Tucson Half Marathon Recap
Guess what, friends? I have a new race record:
personal slowest half marathon.
Womp woooooommmmmp.
But, we had a pretty amazing time last night 🙂
It was our squadron Christmas party at Melting Pot. At first it seemed like a strange place to have such a large event -MP has a more intimate vibe and is more of a date spot or small group dinner rather than a large party- but it worked. The food was amazing per usual, and the restaurant put up with our squadron’s antics, including the ugly Christmas sweater contest.
Part of me realllyyyyy wanted to have a glass of wine with dinner, but I knew I would regret it when this morning’s alarm went off for the race.
Turns out I was right- 4:15 comes early enough 😉
So, how’d the race go?
It just wasn’t my day for running.
I had a few things working against me, and was especially worried because my last few long runs were kind of shit shows (<— sorry, but there’s no better way to put it). I decided last minute to go ahead and register, because this was the half I had always planned on running- the last one I did was supposed to be a “training run,” even though I ended up having a better race day. I knew if I didn’t run I’d always wonder how I would have done, and was enticed by the fact that the Tucson half is mostly downhill.
This particular half was unusual because you had to park at a separate area and were taken via bus to the starting line. The last bus left at 5:30, and the parking site was about 30 minutes from the house so I had to get up early. My friend Kelly also ran the race and was at the party last night, so when she texted me on her way to the site, I didn’t want to be a bad friend and ditch her, or waste the registration fee.
It was a chilly Tucson morning (37*!) and there were plenty of heaters set up at the starting line. I wore the Pilot’s beanie, a jacket and sweat pants over my race clothes, and put them in my drop bag before the race. I hugged Kelly and wished her luck -she’s a speedy runner- and waited for my turn to start running.
Miles 0-2: My legs were FROZEN. I just focused on warming up, my playlist and the fact that it was a beautiful day for running. Save for the cold, it was crisp and clear, and while we ran, we were surrounded by picturesque mountains and desert. I was surprised my how downhill the race course was- it felt glorious, especially after all of the incline training I’ve done at Sabino. Both miles: around 8:30 pace. I tell myself to slow down, or I’ll crash and burn at the end.
Mile 2-3: My Garmin dies. Word to the world: all of the rectangular insertion points on the side of the computer are not USB ports 😉 I plugged the Garmin in before bed, but was so tired, I plugged it in the wrong spot. It was nearly dead when I woke up, but since I had to leave quickly, I figured I’d be Garmin-less. I was stoked that it lasted 2 miles, since it had been blinking in sadness the entire time.
Mile 3: My friend Rhina comes up next to me, who’s been one of my best running buddies in Tucson. We talk for a while, she gives me some pointers -she’s ran over 44 marathons and is a running coach- and I tell her my watch had died. She gives me hers to borrow…. what an awesome friend, huh? Without her watch, I’d still be running the half right now and feeling awesome, haha.
Mile 4-6: I maintain my pace and take 1/2 Clif mocha gel around mile 5. I try to focus on staying low to the ground, as I’m a naturally bouncy runner, and looking ahead instead of down. There are a couple of hills, but I still feel pretty good.
Mile 6-11: These were a blur to me. I zoned out to the music (even choreographed a Zumba dance) and focused on making it to the finish line. I take the rest of my Clif gel around mile 10. By looking at Rhina’s watch, I’m able to keep my pace around 9 minute miles. Visions of a PR dance in my head…
Mile 11: I hit the wall. I still feel like I’m running, but realize that I’m doing this funny walk-jog from the decline, which is no longer my friend. A few of my friends warned me that the downhill can be tough on your knees, especially if you have weak quads, and my knees and calves are starting to ache. I’m still running, but feel like at this point, I could be walking faster than I’m running. I start to feel prickles on my shins, and the beginnings of a Charley horse. Instead of a PR, I picture my calves cramping up and me screaming in pain on the side of the road.
Mile 12: I realize that with my delirious calculations, I’m going to be lucky to bust 2 hours, and won’t be claiming a PR. During the run, I’d been thinking about different people in my life to push through. I thought about my friend Anna, who’s been fighting to live for the past year, I think about Livi and how lucky I am to have her, my nana, my friends from work, my family, and then at mile 12 (I saved this motivation for the end), I spent that mile thinking about my husband. I thought about his deployments, how he’s completed marathons with bags of sand on his back and in combat boots, how he works so hard at work and at home, what a great dad he is to Liv and our puppies, and that he coached me through hundreds of contractions to give birth our baby. I just had a mile left, and knew I could do it, even though I was in pain and beyond ready for it to be over.
