It might be a few days before I can run again…or walk correctly.
Despite the soreness and nine, yes nine, painful blisters on my feet and toes, I plan to do another half.
But first, let’s rewind to Saturday night. I wanted to be in bed by 9 in order to be rested before my very first half marathon. But my sister was in labor in California and I was receiving updates via text. At about 9:15, I decided I had to go to bed. I had to because I knew it might take me a long time to fall asleep. The night before my 10K in October, my mind and heart raced for hours while I tossed and turned, willing them to slow down and let me sleep. I did not want a repeat of that.
But I felt my heartbeat quicken as soon as I got under the covers. And my mind jumped from remembering the night I went into labor with T Junior to what the Seattle Half Marathon was going to be like. At least I was prepared this time, though. After 30-45 minutes of this, I realized what was going on and I began a little controlled breathing. In-2-3, then out-2-3. In-2-3, out-2-3. It worked.
Until I woke up at 11:30. (I drank a lot of water yesterday.) But, I was kind of glad to be up because I checked my phone and my sister had delivered her healthy beautiful baby girl not that long before. I called her and she sounded tired. “You just completed your own marathon,” I joked. But, really, all us parents know her marathon is just beginning. I just didn’t want to scare her.
So I was awake again. In-2-3, out-2-3. I fell asleep and did not open my eyes till 3:30. Yes! I still have over an hour of sleep left!
I told my running buddy Heather about this in the car on the way to the race. She said, “You got up at 4:30?!”
Well, it was 4:40 actually because I wanted to have time to do everything. I wanted to drink my coffee, eat my peanut butter toast, check e-mail. I did not want to be late. I wanted to be in Heather’s driveway at 6. In the end, I didn’t get there till 6:08 and that’s only because I kept turning down the wrong roads to get to her house. I’ve never driven there in the dark before and I couldn’t read the signs. I was getting really grumpy that I kept doing this, too. There was a lot of swearing at the windshield in my husband’s sedan.
My mood lightened immediately when Heather got in the car. She was so relaxed and funny, as usual. Not at all jittery or distracted like I was. Thank goodness for her. She also kept me calm while we waited for 15 loooooong minutes in the line to get into the parking garage. I was freaking out a little.
We ended up parking right across the street from the starting line. I decided not check clothes because…get ready for this…
It was 50 degrees! At the end of November, that’s unheard of. It was warmer than normal and not raining. Heather and I walked up a couple flights of stairs in the parking garage and crossed to the starting line, then immediately headed to the line for the Honey Buckets. There were so many potties, so the lines were not long.
We made our way through the thick blanket of people to the 2:45 pace group. I never even saw any of the other pacers. It was so crowded. The Seattle Times says there were 10,751 runners, but I’m not sure how many did the half and how many did the full or the walks.
It was about 7:15 and I was ready to go! I had to do something, so I took some pictures.
Then Heather snapped one of me.
You can’t see it here, but I wore my new iFitness belt. In it, I stored my Zune (which, by the way, is the original model — it’s huge), my Honey Stinger gels, which I transferred from their packages to a Ziploc baggie Saturday, and my license and debit card. In the chest pocket of my REI shirt, I stashed my phone/camera and a stick of Burt’s Bees lip moisturizer with an extra ponytail band wrapped around it.
With about 8 minutes to go before the start. I gave Heather an excited hug and thanked her. I wouldn’t be doing this race if it hadn’t been for her. She is the one who suggested it and was totally confident I could do it.
I just wanted to start running. “Let’s goooooo,” I kept whining.
Finally, with 30 seconds before the start, Heather and I adjusted our earbuds and other equipment until…it was time to go! Honestly, I can’t remember if it was a horn, a buzzer or just an excited “GO” from the woman who was doing all the announcing, but it didn’t matter because we weren’t moving. In the end, it took 4 minutes to finally cross the start line and I’m sure I annoyed some people because I stopped to take a picture.
