The Wicked Half

"Uggg." I think that is the best word to describe how I felt before running, during running, and after running today's Wicked Half Marathon in Salem. 

 

Knees good. Ankles good. Feet good. Toes good. Arms good. Head good. Back good. Shoes good. Muscles good - for the entire race.

On the other hand.....Stomach - NOT good. Energy - NOT good. Humidity - NOT good. Did I mention stomach not good? UGGG.

As far as goals go for this race, those have changed over the course of post-partum training, husbands crazy work schedule, and emergency trips to Utah to see my dad in the ICU. By the beginning of this week I had almost given up on having any goals at all. Originally I really hoped to beat my first half marathon time. Nah...I soon realized that probably wasn't going to happen on our training schedule. At least finishing in under 2 hours would be nice. Then again finishing at all without dying is always admirable. Just convincing myself to run it at all these past few days was success all on it's own.

So miraculously, I, and I really don't know how, but I did manage to finish in just under 2 hours. So though, technically I should feel good about meeting what was a goal I'd all but dismissed, I don't. I think I'm mostly disappointed because this race was so hard for me and I felt more horrible during and after it than any other race I've ever done. Even now half a day after the race is over I still feel sick. Couldn't even finish my post-race slurpee, that's how bad I feel. UGGGG. What's even more discouraging is how great I think I did in the Provo half marathon little over a year ago. Maybe I'm just to that age where my times can only start getting worse. :( Maybe I didn't have enough training and conditioning. Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself. Ok enough with the discouragement. I know it was good considering....well so many things. But let's not talk about doing another race for a few days....or at least until I get my appetite back! 

Poor Justin, who really was held back by me this race. Well, at least I provided him a chance to "slog" and enjoy the run! You can tell from this picture crossing the finish line. I'm focused. He's smiling. That's to say, I'm focused on not throwing up and he's smiling 'cause he hardly had to push himself.

Also, great job to my friends who ran this race too! It was fun training with you, pushing each other and encouraging each other. That's what friends do right!?

Well, another race under the belt. I guess we do need to sign up for another or I don't know if I'll have much motivation to train through a Boston winter.

Comments

[Amy Kyle]

You guys are rock stars! Kristen, seriously, you ran a marathon while pregnant and a half while sick, you're making the rest of us look like wimps...

[Jacy]

You are amazing!! Seriously. The fact that you could even run a half marathon at ALL is an accomplishment, much less in under two hours, much less with stomach troubles! You are my inspiration!

[Rachel]

You are amazing. Seriously. So impressed. And you rock as a coach. And I love that you and Justin run together. That's just plain awesome. Thanks for EVERYTHING!

[Karina]

Oooops, sorry Kristin I spelled your name wrong!

[Karina]

Ugh Kristen, I think your being way to hard on yourself! You've had a lot going on both physically and emotionally, and that can do a lot to take it out of your body. Your going to do better on the next one. Good grief girl, you had a baby recently!!!

[Tiffanie]

Well, for being sick you sure look cute in all your pictures! (all the ones where you know you're getting your picture taken and are smiling) :)