Last 1.1 miles: I pick up my pace a tiny bit towards the end and am so excited to see Kelly waiting past the finish line. I get my medal, some water (which I chug) and am glad to be done- my 4th half marathon! We stretch, grab some food, and head to the bus back to our cars.
This race wasn’t my favorite, it wasn’t my best run, but at the same time, I’m glad I went out there and did it. Running challenges me in a unique way -my mind always quits before my body does- and I’m hoping to do it again (and maybe PR!) next year. But for now, I’m going to enjoy the (more fun) shorter distance runs and races with the family.
It’s funny because I used to be kind of OCD about races, planning, numbers and schedules. While having a baby has made me a lot more laid-back and flexible, I’m still anxious and uptight about some things, especially when it comes to her wellbeing and happiness. I can’t help it. However, my attitude towards running and fitness has changed for the better. I shuffle things around, sometimes I’m lucky to make it to the gym once outside of the days I work, and it’s no big deal. It’s a special treat for me to be able to have that alone time, and instead of lamenting the time I don’t have to train, I’m grateful and make the most of the opportunities I do have. I’ve ran a couple of races since Liv’s been born, some have been great, today was lackluster. I could have trained better, but for fitness, I’ve learned to go with the flow.
You won’t know unless you put yourself out there.
The hardest things are always the most rewarding.
I’m thankful that I’m alive and healthy enough to run, and so thankful for the people in my life that run with me (especially the little buddy in the stroller).
I should have had that glass of wine with dinner last night.
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Congrats on finishing the race! Even if it didn’t go as well as you envisioned, it’s still a huge accomplishment to finish a half marathon (something I could only do in my wildest dreams!) and it’s very inspiring that you pushed through and ran even though you weren’t 100% motivated in the days leading up to it. Awesome work!
You finished! Congrats 🙂 Cute medal.
Way to push through Gina!! I find that it is when we feel most uncomfortable that we grow and learn and reflect, just like you did for the last couple miles of your race. Congrats!!!
Where is your shirt from that you wore to MP? It’s stunning and you look so pretty!!
thank you! it’s lela rose from target
Congrats!!! I still think its awesome you went out there and finished. I have yet to do another half marathon, they’re not exactly my favorite haha. And just like you, when I run I have to tell myself to look straight and stay low because I’m pretty bouncy. Anyway, you guys looked so cute and congrats again girl!
Awesome!! You should be proud that you finished the race still running 🙂 Oh and that glass of wine you passed on last night? You can totally have it now, yes, early-afternoon. You deserve it!!
haha maybe i will have an early glass during liv’s nap 🙂
Congrats on the race! Outfit details, please!
:)! shirt lela rose for target, pants from stitchfix (sanctuary brand), unlisted shoes (old)
Great post. Your writing just gets better and better!
huge compliment from you, friend 🙂
4th half marathon in the bag! They can’t all be PRs and it’s important that you just keep at it. I do a 5k and every year I hope for a PR but it doesn’t always work out. Great job for sticking with it and what an awesome friend to give up her Garmin!! I don’t know that I could have been so generous. 😀
I really enjoyed reading this post, Gina. Pushing yourself to finish the race made you realize how grateful you are for all the amazing people in your life and all the struggles they’ve had to push through themselves. It almost made me emotional reading your thoughts, because it’s true that just being able to run is a blessing in itself. 🙂
Congrats on the race!! Anyone who can run that many miles is amazing in my book.
Looove your party outfit!! You look gorgeous! Do you mind sharing the outfit deets?
So proud of you! PRing is great, but let’s face it, it can’t happen every race. You still did great! I have had similar race experiences. This spring I got my personal best in a half, then I did the Minneapolis ten mile, thinking it would be a breeze, but I was just glad I finished and didn’t even come close to my goal. Running is still an emotional experience, I’m so grateful that my body can do it!
Congrats to you! No matter what your training before was or what your race time ended up being, the best part is that you went for it and persevered! It’s inspiring and even emotional to hear your recap and how you had some friends and family “along for the ride” to pull you through. I will draw on that when I am struggling through a workout…or even just having a moment! Thanks for yet another great post Gina!!
