Go! St. Louis Half Marathon Race Recap

It’s no secret I’ve been in a little bit of a rut this past week..in fact it had led me to not running at all this entire week.  So I was very apprehensive about even attempting this race but I couldn’t let a perfectly paid for half go by so I sucked it up and got my gear ready.

The morning of the race, I jumped out of bed grabbed my Nuun Energy and headed out not feeling all to confident about what was about to go down.  I didn’t even really have a plan or goal…just run as far as I could. 

If you’ve not been to the Lou, you probably are thinking it’s flat but sadly it’s not.  Lots of ROOOOLLLIINNNGGG hills.  They even named one of the longest.  But back to the “plan” or lack there of.

Go! St. Louis Half Marathon Map – HOLY HILLY!

I started the race with the second corral and really didn’t feel like running but I took off and found myself pace group shopping for about two miles…the 9:15 pace group started off by me and I quickly realized that wasn’t happening…next came 9:30..I could do that and I did for a few miles.

At about mile 5, I was seriously thinking about just dropping out.  I really was frustrated with the fact that I just wasn’t excited to be running but I kept going with the 9:30 pace group.  Finally about 6.5 when I realized I was half over, I finally started to feel good about the run.  I slowed down a little to try to keep my heart rate somewhat consistent but I was still running. 

At mile 8, I ran into a friend doing the relay and we talked for a little while and I realized just how nice it is to run with someone.  We talked small talk and it really made the time pass.  I have really forgotten how nice it is to run with someone.  I’m definitely going to be making a better effort to try to find someone run with.

By the time we split, I only had two miles left and I couldn’t believe I was still running. I was feeling a little sore but still running!  So with one more hill to go, I told myself to just embrace the pace and push. 

The Path To The Finish Line

I crossed the finishline and felt so good about finishing this race.  From not wanting to do it at all to finishing one of my strongest halfs in a while, I was proud. 

I think the new Runner’s World Training Plan was a huge part of why the race went so well.  I really liked it and will probably use it again.  Next up…Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago in July.

How was your weekend? What are you proud of, it can be anything?  Brag a little!!