This past weekend I ran my first ever mini marathon. I signed up for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon back in January and jumped into training. When I signed up I had lofty aspirations of training my heart out and showing up on race day with a nice six pack and beastly legs. Well while I did a great job training ( I only missed four runs due to sickness, life being crazy etc..) I didn’t show up with a six pack..whaaa whaa. But I felt pretty confident that I could fight my way through the 13.1 miles. What I didn’t factor in, was how incredibly hot it was going to be. so.freaking. hot., all of my training runs had taken place in cool or cold weather. I was not prepared for the 87% humidity and record highs that I would encounter. Let me give you the breakdown of how the race went.
Start-I was pumped, adrenaline was high and I was ready to take off. It was warm, but there was a cool breeze blowing.
Mile 1 to 4-I am flying, I am right on pace with where I had been training and was sinking into a nice steady 10:45 race pace. I am clapping and cheering on the bands along the route and feeling pretty awesome, I think I might beat my estimated time. Stupid, stupid, girl.
Mile 5-OMG I have to pee, so bad. I take a quick pit stop, grab some water and take off again. I lost about 5 minutes because the lines at the potties are long.
Mile 6- I made it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, and everybody is getting hot hot hot. My makeup is dripping off my face and I am pretty sure every inch of my body is a stinky sweaty mess.
The Track- Dear God when did it get so hot? Why won’t those cheerleaders shut up? I have a cramp in my rib that is killing me. WHY WILL THE TRACK NEVER END???????? I felt like I was running on that darn pavement for years. The only bright point is where they take your picture, my pride helped me pick up my pace and pretend to be having the time of my life.
Mile 9- I am really starting to feel the heat. Lots of runners have stopped or have slowed down.
Mile 10- I feel like I am delirious, how many bands can you have that are comprised of 8 year olds? Apparently all of the bands on the mile 10 stretch.
Mile 11- I am so hot, I stop and walk for a half mile to try and shake the dizzy feeling that has come on.
Victory Mile- I am determined. I no longer care about the medal, all I want is a bottle of cold water and an air conditioned car. I plod my way through, I see my parents towards the finish line and that gives me a burst of energy. A few more strides and I am closing in on the finish, I smile and wave for the camera and cross the finish line. Yipppeeee! I can get water now!
Overall, I am pretty proud of myself for finishing and not dying/ collapsing/vowing to never run again. While it sounds crazy, I can’t wait for next year. I know I will be stronger and will be able to kick that courses butt! You better watch yourself 500 mini marathon, you’re on my hit list and next year I am coming for you.
