Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

[Kent]

I have been training officially 4 months for tomorrow's half marathon. (http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com) In honesty, it's more like 11 months since the last race I had since I backed out of the 12 mile race earlier in June. I've been tapering my running for last week or two, and I am anxious to actually get out there now. I can understand how runners might burn themselves out in the first couple miles with starting out too fast -- I am so ready to do it today. Even though I only haven't run in 4 or 5 days, it's funny how your body misses what previously would have been torture.

My realistic goal for tomorrow right now is to beat 2 hours (~9 minute/miles). My optimisitic everything goes right goal is to finish in 1:45 or less (8 minute/miles which would be 145th place last year ). My last tapered long run of 6 miles I did it in my best time yet, so I am more and more optimistic that I can attack my lower goal. Over 1700 people are doing the Half with me in comparison to 1300 for the full. For those who cared, I certainly NOT (edited: oops )have carbo-loaded at all. If I meet my goals, I am so in the Full Marathon group next year!

Can you tell I am excited? Wish me luck.

[Richt]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Good luck Kent, I hope you break the 2 hours like you are hoping.

Rich

[jroche5998]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Good luck Kent!

[ttdriver]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

RUN KENT RUN!!


I know you'll make us ALL proud!!! ROCK ON!

Betty

[Lady_Hawke]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Wooooo hoooooo Kent! You can do it!!!! Good luck!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

have fun Kent and run them down as best you can! even if you don't make record time we all know what a huge accomplishment this will be for you.

[dreamof145]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Good luck Kent! Hope you meet your goal ~ I'll be sending you encouraging vibes tomorrow!!

[Kent]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

My realistic goal for tomorrow right now is to beat 2 hours (~9 minute/miles). My optimisitic everything goes right goal is to finish in 1:45 or less (8 minute/miles which would be 145th place last year ). My last tapered long run of 6 miles I did it in my best time yet, so I am more and more optimistic that I can attack my lower goal. Over 1700 people are doing the Half with me in comparison to 1300 for the full. For those who cared, I certainly NOT (edited: oops )have carbo-loaded at all. If I meet my goals, I am so in the Full Marathon group next year!

I completed my half marathon. The 13.1 miles were more grueling than I suspected. My first 7 miles were smooth, and I was solidly in the 1:40 crowd. I think lack of miles or "base" conspired against me, and the final 6 miles were much tougher. I gutted out the final miles sometimes seemingly walking as much as I ran.
I did however meet my goal!
I crossed the finish line in an unofficial time of 1:55. It might not have been my best possible time, but I did my best. The good news about running your first race at that distance is you are guaranteed a Personal Record (PR). At this time, I looking forward to next year and beating that time.

Next up is the Living History Farms cross country 7-mile race through the mud and the muck in a month. I am hoping to encourage you Sombersusie to run that race with me.

PS I did carb load yesterday. I ate 30 carbs instead of 25.

[ttdriver]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

PS I did carb load yesterday. I ate 30 carbs instead of 25.

That's hilarious!

Kent, you did FANTASTIC!!! I am oh so proud of you!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Betty

[dreamof145]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Congratulations Kent!!! I knew you'd make your goal. I'm so proud of you!!!
Whoooppeeee!!!!

[Kent]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Just an update, the official time came out:
1:55:30
I finished 44th out of 88 in my age group and 514 out of 1596, so I did finish in the top one third all half marathoners. Thanks guys -- you guys were definitely on my mind as I was convincing my legs to keep churning. I kept reminding myself -- who do I want to be the guy who had to report I gave up or the guy who made my goal. Everyone should have a support group like you.

Here are a couple photos from the day:

Sprinting to the finish line:

Crossing the finish line:

[rosecat2000]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Fantastic effort, whoaaaaaa!!!

[Richt]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

Great time Kent, and a great finishing position also. You have to be happy with that.

Rich

[Jasmain]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

You look fabulous and we're so proud of you! I love the pictures! Look at those leg muscles! What a long way you've come, it's absolutely astounding!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Waited 4 months for tomorrow -- less than 24 hours to my Half Marathon

woo hoo KENT I just had to use the search to find out how you did in your run.