“Sweat is your fat cells crying.”
I wish I had a picture of it, but that was written one on of the signs I saw out today, and I thought it was pretty awesome 
So today, I became a half-marathoner. Despite all of the setbacks I’ve had this past month, I went out there, and I did it. I really frickin’ did it!
WooT!
My gun time was 2:42:50, and my chip time (my first chip timed race, I was actually really excited about this! 
) was 2:41:50. You can see the full results here.
I have to admit that at first this didn’t seem like it was going to be easy going. All of this past week there has been quite a bit of apprehension about today, especially since I’ve barely ran AT ALL this month.
It also didn’t help that despite trying to go bed at 10:30 pm last night, I didn’t actuall fall asleep until after 2:00am. I also didn’t wake up either, I had my alarm set for 5:15am but for some reason it never went off. If it wasn’t for me hearing my roommates alarm go off at 5:30, I might have slept right through it, d’oh!
But I got up, took a shower, had a nice breakfast of 2 No-Doz and 2 Aleve (I probably should have eaten something more substantial, but it always seems to bring on major sidestitch). I then checked the weather and they were calling for storms all morning, but there was no rain delay announced. I had mixed feelings about that, mainly because I was tired and in a bad mood about said tiredness. Still though, I went on.
My roommate (who was there for support) and I arrived at the Timonium Fairgrounds at about 6:30, and there were SO MANY PEOPLE there. It was crazy but still a bit motivated. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I was looking for people who were in similar shape to me, because I was starting to feel like a fraud surrounded by all of these people who LOOKED like runners.
At about 7:00, we were ushered to the starting line, listened to a quick speech and National Anthem, and then, BOOM!
Now, there wasn’t much invigoration right off the bat, in fact, the first couple of miles were psychologically dreadful. It wasn’t that there were any huge hills or anything (that came later) but it just seemed to be dragging on, I felt myself going super slow and it my determination was wavering. Thankfully that didn’t last too long, and by Mile 3 my attitude was turning around, and I was really starting to enjoy myself. By mile 8 I started to get emotional, and was pretty much like that for the rest of the race. This was something I NEVER thought I would be able to do, and here I was, running a half marathon, being cheered on, supporting a great cause…I’m starting to tear up again writing this too (I’m a big baby like that sometimes).
Overall, the course wasn’t too bad, some small uphill stretches, which sucked, but their accompanying downhill stretches rocked The only exception to this was between Mile 7 and 8, which had a uphill stretch that didn’t seem like it would never end. I had small periods of walking here and there, but I (and alot of other people) walked most of this. It was mostly downhill from there though, a slow decline followed by a bit larger decline. The last half mile or so was back on Fairground property, with the last .1 mile or so being on the racetrack on the fairground…IN SAND! Whoever thought that was a good idea was an idiot (I kid, I kid…kinda)
The race course.
Once I hit the ten mile mark I knew I was going to finish in under 3 hours, and that was really exciting to me. My only real goal was to not come in last, but since last place last year was 3h47m, I was shooting for 3h30m. My roommate was surprised to see me at the finish line when he did, and I was honestly shocked too. I managed to maintain my usual running pace (about 12-12.5 minutes/mile) which was awesome Maybe if I hadn’t had 3 hours of sleep I could have gone a bit faster though Oh well…
Once across the finish line we were a Mylar blanket, and a bottle of water. Walk a bit down the race track and there were ladies giving out bagels, granola bars and…bananas! I grabbed a cinnamon crunch bagel (which was awesome) and a granola bar, but I left the banana for my fellow runners, ’cause I’m charitable like that A bit farther down two ladies were giving everyone medals. Once in the middle of the fairgrounds there was an awards ceremony, concession stands, and various other booths. Since I had raised a some what decent amount of money ($600!!!!) I got to go into the VIP booth, were they served some other free food and drinks (the main concessions were for sale only). I also got a cool Brooks Jacket and hat.
