Football, Philosophy and the Natural World: 2013 The Jungle Run!

Monday, July 15, 2013

2013 The Jungle Run!

Me after my first 1/2 marathon!

I ran my first half marathon this weekend! I was a little worried about registering because I didn't "train" for it..at all. But I do run 3-4 times a week, so I figured how hard could it be? My reason for eventually deciding to do it was that I know for sure I can walk 13 miles, so even if I couldn't run the whole way, I'd still make it to the finish line eventually. So what did I have to loose by trying right?

I did follow a few tips that I found online though, including what and when to eat the day before, how to prepare the day of the race (by hydrating, and eating energy-packed carbs, and stretching etc.) and deciding on realistic goals for the race itself.
I also utilized the "pacers" during my run. They were runners carrying signs with guaranteed finish times. Like 1:45 (an hour and 45 minutes) or 2:35 etc. (That was my main problem in the 10K I did a couple months ago, not being able to pace myself.) I couldn't believe the difference it made! It was so much easier to run 13 miles at a set pace than 6 miles trying to keep up with whoever was in front of me. I started with the slowest pace runner with a finish time of 2:35 (just to make sure I'd make it) and then moved up one every couple miles afterward if I thought I could handle it.
Anyway, I don't have my official time yet, but I was somewhere between the 2:10 and 2:15 pace runners when I crossed the finish line. I didn't have a time goal for this first race, so I'm neither impressed nor disappointed with my time. My only goal was to finish, and I did it!!! I Did it!!! And I am very happy about that:) Here is a little photo gallery of the race (in order of events)! Enjoy!