Thank you Jake!! (he was this happy throughout the entire race)
So the race started late, which wasn't good since I was really nervous and in and out of the bathroom all morning (sorry TMI). I always get nervous before races, but I was even more so this time because Jake was trying to pace me for a goal time of 2:15. The race finally started after hanging out in the tent for a while and at the starting line for a while.
Jake and I took off and right away he had to pull me back and tell me to slow down. I tried to focus on my breathing, but right away within the first mile I could start to feel my side start to hurt a bit. I just kept my eyes on Jake and stayed somewhat behind him. Jake did a great job of keeping me in his sights and not letting me fall too far behind.
You can see my yellow shoes behind Jake here
Another one with me following his lead
As soon as we got to the first set of Port O Potties I had to pee. I don't usually have to pee during races, but I think my nerves were getting to me. We had a quick Pee stop and we were on our way. I got a little extra burst of energy heading into mile 4. I think knowing the course as well as I do, helped a lot. We got to the hill and walked up it at a nice quick pace. Once we got to the down hill we were cruising again. Jake had us walk through the water stations, which was actually a nice break, I usually try not to walk, but I think it really helped this time.
We made our turn back onto PCH and I was starting to get into my head. I was thinking about how I was already tired and we weren't even half way through yet. At that moment Jake turned around and said "I don't know what you are thinking, but get out of your head". Right away I stopped thinking negative and just focused more on Jake. Whatever Jake did, I did. If he shook out his arms, I shook out my arms. If he punched his quads, I punched my quads. I just went into robot mode and followed him. I was able to stay in this zone up to mile 11.
At mile 11 I hit another wall. I was done running and I was ready to slow down. I hadn't gotten mad at Jake this entire time, but he told me to pick it up. I replied with, "I am giving you all I have, there is no more to give". He didn't hear me so it was kind of useless to say anything. I just kept running at this point and thought about the finish line. I wanted to be at the end so bad at this point. I just had to focus and shut off my brain.
We ended up finishing the race in 2:21, it wasn't 2:15, but it was the best time I have gotten on a half marathon to date. I ended up with a 14 minute course PR and a 4 minute overall race PR. I am happy with the time that we got.
I learned a few things too:
1. I should always run with someone who can pace me
2. I do better when I am just following someone and acting like a robot
3. When I stop thinking negatively and get out of my own head, I do better
4. I still don't like to run
I also learned I swing my arms way too much when I run, I need to work on this.
This was at the beginning of the race, but this is how I feel overall about the race. :)
I cannot thank Jake enough for going out and helping me get through this race with a PR!