Once we crossed the starting line, it was mass chaos and I didn’t see Heather again. I just wanted to make it through the first few minutes without falling. I was grossed out about breathing in everyone elses smells. We were heading down 5th Avenue with skyscrapers on either side of us. It was hot, the massive amount of body heat stagnant on the city street.
People were running everywhere like rats from a fire. Early morning holiday shoppers, city dwellers and visitors pressed themselves up against buildings as runners flew down the sidewalks to avoid the crowded street. I was right in the middle. Directly under the monorail, which scared me half to death when it thundered over my head.
At least it was pretty. It was still dark enough to enjoy the twinkling white Christmas lights. I took cover behind a lamp post for one picture and a concrete column for another.
After that picture, I thought, Okay, now I need to concentrate on running. I choked up a little a couple of times on this road. I’m not sure why. I was happy, smiling even, and waving at the dazed on-lookers. But I guess I felt a little overwhelmed. I got excited when my first Christmas song came on my Zune. I did not do an entire playlist of holiday tunes, but I did include several in the mix.
We ran down a hill on 5th and at about Mile 2 got to the first real hill. Well, not real. Man made. We had to climb the gradual, curving incline of a freeway on-ramp that goes up and turns into a bridge. I was doing okay going up the hill, but was disappointed that I could feel the blister on the inside ball of my right foot. Already?
Once we were up on I-90 and it flattened out, I found a nice pace next to a man in a maroon knit hat. He said something to me, but I couldn’t hear him, so I took out one earbud. He used his head to motion to the right and I saw what he was talking about. A bunch of guys had jumped over the side of the freeway and were peeing in the bushes. I started laughing and then let out a “cat call” in order to embarrass them. They were not phased. But, really, you already have to go? It’s not even Mile 3 yet.
I ran with Jerrell (not sure of the spelling) for a little while. Maybe a mile. We chatted. This was his first half, but he’s run four marathons before. And we both ran the 10K at Issaquah Salmon Days. After a bit, I said, “I think you’re pulling ahead a little. Don’t want to hold you back,” and we said goodbye. But I saw him off and on throughout the race — always in front of me. His maroon hat was always a welcome sight. Every time I saw him up ahead, I relaxed and knew I was doing okay. He was my pacer and I wish I could thank him. (I told him about the blog, so Jerrell, if you’re out there: Thank you for keeping me going!)
We parted, I think, just before or around Mile 3. I can’t remember if this was inside or before the I-90 tunnel. I do remember hearing someone yell out a split, but I couldn’t understand what they said. I asked a nearby runner. I think she said the split was 33-something. I felt good about that. But, now, I wonder if I was going too fast. I didn’t realize that it had taken me four minutes to cross the start line, so subtract four from 33 and I was hauling (for me).
Thinking back, I don’t remember hearing the first two split times at all. This is why I need a Garmin. Even a cheap digital watch from Target would’ve been helpful. I had no way of knowing how fast I was going.
I guess this also was the second water stop, but I don’t remember seeing the first one. I slowed to a jog to chew up some gels and had a cup of water.
As we got to the end of the tunnel, it was time to split off from the full marathon route. Full to the left, half to the right. The right was down a steep hill that curved underneath the very bridge we just ran across and down to Lake Washington. I was annoyed on this hill. I wanted to get down it quickly. What good are hills if you can’t use the descent to your advantage? But people were stopping in front of me and walking. DOWN? You’re walking DOWN? I understand walking UP, but walking down and after only 3 miles? I was annoyed. Normally, it would not have bothered me, but I was very emotional on this run. In hindsight, I think they were probably trying not to fall.
Finally, I found a clear spot and let gravity do the work for me. Unfortunately, this forced my feet to the ends of my shoes and I really felt the blister on my right foot. I also felt like I might be getting a matching one on my left foot. And maybe some on the bottoms of my little toes.
At the bottom of the hill, I stopped to take a picture.
