This past week I hit the pavement for the first time since running my half marathon in April.
I realized I never posted about my half after sharing about it here in the months leading up to the race. I'll be honest, I am a competitive person. And not just with others but with myself. This race was not my best time and I haven't been very vocal about sharing it. That's when I realized I was too focused on the time and not the experience or the friends and family who cheered me on with so much love. I mean what's better than waking up before your alarm to a text from your mom telling you you're a superstar before you even have your running shoes on?
Let's start at the beginning...
First things first, IT WAS HOT. When I finished it was 81 degrees, that's without a heat index.
In true Caroline fashion, I released with the wrong gate and was in tears before the gun went off.
Mile 1 was Broadway, MY FAVORITE!! There's just a different energy coming down the hill to neon signs and cowbells. Miles 2-4 were Demonbruen and Music Row, my old stomping ground.
And then I hit a wall.
I hadn't hydrated like I should have the day before and my body was not having it. I remember texting my brother "I shouldn't have run today" and then my best friend "I'm already walking. I'm going to cry." Tad dramatic? Eh, yeah. Luckily there was a water station within sight and I grabbed two Gatorades and had a small pep talk walk for the rest of Mile 5. Sara had been texting with me this whole time [little did I know she was also tracking me online] and I started running again soon after [keeping my phone in my hand so I could see messages.]
And then I hit a wall.
I hadn't hydrated like I should have the day before and my body was not having it. I remember texting my brother "I shouldn't have run today" and then my best friend "I'm already walking. I'm going to cry." Tad dramatic? Eh, yeah. Luckily there was a water station within sight and I grabbed two Gatorades and had a small pep talk walk for the rest of Mile 5. Sara had been texting with me this whole time [little did I know she was also tracking me online] and I started running again soon after [keeping my phone in my hand so I could see messages.]
Around Mile 6, the texts started flowing in. First my little Molly, telling me "left foot right foot repeat" and take it mile by mile. Then Sara with a picture of Warren telling me "GO Aunt C!" Then my mom. Then Lindsay telling me she was at Mile 10 with a water and a banana but most importantly a hug! You see, Sara had been playing race mom and texting everyone my times, where I was, and to send some love my way the entire morning. I burst into tears when I found this out later that day. The love and support was overwhelming and more than I ever deserve. A final "PUSH IT" text from Sara got me through Mile 13 and that final .1. I called my brother before I even found the Gatorade tent.
At this point the only thing left to do was get some ice on my knees and cheer on Ashley and Jae as they finished! I sat under a nice big tree with a banana and water and texted mom telling her funny things I heard/saw along the route. We all smelled like sweat, salt, and dried hose water but we did it.
So what was my time? 2:28.
But that medal and bib will always mean a little more to me than the others on my wall.
