Nookachamps

I did my first race of the year yesterday, the Nookachamps Winter Runs. Last year, Rochelle and I ran the 10K. I decided to do the half marathon this year. Rochelle is still coming off her stress fracture so she didn't run this year. I probably shouldn't have done the half as I haven't been running as much as I normally do, but I am hoping this will jumpstart my motivation, as well as set my baseline for the year. My overall goal for this year is to increase my pace, so now I have something to improve on.

I opted for the early start, and was a bit apprehensive as the last time I did an early start(TriCities Marathon), I followed someone off course and did 2 extra miles(does that make me an ultra marathoner? LOL). I did take the offer of the map just in case. Thankfully, it wasn't dark(which played a part in the detour in TriCities), so I didn't have to use the map, and managed to stay on course.

I started off with my normal 8 min run/2 min walk and did ok with that. I did walk more around mile 3 as my foot started to bother me a bit(sshhh don't tell my mom-she was asking me on the phone on the way to the race how it was doing and I told her fine...lol). I walked a bit and let my foot rest. Around the halfway mark, decided to hit the portapotty just in case...there is something satisfying about being the first one to use a portapotty...lol. My foot started to feel better and I went back to my run/walk.

I finished the race pretty strong and felt good after. I was a bit more sore today as I haven't been training like usual, but will get back on track now and continue to build back up to where I was and improve from there.


Me after the race, with my bling