We ran pretty flat for a while through a nice neighborhood. Along the way, people cheered. I saw a lot of fathers holding babies next to strollers waiting for their wives to run by and I got emotional. On Friday, I told Mr. T to just stay home. I felt I would be too stressed out worrying about him rushing T Junior through the morning routine to get to the race, then sacrificing his nap later to drive home. All so they could see my .1 mile finish. It seemed pointless. I changed my mind on Saturday. “I want you guys to go.” But then I changed it back Saturday night. I didn’t need the stress. But I hadn’t thought about them parking somewhere along the route to cheer on Mom, and easily departing to go home in time for a nap. I almost texted Mr. T and told him to meet me at the finish, but I reasoned with myself.
Then I saw a man with a boxer.
On Saturday night, I decided to put my boxer pin on my hat. The pin was a gift from one of our dog show friends and it resembles AJ. I wanted him to “run” with me in the race. I wanted to channel his excitement and child-like enthusiasm.
I saw this man with his dog and I weaved in and out of people to cross to the other side of the street. I stopped. “Can I pet your dog?”
He gave me a strange look, as if to say, “Aren’t you supposed to be running?” but he granted my wish. His boxer looked nothing like my AJ and was totally distracted by all the runners, but he or she wriggled in the bean-like way they do as I rubbed him/her all over. “Thank you,” I called as I ran away, trying not to cry, eyes blurry.
I got to Mile 6 and my blisters were starting to burn. I could feel them all over my toes and on the inside sides of the balls of both feet. Really, the middle part of the run is a blur except
for a few things, like water stations, elbow room and hills.
for a few things, like water stations, elbow room and hills.
The water stops were annoying me because people would practically knock each other over for a cup or stop right in front of you or almost trip you. It was difficult to navigate. There were a lot of hills. A lot. And every time I saw one up ahead, I groaned out loud. Some of them were extremely steep.
I believe this was one of those. And, I think this is where I passed by a young woman getting sick on the sidewalk. At the top, there were a group of police officers and a volunteer. I told them about what I’d seen and said I wasn’t sure she was okay. I hope she was.
I don’t know what was worse, going up the hills or down. Going up, my thighs burned and I could barely lift my legs to take a step. Going down, the blisters on my feet raged. I just kept thinking, There’s no way I’m going to stop running and ruin my first half because of some stupid blisters.
I even thought my feet might be bleeding at one point, but I quickly focused on something else. Like this.
The arboretum was so beautiful. I think we entered the area around Mile 10. The route twisted and turned. Then I saw someone wrapped mummy-like with space blankets on the edge of the road. A group of five or six medics and volunteers were crouched around the person. A steep slope covered in mud and yellow leaves fell down behind them. As I passed, I saw light blond hair held back perfectly by a thin white headband. Her eyes were closed and I heard someone say, “I got a pulse that time.”
After I passed the scene, I turned to the woman running next to me. Her eyes were wide, probably as wide as mine. I said, “That was scary,” and she agreed. I really hope that young girl was okay.
At Mile 11, I felt done. I felt like the race was never going to end. I thought about 26.2 miles and wondered if that’s something I want to do. I knew it would not be a good idea to make a decision while I was running, so I will think about it another day.
I ran all 13.1 miles, except for a few steps here and there to eat gels and drink water. I probably could’ve walked faster up some of those hills, though.
Finally, we were back downtown. I never saw mile-markers 12 and 13, so I didn’t know how far I had left. The crowd kept yelling, “You’re almost there!” And, I kept thinking, How far is ALMOST?
I knew we were getting close when I could see some of tops of some of the landmarks from where the race began. We were going downhill toward 4th or 5th Avenue. I was so happy about the downhill even though my toes and feet were in pain. It flattened out for a minute and then…another uphill. I groaned again. The man running next to me said, “Oh, they just had to put ANOTHER hill in at the end.” I giggled to myself because the hill’s been there forever, right?
Every step was painful at this point. My poor toes felt raw. I got encouraging texts from my running/bloggy buddies around this time and it was so awesome. I knew they were done with their…torture.
