My First 1/2 Marathon Experience- Long!

[Amanda131 214]

This past Sunday I officially completed a two-year old goal to run a half-marathon. It still feels a bit surreal. I would say that I can't believe it, but everytime I try to walk down a flight of stairs I am VERY aware that my muscles put in 13.1 miles. :smile1:

My husband and I both ran the marathon. Although he and I have been training together with a local running group since July his knee has been causing a lot of concern and we weren't sure if he'd be able to follow through with the race. While I'm proud of my accomplishment, I am in awe of him. He put in 13.1 miles on a blown knee. That's strength.

My bestie, Dana, came into town to watch us run (and wrangle our munchkin while we were running). We stayed at the race hotel so that we could sleep a bit later and not be so stressed on race morning. This worked out awesome as Dana and our four-year-old daughter were able to sleep a lot later than if we'd been coming from home. My parents meet up with Dana and the munchkin that morning to form our cheer team. They were AMAZING!

You think that having people cheer for you is nice but not necessary until they are there cheering. Holy smokes- they made such a difference for us. It was so motivating when they were there at miles 7, 11 and the finish. I am so thankful for them.

I finished in 2 hours and 43 minutes which was 2 minutes faster than my goal time. I would've finished almost three minutes quicker than that except that I drank more Water than usual before the race and had to make a potty pit-stop. Very disappointing. After the race, the hotel proved a fantastic choice. We were able to go back, stretch and shower before lunch. Our cheer squad took us to lunch where the soreness and fatigue began to seep in. Naps followed shortly thereafter.

Since early December I've been thinking that I will work towards the goal of a full marathon for next year. On Sunday, at mile 12, I was convinced that people who run full marathons are idiots and no one in their right mind would choose to do that to themselves. I'm happy to report that I'm finally starting to entertain the idea of a full marathon again.

Just so you know, 11 months ago I weighed 316 pounds and was winded walking a flight of stairs. I didn't even attempt running until this past July. I was 245 pounds then and was able to run at a 14 minute pace for barely 7 minutes. I joined a local USA Fit affiliated run club in July and followed their program which required three "homework" runs a week and a "long run" every Saturday morning. I can now run at a 12 minute pace for over three hours with my highest mileage being 14 miles.

I've made some amazing friends and truly found depth within myself that I never imagined existed. I was NEVER an athlete. In fact, my one foray into athlectics in 5th grade playing softball resulted in my being encouraged NOT to sign up again the following fall. I share all of this so that others may realize that this accomplishment is just as much within your grasp as it was mine.

If long distance running is a goal of yours, I will be happy to share any of my experiences. I will say that the nutrition requirements for this type of activity are very different than what we traditionally follow post-VSG. I can share how I've coped.

I am over the moon and looking forward to the next challenge. Setting such an intense physical goal and meeting it has taught me so much about myself. The most important lesson I've learned is that it truly is mind over matter. The body can do anything the mind believes it can.

Now for pics! :smile1:

Amanda

[MegInNOLA 531]

Wow, Amanda! Congratulations on your awesome achievement!! I'm in awe!!

[Amanda131 214]

Thank you, Meg! I also forgot to mention that the race alone burned 2200 calories! That is a big reason I love this new found excercise hobby.

[fern 195]

Amanda you look AMAZING!!!! After all the bumps in the road, I can't wait to do my half marathon next month!!! Great job. I'm so proud of you and I bow to you my dear!!

O and tell your hubby I bow to him too!!! That's crazy about his knee!! Howz it feeling now that the adrenaline is gone??

[pasquini 369]

Congrats!! So proud for u!!

[kemo46 82]

That is awesome and I know the work that had to be put in. Congrats on such a great accomplishment.

[carolina girl 56]

Congrats. It's just amazing what we can do when we make a plan and follow through! You are truly an inspiration for me!

[Michael Gallops 1]

If long distance running is a goal of yours, I will be happy to share any of my experiences. I will say that the nutrition requirements for this type of activity are very different than what we traditionally follow post-VSG. I can share how I've coped.

Great job!! Definitely interested in hearing about your nutrition challenges and how you handled them. Would also like to see your training plan.

Thanks!

[livvsmum 2,370]

Wonderful! Congrats! It's such an awesome feeling, isn't it! I just completed my first 1/2 marathon in October as well. I'm training now for a full! It is so crazy to me that this is even a possibility. And it's so weird when people will send me messages to ask questions or see me and say "oh you're a runner, so tell me how to get started" or whatever..... The "you're a runner" part is still weird to me. :-)

[Midemali 20]

I would love to find out more about both your nutrition plan and training plan. I would love to complete a half marathon before I'm 50 (next July).