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race recap
I finished! LOL
just a little background about me, skip if you know it. I started running last March and could only run a 1/4 mile. I did my own little thing on the treadmil, then started couch to 5k. I kept at it very slowly. I did my 1st 5k in October, went to cheer on my brother & SIL at a marathon and was inspired. They convinced me that I could train for a local to them Half in April. I ran another 5K in November, signed up for the half in December, and followed HH's novice 1 half training. I loved training. Even though I am still a slow runner, I saw great improvements in my speed. I guess what I am trying to say here is for all the new runners, even overweight runners like me, you can do it too 
Race weekend: St. Lukes' Lehigh Valley Half Marathon, Allentown PA
I traveled about 2 hours away from my home on Saturday and stayed with my brother & SIL. My brother and cousin raced with me. On Sunday morning I got up, went through my normal long run type routine and got ready to leave. My dad took us very close to the start where we hung out for a few minutes and took a walk around the block so that we ended up being in the middle of the pack. He got an awesome parking spot and I saw him right at the beginning of the race as we crossed the start line. I waved bye to my brother & cousin since I knew I wouldnt be able to keep up with their pace. I started out slow and steady and felt great. The first couple of miles just ticked off while listening to the people around me talk, and soaking in the crowd support. At mile 3 my family was cheering me on, loved it! This is also where a small out and back started and I was a little nervous about this part pre-race, but it turned out to be my favorite part of the race. As I was going out the race leaders were just about coming back so almost immediately I was able to watch the racers on their way back. Very inspring. I saw my cousin first who said quick encouraging words, random people would call out my name (on the bib) then I saw my brother, more encouraging words, pretty soon it was my turn to head back. That part wasn't quite as fun since there weren't as many people for me to watch on the other side. But I felt great and that was all that mattered. The half way mark was halfway up a (killer to me) hill. This was the 1st real time that I had to walk. From that point I had to keep telling myself 'just get to the next aid station' and I would allow myself to walk through and sip my drink. The race was set up with aid stations every 2ish miles and it was perfect. I got through the station around mile 8 and knew that my friend was waiting for me around mile 9. She planned on running me in the rest of the way and thank God she did. At mile 9 I was ready to quit and at the sight of any small or large incline I walked. But oddly enough the miles were still seemed to be ticking off. Finally I got to mile 12 and I tried to give it everything I had left, I wanted to finish strong. I started to get moving but felt a cramp in my leg. I think that I was so exhausted that I started to lose my form. I slowed down and took my time and finished. The finish line was perfect. It was set up in a stadium that you had to circle halfway around, at that point I didn't physically feel a thing, just the glory of finishing my first half marathon. My family was in the bleachers cheering me on. I finished. I had my medal on for all of 1 minute, the time it took to walk from the finish line up to the bleachers and DD who is 2 took it right from me. She wanted to run in the 'big race' too.
Re: race recap
Yes,I'm smiling...I'm a marathoner!
Bloggy McBloggerson
CO Nestie Award Winner-Prettiest Brain-Back to Back!
2011 Bests
5K-22:49 10K-47:38 Half Mary-1:51:50
2012 Race Report
1/1-New Year's 5K-22:11
2/11-Sweetheart Classic 4-mile-29:49
3/24-Coulee Chase 5K-21:40
5/6-Colorado Marathon-4:08:30
5/28-Bolder Boulder 10K
Bazinga!
Liz's Yarn
I am a total lurker, but I ran that race too! It was also my first half. I live in the Lehigh Valley so didn't have far to go. I loved the whole experience, although my time was a little slower than I had hoped and I did walk some in the second half of the course - it was so hilly! My final time was 2:41:05. Goal was 2:30 - ha, guess I was a little ambitious for my first half
I also have a 2 year-old...he was so excited to see me when I rounded that last curve on the track, and then so upset when I didn't stop to see him! Poor little guy...I had to cross the finish line first, haha.
Anyway, just wanted to say congrats! There is another half in the Lehigh Valley in October - Runner's World is actually hosting a 3-day running festival in Bethlehem if you are interested in signing up for another race.
Hi! thanks for chiming in! That is a great time! My goal was under 3 hours, I was so afraid that I would have to get picked up and not be able to finish. I ended up 3:05 but I made it to that last leg around the park before they picked anyone up. My split was 1:22 so I really expected to finish well under 3 but that last half killed me. I am so not use to hills.
I am already thinking of my next race, its crazy how addicting it is. I will look into the race in Bethlehem. My SIL was talking about one in September in Allentown, VIA?? my cousin wants to do the R&R and Philly. And I was checking out the Hershey Half in October. Then there is another Half in philly in November. I'm orig from Philly but moved out to the middle of nowhere about 8 years ago.
Congratulations to BOTH of you! Great job! I loved reading the recaps, I started running in Feb last year after never having run and after 4 months I signed up for the Boston half. I trained and ran the half and loved it! Now I have 2 halves this summer I am training for and I love distance running
Blog
My split was fast too - I think I went out too fast. I had the exact same experience with the hills. I did not do enough hill training and it definitely showed in that second half of the course.
Regardless, we ran a half marathon! Yay us!
I am addicted too
Good luck this weekend! I'll look for your recap next week.
Congrats!!!!
Off to the beach
DS 7/18/2010
Handy 2.0 Due Early August
2011/2012 Races
12/17/2011 Christmas Caper 10K
2/11/2012 Have a Heart 5K
3/17/2012 DC RNR Half Marathon
4/22/2012 10M Parkway Classic
10/28/2012 Marine Corps Marathon