Then I heard music and we turned toward Memorial Stadium. I ripped my earbuds out to soak in the excitement of the finish. It was loud with cheers and thumping music and cowbells. The next thing I knew, I was running on field turf and trying to sprint to the finish line. I was a few steps away when I remembered to look at the clock. It said 2:29:50 or something close to that. I picked up the pace and ran in at 2:29:56, beating 2:30, which had sort of been my secret goal. (My official chip time was 2:25:30 — remember those four minutes it took to cross the start line?)
I stopped running and was handed my medal. It was hard to walk because there were so many people. I saw a photographer taking a picture of someone and asked him to take my picture, too. I posed. Someone took off my chip. Then, I didn’t know where to go. I wanted a space blanket. I felt wobbly. I couldn’t find the damn space blankets. I wanted one immediately because I had to pee. I grabbed a bottle of water and drank half of it.
I finally had to ask about the space blankets and was told they were up ahead. I muscled my way forward, my legs aching, and grabbed one. I tied it around my neck and searched for the potties. I must be honest. I was grumpy. There were too many people around me. I needed some space. I’d been running with these people FOREVER and they were still in my way. I needed a Honey Bucket. Right. Now!
When I found them, I almost exposed someone who hadn’t closed their door correctly. Then I had to wait, which made me even grumpier. I felt a little better afterward, though.
The plan was to meet Amanda from 5 Miles 2 Empty and Zoë from Run, Zoë, Run somewhere in the Recovery Area. I texted Amanda and then headed inside the stadium’s exhibition hall. It was really warm with too many bodies in the small hall. I got dizzy and felt like I might pass out. I controlled my breathing, but considered walking over to the medic area. I remembered what Amanda told me about getting some chocolate milk and I tried to find some. The line…giant mass of people…was ridiculous. I saw a man lean over and grab carton out of a crate and I did the same. I needed it right then. I could not shuffle along and wait or I’d be on the floor.
Thank goodness for the chocolate milk. I immediately felt better and happier. I felt a little let down at the finish line. Not because I didn’t have anyone to meet me, but because I’d imagined it would be this magical moment. I’d run through the finish line tape, my arms in the air showing victory! Then cry tears of joy. But that didn’t happen. I was just another person who finished running and needed to pee.
(That feeling didn’t last, though, thank goodness. Once, I was home and could relax, I felt great about the race.)
Back in the Recovery Area, I was jostled through the lines to get a banana, some rice crisp things, pretzels, fruit. There was a whole bunch of stuff. I just wanted the banana and pretzels. Then, I looked for Amanda and Zoë. I couldn’t find them. Everyone looked the same. Everyone had someone with them. I felt lonely. I almost cried and I wanted to go home. I knew I was just tired and, besides, I really wanted to meet Amanda and see Zoë. I hung out in there for a while hoping to see Heather, too, but I didn’t. I knew she was okay, thoug
h, because her husband and son were going to meet her at the finish.
h, because her husband and son were going to meet her at the finish.
I texted Amanda and Zoë again. Zoë’s in-laws surprised her (read her recap here) and had to leave. I was excited for her. How cool! Amanda said they’d had to escape the building and were out by the Seattle Center fountain. It was so nice to meet Amanda (read her recap here). I felt much happier when I saw her. I met her adorbale son, who was just running and running and running around with all his 4-year-old energy. I also met her really nice friend, who took some pictures of us.
We hugged and said goodbye and I headed in the direction of the parking garage. Going down the stairs was a challenge. Another woman was behind me and we laughed about it in between yelps of pain.
Getting out of the city was horrible. It took forever and I was again getting really upset, almost crying because I was just sitting in traffic. My legs hurt because I hadn’t stretched a lot and I just wanted to get home to my family, a hot shower and my bed.
About an hour later, I pulled into the driveway, gathered my things and went inside to get a hug from Mr. T, who then took my picture (T Junior was napping). I started to feel something. Pride?
