Last year, I recall being very relieved that my final cancer treatment was complete. I remember trying to fall asleep that night and having to repeat the phrase "You are going to be alright, you are going to be alright" over and over until I could calm down and find sleep. I remember a feeling of victory that I had gotten through this treatment stage and I could get back to a life without so many IV needles. I recall praying that my brilliant oncologist used the right combination of chemo drugs to kill any remaining traces of cancer in my body. "Chemo kills cancer, so yeah chemo!" I think I saw that on a greeting card. Funnier now that I am done with chemo than when I was bald, eyebrow-less and eyelash-less.
This year, I got to go the Indianapolis Mini Marathon with my husband and favorite running mate (although I am not sure if we have run together since before kids). I felt good about my training having checked off all of the long runs and most of the short runs on my training calendar. I also cross-trained much more than I had previously when training for long distance runs. I've been a regular at spin classes and yoga this winter. I also have taken up teaching a biweekly spin class which has been a fun kick in my routine.
On our drive down to Indy, we talked about our race goals. Mine was to run about a 10 minute mile, hoping to finish about 2:10. The biggest part of my race goal was to not walk. We kissed at the start, wished each other luck, and started our jog to the start line as soon as the crowd weaned. It was a crowded race with over 30,000 participants in the 13.1 mile race. We started with the other "10 minute milers" but it was congested and I had to weave around other runners, dodging curbs and other obstructions on the outside lanes.
The miles went by quickly. I mentally noted how I felt at each mile marker. I was "running naked" i.e. without heart rate or gps tracking trying not to overanalyze my pace or heart rate and just have a good event. Mantras such as "You've got this, Just keep running, Erin doesn't quit" helped me stay strong. In my head, I was running at a similar pace as I had run my training runs so I felt like I would have enough to get through the race. I ran the mile I was in, happy to be there, and keeping all thoughts positive.
Then, with four miles to go, I felt like I had TOO MUCH energy left. Like I had not pushed enough. I picked up my pace and probably got closer to a 9 and a half minute pace. I don't have the stats on the final 5K but I feel like it went much faster than the first three miles. Some of my favorite songs got me to the finish line "Try", "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", "Eye of the Tiger". I finished with a smile on my face. It was my seventh half marathon but probably the one I felt the best about. I was not nauseous or dizzy or totally wiped out. Maybe I didn't leave enough out there on the course. I could have pushed more, but I wouldn't have run nearly as happy. Or enjoyed the post-race bar hopping celebration.
Then, with four miles to go, I felt like I had TOO MUCH energy left. Like I had not pushed enough. I picked up my pace and probably got closer to a 9 and a half minute pace. I don't have the stats on the final 5K but I feel like it went much faster than the first three miles. Some of my favorite songs got me to the finish line "Try", "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", "Eye of the Tiger". I finished with a smile on my face. It was my seventh half marathon but probably the one I felt the best about. I was not nauseous or dizzy or totally wiped out. Maybe I didn't leave enough out there on the course. I could have pushed more, but I wouldn't have run nearly as happy. Or enjoyed the post-race bar hopping celebration.
I was momentarily disappointed when I did see my final race results. A 2:12 race with 10:08 pace.
I guess we have to go back next year so I can get PR on the same course. 13.1 was the perfect distance to show how far I've come, how strong I am, how fun it is to get out of town with my husband for the weekend, and how much I love to run.
I guess we have to go back next year so I can get PR on the same course. 13.1 was the perfect distance to show how far I've come, how strong I am, how fun it is to get out of town with my husband for the weekend, and how much I love to run.
