AFC 1/2 Marathon

This morning I tackled my second 1/2 marathon, my first solo race. I was up at 4:30a and out the door by 5a, pretty ridiculous for a Sunday morning! I parked in Balboa Park and had to take a bus over to Cabrillo Monument so it was an extra early start. I learned a few things from the last one and brought a roll of toilet paper with me and made sure I didn't start at the very back. I ran this one in 2hr 17 mins, 4 minutes slower that the last one. I stopped to fix my shoe 3 times in the first few miles and the last 2 miles were uphill so I think I did pretty damn good. I did learn a few more lessons:

1. Running a marathon in the summer is not the best idea, especially when the only time you can run is Saturday afternoons during Emmy's nap.

2. 3 pieces of Fillipi's pizza and 3 glasses of wine is NOT the pre-race dinner of champions

3. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you get yourself stuck in race traffic at 5:30 in the am.

4. Make sure you understand the course completely. If it wasn't for the super nice girl I met on the bus, I would not have been prepared for the hills at the end. I was very conscious about conserving my energy.

5. If you ever find yourself waiting in line for a porta potty, look for the line with the most guys in it, it will go the fastest.

6. Bacon and eggs in NOT the post-race breakfast of champions. Josh tried to convince me 4 pieces of bacon was a good idea because I needed salt. Sorry, there is no situation when bacon is "good" for you.

I almost didn't run this one but am so glad I did, it is such an awesome feeling of accomplishment, especially when Emmy and Josh were near the finish line to cheer me on. It almost becomes emotional.

What do I think about while I run for 2+ hours? Well, let me tell you:

1. I am pretty sure those people who start eating all kinds of weird gel at mile 2 are not going to make it.

2. Those shoes that look like feet not only look completely uncomfortable to run 13 miles in, but they look just as ridiculous.

3. Justine Timberlake getting his sexy back will always put a spring in my step.

4. My butt must look so ridiculous to the people behind me because i have my car key and some chapstick literally zipped up in the ass of my running pants.

5. I can't believe people are literally scooping water out of garbage cans to pass to runners. Those cans better have never been used and everyone's hands better be clean.

6. The 3 guys dressed up like cops in the 80s with the shortest shorts ever sure were entertaining for a few miles.

7. The girl who passed me with her prosthetic leg was an inspiration.

8. I think the fact that I have no boobs gives me a significant advantage over other women.

9. If I stare at the ground, I may actually convince myself that I am not running up a hill.

10. That glass of pino grigio is going to taste extra delicious tonight!

11. I live in such a beautiful city.

12. When I start singing Rhianna's "Only girl in the world" with my eyes closed right around mile 12 up 6th avenue, I will not be embarrassed. I am delirious. It is amazing how your mind can literally take over your body and a song by Kayne West can actually inspire you to keep running.

13. Running by my supportive husband and beautiful daughter was the highlight, even if Emmy looked so confused about what the hell was going on!

14. I just finished running 13 miles and the cup of water that just came out of that garbage can does not taste right at all. Even Emmy would not drink it. Gross.

15. Running 13 miles was a piece of cake. It takes more mental and physical strength to sit and stare at a wall and computer screen with nothing to do for 8 hours, than run 13 miles.

I had fun while it lasted, but now I think I'll retire my shoes for a little while!