I went upstairs, took a shower, stretched and crawled under the flannel sheets. I couldn’t sleep, but it didn’t matter because T Junior woke up 20 minutes later. Back downstairs, I was able to check my e-mail and Facebook. I’d been updating my status throughout the race and I had so many nice messages from my friends and family. I felt something again. Yep, it was pride.
I did it!
PS: Sorry this is up so late. I had an impromptu Mom’s Night Out last night and this post took me a loooong time to write. Hope everyone has a wonderful week in running! And, I can’t wait to read all the recaps!
25 comments
I knew you would have a good race, but I'm still amazed at how great you really did! I'm glad the blisters won't hold you back from doing our next one! :)Heather M.P.S. I still don't know how to comment unless it's anonymous…probably a user problem 🙂
Great recap! Worth the wait.. not that I was checking very often… okay, I was…Seriously, you did so good! A half marathon is no easy run through the park, and you knocked that out like you'd been running them for years.Not everyone can run 13.1 miles, so you certainly have joined a bit of an exclusive group.Now is probably not the time to think about a marathon though because you will say “Hell no!” if you have to choose now, with blisters fresh on your feet and your achy legs hampering movement.But when you start to feel more of that pride, and when the blisters subside and pain dissipates, you might think about it some more. Or you could try and run another half. Or a 10K. Or a relay race. Whatever you choose to do, you've proven that you can set a goal and achieve it. For that you should be commended.And display that medal with pride!
Awesome recap! And Ecxellent time! You did so great!!!I hated that “man-made hill” of the onramp! That was the beginning of the end for me last year, total torture! And that tunnel? Unforgiving! I feel like I could actually use your recap as an extension of my own! :)It is so funny because I saw a woman with her hair down too! It was so long! Way past the middle of her back, and I thought of Tall Mom too! And all the body smells! SICK! At once point after mile 5 along Lake Washington a dude ran out of the Honey Bucket and everyone around gagged as the smell permeated! I could not handle it! Then, then! At mile 9 some specatotor was smoking! his cigarette smoke invaded my lungs and everyone else around me! I was so angry! If he wants to smoke fine, just dont do it and blow your smoke in my face while I am running! Geeze!So much I left out of my recap! Maybe I will do an addition to mine!You did so great!! I am not sure what is next, I was thinking along the lines of marathon…we will see! But until then there is a 12k in Kirkland on Dec. 20. the 12k's of Christmas, I am planning on doing that one!
congratulations!!!!!you did great!
Thanks you guys! I wonder why I was so grumpy in this race. What a dummy.
Congratulations!!! Sounds like you had a great race. Maybe you're next half will be in Vancouver in May and I'll see you there… it's a beautiful run 🙂
Oh Kerrie, it broke my heart to hear that you were not happy at the end of the race. I feel awful that I wasn't there to take your sprint-to-the-finish picture that I planned on doing. I was looking for your WSU cap and blue shirt, but I couldn't find you before the race. I wish I could have met you and Amanda near the fountain! Bummer. 🙁 But, you did an AMAZING job and came in under your goal time (totally knew you would!). Be proud! Like LB said, a half is not an easy race. 🙂 Congrats, Kerrie! Your recap is perfect…I swore/grumbled before every hill too. 🙂 Brutal! Luckily I didn't see anyone on the side of the road like you did, that's a scary situation. Or anyone get sick, either. I'm proud of you for conquering those hills like a pro. 🙂 You rock!
By the way, I think that you wearing the boxer pin was very special, and that's great that you saw a boxer along the way. I'm sure AJ is proud of his momma!
You guys are so sweet!
Congrats and great job! That was an awesome recap! I love the pictures, especially the one of the start line. You probably did tick some people off! Sorry about the blisters … that's rough! And definitely go with the Garmin … I love mine!
