[Oh they totally gave me a shout out over the finish line for coming all the way from Raleigh!]
You bet your ass I finished! Official time?
2:44. Two minutes slower than the OBX half last November. Then why do I feel better about this race? Overall, this was a stronger performance for me. I felt healthier, stronger, and faster. Here's how the two races compare for me.
[OBX]
[Atl]
I don't think this is the most accurate interpretation of the elevation differences between races. The Atl 13.1 was hilly! I meant there were massive hills throughout the race. OBX was flat with the exception of the massive bridge. Atl made me feel strong because I rocked all the hills! I mean when someone passes you on a hill, it's a bit depressing. When you pass them later on the hill, it feels like you're the most badass person in the world.
[OBX]
[ATL]
I think my improvement is obvious based on the split breakdown. I almost had all negative splits in Atl!! That was one of my biggest downfalls of the OBX half. I started off too quick. I learned from that mistake and definitely improved in Atlanta. I don't like that 13 min. mile in mile 2 or mile 10. My mentality for the race was to not focus on my pace though. Ultimately it paid off. I focused on being strong. Being proud. Being lucky. Being there in the moment. My feet connecting with the ground (a la yoga style) and just being. I didn't stop. I didn't get calf cramps. I even sprinted (my version of sprinting) to the finish line. I couldn't be more proud. My two best splits were at the END of the race and while tackling some massive hills. Lesson learned? It took my one crappy race to make the next better. AND time is never the most important.
I have never felt so good about myself after a race.
I am strong. Because I can run.
I am proud. Because I can do this.
I am lucky. Because I can not only run on my own two legs, but I can do it for over 13 fucking miles!
So when is the next race?
13 comments:
Congrats!!!! You rock!!!
Awesome job girl! You totally ROCKED that race! And negative splits to boot?! I'm not even sure I did that haha! But seriously, the greatest feeling is ending a race strong, knowing you did your best. KEEP IT UP! And I LOVE that they gave you a shout out!
Congrats Kristin!! That's fantastic. Nice job on feeling faster and stronger. And that medal is huge and awesome...
YAY! I love this post! I am so happy that YOU are so happy and smiling. Congrats on feeling strong and fast!
Um girl. You are a total BADASS!!! Seriously, can you please be one of those people that puts the 13.1 stickers on your car? Because I definitely look at those things and I automatically have a lot of respect for those people haha! You are awesome!
Well done!!! A good race isn't always measured by a number on a clock... I think at the end of the race it's more how you feel and how much you gave. Sounds like you had a great day!
Is that a Publix chocolate milk I spy in your hand?? ;) Best recovery drink (and grocery store) EVER!
Congrats on your half! I want to tackle a half but yet don't want to. Guess I'm scared of failing!
I have SLACKED on my running since school started and need to prioritize it again like I did in the spring. That's when I felt STRONG!
I live in AL so we aren't too far from each other!
Shannon
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You. Are. Awesome. Congratulations!!! Love the post-race photos - you look so happy! :)
Not only you finished your race but also analyzes the race, great .
go go go
Good job girl. You make me want to have this baby right now, and get back into running tomorrow.
I love your little motivational notes for after the race. YOU ARE STRONG!
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I love that you are focused on being strong and feeling good. You are right; everything in life is not always about the numbers. It think the fact that you are grinning from ear to ear in all of your race pics says a lot about what running means to you. You rock.
Congrats! Rob and I just signed up to do a half marathon at the end of February. This will be my third, but his first! I'm excited.
Seriously, you rock! I wish I could run (SO out of shape!)!
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