Nike Women's Half Marathon Recap: Part II

As I mentioned in Part I of my Nike Women's Half Marathon recap, this race was the most meaningful race I have ever run for so many reasons. Not only did I run it with some amazing friends, I also proved to myself beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am fit, strong, and capable of overcoming anything.

We're reflective and barely awake in the metro station.

In terms of race prep, I'm pretty sure I broke every single rule engrained in me since I first started running three years ago:

• I ran only three 400m sprints during the four months before the race.
• I got only two hours of sleep the night before.
• I ate chocolate chip cookies for breakfast... washed down with a diet soda.
• I started hydrating on the metro ride to the starting line with the only bottle of water I had consumed in days. Yikes!
• I wore shoes that were a half size too small and had never traveled more than six miles... ages ago.

Singing along to Icona Pop's "I Love It"
with 14,999 other amazing women before the race

At the starting line, I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. I already had to use the bathroom again and was regretting my poor choice in shoes. My only race strategy was to try to stay positive and take in the entire experience.

Given my lack of training, I deliberately maintained a significantly slower than usual pace throughout the entire race. I honestly expected to start run/walking after three miles but was amazed that I still felt great long after that point. I made it to mile marker 8 before I finally started walking the water stops.

Throughout the course, I kept reminiscing about the last time I had run by a particular milestone in previous races over the years. I haven't been back on the streets of Washington, D.C., since the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011. I couldn't help but laugh when we passed through an area I vividly remember as mile 17 of the MCM. (I know this because I texted a friend that day, "Oorah from mile 17 of the MCM!")

Around mile 9, my bladder was not happy with me at all, so I finally stopped at a porta potty. I've never done this in any race before, including MCM. After a few minutes of standing around, I got frustrated and returned to the race course, cursing myself for wasting so much time... and I still had to pee!

At mile 10, I finally hit the infamous "wall." My knees were killing me from the continuous pounding of my feet against the pavement, and my ill-fitting shoes were giving me blisters. Even so, I was happy to be right where I was each step of the way. I prayed for God to give me the strength to push through the pain to finish strong and with a smile still on my face.

And finish strong I did... with my hands raised high in the air, fist-pumping as I crossed that finish line. Then I burst into tears. I couldn't help seeing this race as a metaphor for all of the struggles in my life recently. All of the odds were against me in this race, some of them admittedly self-imposed. I wasn't prepared and was afraid of what might happen once I got out there. I was terrified of failing, but I refused to give up or let other people's negativity (my own included) deter me.

Of course, I was quickly distracted from my emotional finish as soon as I saw those little blue boxes with the pretty white bows. I also couldn't wait to put on my finisher T-shirt, which is absolutely the best-fitting and most attractive shirt I have ever gotten in a race.

How's that for race bling?

Somehow, with absolutely zero running and minimal CrossFit in the past four months, I managed to add only 13 minutes to my previous half marathon PR. Not only does this serve as a testament to CrossFit, it also assures me that I would have easily PRed if I had adequately trained and prepared.

Since my experience with the Nike Women's Half Marathon, I have rediscovered my long-lost love for running. More importantly, I have more confidence than ever in my own athleticism and in my ability to conquer whatever life throws at me... whether I am ready for it or not.

Nike Women's Half Marathon Recap: Part I

I'm just going to come right out and say it: The Nike Women's Half Marathon D.C. was by far the most meaningful race I have ever run. I loved everything about the entire weekend, from packet pick-up to crossing that finish line and every single (sometimes painful) mile in between. There's so much to say about the race itself, but first here's a quick recap of the packet pick-up.

On Saturday, I met up with a bunch of really awesome ladies (mostly from CrossFit Lorton) for the race expo. I could write an entire blog post about the logistics of how we all met up and ultimately made it to Georgetown and back home again. It was chaotic and complicated, but the important thing is that we made it and only slightly embarrassed ourselves attempting to take advantage of public transportation. (Before you ask, yes, I am a native of the D.C. Metro Area.)

The line for packet pick-up was long, but it moved really quickly. After taking a few photos at the expo, we stopped by the Nike Store to check out the Tiffany's-inspired Nike Frees that were designed to commemorate the race. You can't tell from the picture, but the shoe laces are white ribbons and have a silver charm engraved with the date of the race.

Near the Nike store, there was a huge wall with the names of all of the registered runners. We each quickly found our names and took turns taking dorky pictures in front of the wall. This little detail added a personal touch to the expo and made the race seem so much more real. I had been in denial that I was actually going to run 13.1 miles the next morning, but it finally started to sink in as soon as I saw my name on that wall. 

Of course, no trip to Georgetown would be complete without cupcakes. We couldn't resist picking up some sugary goodness from Sprinkles Cupcakes to enjoy after the race. Carb backloading, anyone?

After a long afternoon, the entire group was growing cranky and hungry, so we enjoyed a late lunch at Le Pain Quotidien. This place has so many delicious Nutella-like hazelnut spreads. After we ran out of bread, I think most of us resorted to devouring the spreads by the spoonful. No shame!

Finally, it was time to head home to get ready for the CrossFit Lorton five-year anniversary party later that night. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend, but I've heard rumors that it was as "entertaining" as always. That's OK, though. Summer is almost here, and CrossFit Lorton never runs out of excuses to celebrate!

Please check back soon for part two of my Nike Women's Half Marathon Recap!

This Race Is Going to Be Different

Once upon a time, I entered the lottery for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. I secretly hoped I wouldn't get in. But I did. And I was ecstatic.

This race was going to be different. I was going to train properly. Even though I wasn't planning to focus on my race time, I was certain I'd set a PR.

Fast forward to two days before the race. I've still not trained at all, unless you count doing "Helen" at CrossFit one time. In other words, I've run exactly three 400m sprints in the last four months.

I know I'm not prepared for this race. I'm definitely not going to PR. I should probably just stay home so I don't hurt myself. But I will run this race.

Why?

Because I promised a dear friend that I would run her first half marathon with her. I never break my promises... on purpose. Plus, there's a Tiffany's necklace waiting for me at the finish line.

I won't lie. I've actually considered not wearing my timing chip so that my horrid time would not be permanently recorded online.

But this race is going to be different.

For the first time, I will be satisfied with simply crossing that finish line. I will struggle. I will want to quit every mile along the way. I will complain... a lot. But I will finish at all costs, even if takes me three hours... or longer.

When I'm done, I may not be able to walk for days, but I will be proud of my accomplishment and my race time. In years to come, I will laugh as I remember "that time I did something totally crazy" like running 13.1 miles without training.

Why? Because I can. And I will.