Congrats!!! You did awesome with all those hills! Just think how fast you would have been is you had run my flat 1/2 marathon here on the East Coast…and you guys are funny calling them Honey Buckets. I had never heard them called that before. Wish I could have you as a running buddy!
Wonderful job on the half! I love the pictures. The one your husband took after the race is great. The blisters sound sooo painful. So do those hills.
I'm so proud of you, honey. Don't think for a minute that that boxer was there just by chance. Someone wanted you to know he was there with you.
Kerrie, you ran an awesome race. I'm so happy for you. Be proud of your accomplishment! I felt a little sad for you that you were lonely after you finished. Your blisters sound painful but I bet they were totally worth it. Congrats again. You totally rocked it!
I think I saw you on your phone and could not even imagine texting while running! You are quite the multitasker!
You all bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for your kind words!
Oh man kerrie, that was one of the BEST race re caps I have ever read! I felt like I could picture everything you were saying! At the beginning when you talked about how you weren't sure if you couldn't sleep I actually felt nervous. LOL I am so happy for you! This is just such an amazing accomplishment and something you can take credit for! YOU did this just YOU! It is people like you that make me feel like I can accomplish things(such as 13.1 miles). Way to go girl!!!!!
OMW… a few thoughts.1. Your Breathing to fall asleep idea is SMARt, I am totally going to use that.2. I never thought about breathing in people's scents in a sea of people, thanks for that, now I wont be able to forget it. Hey maybe at my height I dont notice it as much.3. Blisters….Hmmm.. We need to get you new shoes or socks ASAP…you should not have to deal with Blisters.. Seriously!!4. Way to tackle the hills!5. Love that you stopped to pet the Boxer and wore the pin on your hat…it is the little things that keep us going.6. I ALWAYS struggle with having my kids come to watch vs. worrying about getting them ready and having them in a crowd of people. We usually get a sitter.7. Congrats to your sister, her Ultra has just begun.8. The Finish area is a ZOO…so glad you were able to get some Milk and meet Amanda…she will make anyone smile.9. WAY TO GO!! You beat your goal, awesome.10. So I think you, Zoe, Amanda and Me (I) should do a race together…well start together and then meet up after to EAT.. Let me know if you have any ideas. I am thinking 1/2 Marathon in early spring??
Am at work(high school)reading your blog and “tears of pride in your accomplishment” are flowing down my cheeks! Keelie and I run (jogging for me!) the Race for Cure (3.2 mi)every May and I felt the emotions you described resurface in me! Congrats and ALWAYS have someone meet you at the finish line! Seeing Keelie at the end of the race and hearing her cheer me on is priceless! Aunt Karen
Congrats girl you DID IT! And you did GREAT! Be very proud of yourself–you look wonderful!
Congratulations. Your pix are great and it is obvious you had a great time. Sorry to hear about your blisters.. I am fortunate, never, ever had one…It seems we were close. I also saw the girl in Interlaken receiving help between mile 9 and 10. I think she was OK, but I wondered if a fire truck leaving the station before crossing Boylston/Eastlake Bridge after mile 10 went to her help.Take care, and keep runningsincere-leelizzie lee
CONGRATS!! You did a fabulous job! I hate blisters SO much! love the pics too!
Way to go Kerrie! A Half is and of where the chaff is separated from the kernels. Anyone can kind of fake their way through a 10K. But it takes conditioning and determination to make it through 13.1 miles.I'd be concerned about those blisters. I used to have the same type of problems on the longer runs until I changed socks. I ended up in Road Runner Dry Road Elite socks. Not cheap (like $8 per pair) but just like that all the blister issues disappeared.Congratulations and thanks for taking the time to give us the blow by blow report!Now – you deserve a day or two off (ulike me – I was just procrastinating). Take it easy and get healed.
Just found your blog – Great job! I ran my first half in October and loved it! Girl, go get you a Garmin 305 – Best Buy has them marked down to $139! 🙂
You win lol! I think it's awesome that you remembered so many details from your first half marathon. I love all the pics and it looks like it was a really pretty course.