Kirkland Half Marathon Race Recap

First things first:

:-)

I woke up yesterday, & did not feel very amazing. I was nervous, & super congested. I've had a cold for a couple of weeks, but told myself that I've been training for this day for months, & nothing was going to stop me.

I got up at 5:00, had my favorite long run breakfast of oatmeal with peanut butter & coffee. The Kirkland Half Marathon started at 7:30, but luckily, we only live a few miles away. So, Michael & the boys were able to drop me off at the start line around 6:45. I warmed up a bit, stretched, did the traditional porta potty visit, & soon enough, it was time to line up. I chose the slowest corral, but that ended up being a mistake. For the first mile, my pace was crazy slow because I couldn't get around people. Lesson learned that although I'm slow, I should be realistic about my pace & not freak out & move to the back.

The fun started in the first three miles, most of which were uphill. My lungs were not feeling good, & I was definitely coughing & wheezing. Had I been feeling this way the day before, I doubt I would have run. After mile three, things evened out a bit (the entire course is crazy hilly - I wish I knew how to upload my Garmin info?) & I got into a good rhythm. I also had foolishly taken a Dayquil in the morning, thinking that would help my congestion. It did help my congestion, but it made me crazy dehydrated. I was taking three waters at every stop, & still wishing I had my fuel belt. Once we hit the half way point, I knew I was going to finish, & I was getting pretty excited. At mile 8, we joined my normal long run route (the waterfront area in Kirkland) & I was feeling pretty great. Still a bit wheezy & congested, but nothing I couldn't handle.

I started tearing up around mile 11, as we did our last uphill & I knew I had enough juice to finish under 2:30. On a great day, I think I could have finished in 2:15, but I was so happy I was going to hit my second goal.

Meanwhile, at the finish line, Michael was trying to keep these cuties in check.

They kept asking why it was taking me so long. ;-)

At mile 12, you head into a park & can see the area where you'll be finishing. I was listening to my music & just enjoying myself. I rounded the corner, & I saw my boys waiting for me! They darted out of Michael's grip while he had the camera, & came onto the course. Luckily, the race was small & I was near the end, and people were cheering for us. It was an amazing, amazing experience.

ETA: Just got back from the doctor, & I have bronchitis. Guess that explains the wheezing. Sadly, no Portland R&R for me. :-(