Its the day after the “big race”. the big race that I have been freaking out about for months now. The Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon. We got up early Sunday morning so that we could get some coffee and some food into us. Even though we went to sleep relatively early Saturday, I had trouble sleeping. I couldn’t shut of my brain. I just kept going over in my head all the worst possible out comes of running in just a few hours. From twisting my ankle, to breaking my leg. The paranoia actually followed me through out the course. While I pointed out the pot holes so Crystal wouldn’t hurt herself, I was keeping an eye out for them, for myself as well. I told myself that if I were to twist my ankle, that damn it all, I was going to finish the run. Thankfully I didn’t do any of that. The only part that I really hurt was the outer side of my left ankle, because I was running close to the curb. By mile 10 it was really starting to hurt.

As we were walking up to the start line, I hear someone calling my name. It was Jane! I finally met a local celebrity! She was on her way to drive the course so she could cheer on her mom who at 58, was running her first marathon. She gave us hugs, and wished us good luck on our run. Woot!

The course description said, and I quote:

“The relatively flat course runs down the tree lined Blackstone Boulevard and along the Providence River and along India Point before finishing back downtown.”

I call bullshit on the relatively flat part. The first two miles and the last two miles were the flattest part of the whole course. Everything else was up and down. Crystal and I would just get to running, and then we’d have to stop because of a hill. Not impressed. For the most part it was really easy. A nice gentle breeze for the most part helped keep the sweat off of me. It was a beautiful run. Lots of sights to see. For part of the course, I had actually driven it years ago, so it was nice to slow down and just look around.

As we were running, I looked up at the skyline and noticed that we were in Pawtucket. Again, not impressed. Crystal laughed at me. Then we went down a sharp hill. and were on the waterfront. Finally some flat ground. We ran more than we walked. We were just about there.

The hills were what really killed us. I think if it was the “flat course” that they advertised, we would’ve killed this course. You know home turf and all.

The crowds along the course is some areas were pretty sparse. But the people that we did see where pretty awesome.

At mile 12, Crystal told me to go. Thinking it was a test, I paused.

I asked, “What?”

She just said, “Go, run.”

I asked, “Are you sure?”

She said, “Yes.”

That’s all I needed. I was off. The pain in my left foot that almost cause me to run with a limp, was gone as I ran. Finally some high energy music started to play, and I was sweating. After a morning of people passing us, I was passing people. Let me just say that the last mile felt like three miles. I was actually questioning their measuring skills. I saw the last bridge, and slowed down so I could finish strong. Just before the bridge, I started to run again. then I turned the last corner, and I could hear the crowds and see the finish line. I ran harder so I wouldn’t look like a fake as I finished. I tried really hard not to look like an idiot for the photographers at the end.

I think I almost ripped the medal out of the volunteers hand. I threw it around my neck and took my tin foil blanket. I was going to keep it. I wanted to keep it, but as I was opening it, it ripped. I never got to put it on. That made me really sad. I threw it out. I walked over and grabbed a bottle of water, chugged it, and grabbed another one for Crystal. I watched all the people that I passed come in.

Then I saw Crystal. She was running at a good pace, so I started to cheer for her. She crossed the finish line, and I gave her such a big hug. No matter how many times I see her cross the finish line, she always makes me so proud. She got her medal, and we found some free pizza, and gatorade, and bananas. We found a little piece of grass and sat down. As we were recovering, I went to go get my free beer. Inside the beer garden, I heard my name again. It was Michelle. She introduced herself, and asked how I did. I kinda mumbled something about it being ok as I drank my beer. I never really make a good first impression. She said nice meeting you, and kinda faded into the background. I felt bad that I didn’t say more. (later I apologised to her on twitter.)

So my first real race is in the bag. I’m happy with it. I think I could’ve done better, but I didn’t want to leave Crystal behind. I still feel bad that I left her at mile 12. I should have stayed with her.

I’m already looking forward to my next half marathon. I think with the right conditions (ie flatter than Providence), we can finish under 3 hours.

Who’s with me for Las Vegas 2013?!

So now after taking a day off work to recover, I have to go back tomorrow. I don’t hurt a lot. Last nights sleep REALLY helped. I’m just a little stiff, and the pain inducing limp in my left foot, gone.

Tomorrows another day. Recovery run; probably after work.

Onward and upward.