Congratulations a million times. So glad you are proud of yourself, you should be!
a half marathon is still a huge accomplishment! I didn’t PR at mine this morning either, but we still raced and that’s something to be proud of:)
Oh Gina, I have had runs like you’ve had, we all have. Just personal runs as well as races that you pay money to run and train for…and it stings when the stars just don’t align. Oh boy, been there. Many, many times. You’re taking it in stride and hey, you did it. Which is congrats enough!
And I’ve been to holiday parties at two different Melting Pots before and it turns out to be a great vibe for parties and glad you guys had so much fun!
It’s not too late for that glass of wine!
Congrats! But wow that sounds miserable. You marathoners are nutso. ; )
About your finishing time, I learned just this week that my beloved numbers (also a finance grad) are not always my friend. I need to just forget them, usually. The best yardsticks of our lives are usually not quantifiable.
CONGRATZ!!! 😀 Great job !
I loved this post…
First of all, “shit show” <— one of the best phrases in the world, and perfectly captures that feeling of "WTF was THAT". In Canada, we also say "gong show".
Second of all, last line … truer words were never spoken. Between not having the wine and having the wine, I think the answer is always … have. Always have.
Thirdly, you finished the race and that's what counts. Sometimes I think we get so hung up on PR's and trying to be better at every single thing, but like Jillian Michaels says, "You showed up. You showed up for yourself and you should be proud." And that is what gets me through workouts sometimes… just knowing I showed up. Even if it isn't the best EVER, it's still an accomplishment and it's still reason to celebrate. 🙂
thank you- i love that quote 🙂
and yes, always have the wine. i have a voluptuous glass with my name on it for tonight!
<3
Congrats Gina!! You should be so proud of yourself that you got out there and did it!
good for you! i have raced many a race having had some wine the night before-i usually race great! well except for the half i did when i had 3 plus glasses the night before. do i dare say i was still burping up red wine at mile 10-not so great!
Gina, I’m always so inspired by you and your posts. What a great and positive attitude to have! 🙂 Cheers to finishing the race, and the glass of wine as your reward! 😉 Or two…
you know what i’m having with dinner tonight 🙂
Congrats on finishing! It takes serious mental toughness to do that! You should be super proud of yourself.
You and your husband looked beautiful together for your dinner party! And great job on the race! Just the fact that you DID it and gave it a “go” deserves major props.
YOU DID IT!! Finishing is the most important part! I ran a 5k today (I’m a newer runner) and hadn’t run in 2 weeks (thanks to college exams) and I PRed over 2 minutes! I couldn’t believe. Some days are good, some days are bad with running and that’s okay!
Love the medal too by the way! Now Go enjoy a glass of wine! Oh I forgot I’m on the east coast… well It’s 4:30pm here, that’s close enough to 5pm, so just go for it! haha Hey, its (almost) 5 o’clock somewhere!
I find my crappy races and runs make the great races and PRs feel that much more extraordinary! A huge feat to just be out there and doing it in my eyes…..sometimes that is the biggest victory in itself – so although it isn’t what you had hoped for time wise, be sure to lift yourself up for the accomplishment it is. HUGS 🙂
um, what is a PR?
Personal record
Wow, congratulations!
I have nothing but respect for people who run any sort of marathon, I hope you had a great time!
Do you plan on doing a full marathon sometime in the future? 😀
never. haha
What ended up being your time?
2 hours and 7 seconds. if i had my garmin, that 7 seconds would not have happened! blahhhhhh
Good for you, girl! At least you did it. Not all races have to be about PRs and such. When I ran my 8K on Thanksgiving day, there were some serious runners there. They were giving advice about their halves and full marathons. Most of them said they had better times when they didn’t run the whole time. They would actually walk every few miles for just a couple of minutes. They were also saying that if you stop to drink water or whatever, to actually STOP and drink it. Enjoy the brief break, then continue. I thought it was pretty interesting.
You look so gorgeous in that pic from the party….and Pilot isn’t bad looking either 😉 Beautiful couple
Hope you’re getting that glass of wine at dinner tonight! 😉
Congrats on getting up early and pushing through, that alone is worth celebrating! You’re definitely an inspiration-I’ve been having a hard time talking myself into registering for a half but it’s on my fitness goal list!
(LOVE your outfit for the Christmas party btw, so so cute!)
