it can't always be a PR

Today I ran the Hobbler Half Marathon.  I ran it last year and had a great race; one thing I have always loved about Run13 events is the Magleby's Fresh French Toast at the end of the race, but somewhere along the road I became one of those runners who gets sick from eating too soon after running.  I used to be ready to chow down the second I crossed the finish line, but not anymore.  It's actually pretty tragic since I was so looking forward to it. Plus, post script:  I am a foodie, so, you know, frown.


Last year my time was 1:52:53.
I had a VERY ambitious goal to run this race in 1:45 or at least 1:49:59.


Needless to say, after about 3.5 miles with the 1:45 pacer I was keeping up, but it was rough going, I knew that a 1:45 half not going to happen for me today (but it will happen someday)! I just wasn't ready yet.

I thought going into this race it would be easy for me since I just ran the full marathon 4-5 weeks ago (which I know, I know I need to post about it, and I will, I even have some very funny stories to share).  Teaser: Some stories include the importance of wearing your wedding ring to a race ;)


Unfortunately, it seems like the marathon held me back more than anything since I feel like my training already "peaked" and I am in more of a recovery mode right now? Just go with it.   And just to be really annoying and make up more excuses,  we have been so busy that the gym got skipped a good 5 times in the past 2 weeks, (which we NEVER do) including one day that was supposed to be a long run.  Needless to say, it wasn't my best race, but I am satisfied with it because I came to a pretty obvious and yet profound conclusion today...

Every race can't be a PR.

Sounds pretty obvious, but whatever.  I think in my mind I expect to get better every time, not just better, but a lot better.  If every race was a PR, we would all be a bunch of super human athletes and someone would have beaten the 2 hour marathon mark by now.  Am I right?

 (Watch out, 2012 Olympics it's gonna happen.  I've got a feeling. I can't wait. ) 


Just like many things in life what is the sweet without the bitter?  If you have to work really hard to get a certain time, you are going to appreciate it more than if it comes easily.  That's why we crazy running people do it, because it's hard, because we want to accomplish something difficult, because we want to fight for it with blood, sweat, and tears.


Subject change coming... now. 

The funniest part of this race was how none of my family/friends came to see me at the end.  I promise, I am not complaining at all. I run for me, not to get attention or recognition from others and I signed up for this race a little over a week ago,  so that's pretty short notice.  So here's the funny part: At the finish line: Everyone is hugging and talking to their families and what not and I am just kind of like this weird little orphan since most people don't go to a race alone.  Even if their family doesn't come people usually have a running partner or something.  I definitely saw people I know there and chatted a bit, but still I'm just kind of a loner.  Not that funny yet, but here it is...


An old ex-boyfriend of mine saw me from a few yards away and waved.  First, I didn't even recognize him, but then I did, and then I thought,  "I should probably go say hi to be polite, but it's kind of awkward that I'm just this weird little orphan here?"  I can't even remember if I waved back or if I just gave him a weird look.  I was tired/out of it!  Mostly I just didn't want to talk to this guy and his cute wife because I didn't want them to feel bad for me that I was alone, because I didn't feel bad about being alone.


The other funny part is that right before I saw him I was about to walk over to this wet grassy hill (next to where they were sitting) and flop down on the grass like a dead body, but then I saw him and unfortunately that wasn't an option anymore.  Something about pride?


Since I was an orphan there I took some photos of myself afterwards, myspace style in the bathroom.  Whatever, it's for posterity. Or something. 

PS: If you're into race times, the clock read 1:58:something, official time unknown as of yet. 


P.P.S: If you read this entire long post, you probably deserve an award for being such an awesome friend who listens to my ramblings.