fracture.
Lessons Learned
- I was glad to finish, but probably didn't help it by running on it for another 10 miles. The lesson learned is don't run with good lookin' gals (or if you do, watch the road!) And, even if it's raining and you can't see anything, keep your prescription glasses on! You can't see what you can't see. Pay attention and don't get tired or lethargic while running. OK, so you may not break any records, but you'll finish the race and feel proud when you do!