I know this may sound strange……………but sometimes there is success in keeping at something–even if not doing great. You are fantastic! Now……………..go have a glass of wine:)
Gina- This was one of the most inspirational fitness posts I’ve read. Its so refreshing to hear something relatable. Congrats on finishing.. and even starting. So awesome!
thank you so much, melissa!
You got up early, ran and finished the race – major win!!! Tonight should definitely include some wine (I’ll even drink a glass here in Kansas in support!). Glad you ran – not every race can be a PR – some are more about the sense of accomplishment. Great job!!!
I am so, so, pumped that you decided to run this race! After your last few posts, I have to admit that I thought you were setting it up to tell your readers that you decided not to do it–which is completely understandable. But to see that you actually decided to run it was AWESOME! Thanks for sticking to your word–made my day!
i was seriously thisclose to wimping out, but peer pressure to the rescue- i had too many friends running to ditch out, and i’m glad i did it 🙂
I just wanted to say that this was really motivating. I’m not much of a runner, though I am trying to change that. It feels humbling to hear that everyone has off runs AND good ones.
Congrats on finishing! I’m hoping I can do the same someday.
the bad ones make the good so much better 🙂
The fact that you finished without even stopping is great!! Sometimes we are way too hard on ourselves….most people don’t run laf-marathons at all. Each one you successfully complete is an accomplishment no matter what the time. Good job!
thank you! <3
I’m sorry it wasn’t your best race, but they can’t all be! And besides, you ran a half marathon!!! That’s something to be truly proud of!! 🙂
p.s., and I swear I do not mean this in a snobby way at. all. but I really want to live somewhere where 37* is freeeezing cold. Have you heard about this blizzard we’re getting in MN right now? Bleh…someday we plan to move, hopefully sooner than later!
if i had to live somewhere snowy, i would hibernate 😉
Your slowest was still faster than my fastest! I PR’d in the Dallas half this morning, although I was still 4 mins slower than my goal time, due to a major cramp mid-race. But I finished, and a PR is a PR, right? Guess it leaves plenty of room for another PR on the next one.
amen to that- great job this morning!
I think you did amazing. You’re still an inspiration to me; I am training to do a little old 5k, but we all have to start somewhere, right? Remember a mile is still a mile. Love your blog! So fun!
On the upside- You ran a half marathon, hello! That’s awesome!! I haven’t ran a half in over a year for no particular reason except that I’ve been lame and just haven’t signed up and trained for one. Congrats, and remember…the next one has to be better 🙂
Beautiful top!
Congrats on the half!
Thanks so much for your honesty in this post Gina. But I have to say 2 hours and 7 secs is still an AMAZING TIME! Not to mention the sheer willpower required to get up early, dressed, to a starting line and cross over the finish.
It’s also nice to know someone else gets emotional while running – I know I’ve had tears when running, sometimes from endorphins and the joy of running and thinking about people I love, sometimes from sadness and other times from sheer frustration. I remember an early post when a run brought you to tears thinking about the Pilot’s deployment. So much has changed and yet here you still are posting about running and sharing your thoughts with us.
And what a gorgeous glowy pic of you and Tom!
X Michelle
Even if it wasn’t your best, YOU DID IT! Finishing is the part that matters! You should feel proud of yourself regardless!
Congratulations for finishing! Being able to run a half marathon is an amazing accomplishment- no matter the time. Great work.
Congrats on finishing and getting through the hard parts! I just did my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago and in the last kilometer, when I was so ready to be done and hurting all over, there was a hill paved with COBBLESTONES. I was furious! Sometimes it’s so hard to mentally push yourself when things aren’t as smooth as you expected…but I guess that’s the big challenge of running, like you say.
PS I just ordered my first Stitchfix thanks to your post about it! We’ll see how it goes…
I ABSOLUTELY agree that you won’t know unless you put yourself out there and that the hardest things in life are ALWAYS, always the most rewarding. I say GREAT JOB on running and getting out there. Who cares how slow you may have been or if it wasn’t your best running moment.. you still got out there and did it. 🙂 That’s what counts.
I don’t know if it’ll make you feel better, but I felt pretty good and set a PR yesterday (same race), and you were 9 minutes faster than me! 🙂
It was SOO cold!
Hey, not every race can be a banner day. I’ve had those days, that’s for sure. But I do enjoy the next race even more knowing that it will go better.