Rock N Roll St Louis 2013

So, I didn’t train for this half marathon at all. I thought I would have a lot more time but my job overwhelmed me and I finally got the hang of when I could fit in my runs toward the very end of my ideal training schedule. I determined that if I want to run, it has to be over lunch break because it’s way too dark before and after work.

I did run a 10k a few weeks prior to the half marathon, just so I knew I could guarantee a 6 mile run. This was my longest run of my training before I did my half marathon. Yes, I’m not joking. I wish I were.

So going through my mind as race weekend approached:

1. Just have fun with this! Get an idea of the race to see if you want to run it again next year!
2. Try and get a good picture at every photographer on the course
3. In fact, be as goofy for the pictures as you can and then try and be the most photogenic runner
4. Appreciate the crowd
5. Take advantage of the fueling stations
6. Don’t worry about time
7. Just finish

It was really cold on race morning and I dressed in capris, a long sleeve and then my brand new “We are Unstoppable” Boston shirt. I had a hoodie and gloves on, as well as a blanket up until 5 minutes before the race.

As the sun started coming up, I was way overdressed and wished I hadn’t worn a long sleeve. As I watched people shed their layers, I almost thought about grabbing some girls super cute pullover that she threw off. But I didn’t see where it went ha!

Favorite Moments of the race:

1. The scenery. It’s always a blast running through the streets of St. Louis
2. The music! I absolutely loved the entertainment!
3. The signs! Examples: “You are running better than the government.”  “Faster. Faster. Faster. (That’s what she said)”  “Naked cheerleaders in the next 3/4 mile.”
4. Punching a woman’s poster that had a lightning bolt on it and said “get energy here”
5. High fiving a little boy sitting on his dad’s shoulder cheering
6. Grabbing a peanut butter cookie from a random lady on the side of the course, even though I wanted a twizzler but the other lady wasn’t ready for me.
7. Seeing people I knew!
8. Discussing with a man how it would’ve been nice to have more downhills instead of the uphills in the course
9. Having my parents cheering me on at the finish line
10. Posing for all the photographers and the one on the corner to the finish line said “that’s what I’ve been waiting for!” as I flexed to the finish

Honestly, I fell in love with this race and want to do more Rock N Roll half marathons!

I expected to have a terrible race time, but I was only 1 minute off from my first half marathon and I stopped at every fueling station and did all of the above acts. So I was completely content with running a 1:46:08 considering I didn’t train at all for the half marathon and had a blast!

Here are the half marathons in the series that I would love love love to race in. I definitely would train for them this time, that’s for sure. Just because I know I can break my PR easily!

Close enough to possibly have a chance to race in:

• Nashville, TN: April 26th, 2014
• Seattle, WA: June 21, 2014
• Chicago, IL: July 20, 2014
• St. Louis, MO: Oct 19, 2014

I can’t afford to purchase my race photos because they are extremely expensive, so you’ll have to deal with these beauties and their marks.

 

Race Splits:

8:15, 7:40, 7:56, 7:47, 7:49, 7:47, 7:58, 8:24, 8:34, 8:12, 8:29, 7:40, 8:07, 1:33(.2) can you tell when it got hilly and where I took drink/eating breaks?

So in conclusion, if you ever get a chance to run a Rock N Roll half marathon, TAKE IT!! I know I will!

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