The SWAG! My race shirt and medal, and the Brooks Jacket and hat.
Pretty sweet medal, eh?
Overall, I thought this race was very well put together, even though I had initially wished for a rain delay. There were water/gatorade stations about every two miles for so, and people were all along the race route to cheer us on, which rocked. It was pretty cool seeing the police section off parts of the road for us too, made me feel somewhat important I am proud to have been a part of this, and am proud of everyone who participated. Last year over $250,000 was raised for the University of Maryland Cancer Center, and I’m sure this year will be A LOT MORE!
I can’t wait for next years half, but now I need to focus on my FULL MARATHON in October. As of right now, I’m feeling okay. I’m have a feeling I won’t be able to walk all that well for the next few days, and my left arm is sore (?), but I’m feeling good. A nice little nap helped with that too, gotta be able to stay up for the Lost finale tonight
Oh, and why I don’t want to throw myself out there and say this 100%…I do think I’m back If a half marathon isn’t enough of a motivator, then I don’t know what is!
Have a great day, everyone…and THANK YOU AGAIN for all of your support, whether it was donating, or cheering me on, or whatever! You are all truly awesome and I couldn’t have done this without you!
BTW…there are actual pictures of ME, but I don’t have them yet Will post when available!
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I’m so impressed by your 1/2. sounds great! congrats on beating your expected time and not being last!
You totally just inspired me!
I am trying the whole running thing but it is kicking my tail!
I can’t wait to hear about your other success!
@kthenb
Wow! Well done!
Wonderful post – it must have been amazing!
Holy hell – a FULL marathon??? If only I had guts like that! Because of you and your killer motivation, I think I’m going to sign up for the Ocala Half-Marathon in January!
Congratulations again! You should be so, so proud of yourself, and it sounds like you are
Awesome, awesome, awesome! So proud of you!
You have made me even more motivated to try for a half later this year. I am kind of angry at myself today for not going to run the half in Penticton BC, but, my SIL who was supposed to run it with me, back out even before I did. My mind wasn’t in the right place for it anyways.
Can’t wait to see the pics. Congrats!!!
Nice race report! Congrats – I really hope this is the motivation that you were seeking! Sounds like you did what I had hoped and said several times and soaked in this experience. The emotions you experienced may not be as intense next time, but they’ll always be there. And don’t worry about the sleep — six years into racing I get like that for every race. If the emotions and the nervousness go away, then it’s time for a break. Now, about that pre-race nutrition, we’ll have a little talk about that.
And commentluv stopped working for me AGAIN. So here’s my last blog post … technically a vlog: http://www.runningbecauseican.com/on-top-of-the-world/
Congratulations on finishing your first half marathon!!
Melissa (@MelGetsFit)´s last blog ..Bad Bad Bad Weigh In
Great race recap, Steve!! I think all the anxiety you experienced is supposed to be pretty common. But then again, what do I know since I haven’t ever competed in an actual race! Mine is in 2 weeks, and I’m trying to block out the anxiety!
I’m so proud of you for pushing through, even though you had little sleep. Your medal ROCKS and the money you raised is awesome!!
Christy_TheSisterhood´s last blog ..21 Days Final Weigh-In
You are a freaking rockstar! Congrats on your awesome half!!
I’m not gonna lie, I totally teared up reading this. I’m a dork like that. But I love reading when people accomplish amazing things.
I’ve been sucking at running lately, but this gives me new motivation.
You rock!
I get really emotional when I run, too.
I am so thoroughally proud of you and impressed by you and inspired by you. Great work, my friend.
(I’m still not running a marathon with you, though. I’ll do something shorter!)
MrsFatass´s last blog ..5K today
Awesome. You are not the only one to get emotional when you run. When I did my first 10k I cried like a girl for the first mile! er…I mean. I had something in my eye!
Congrats on a half marathon! I have 2 coming up in September. One is the VA Beach rock and roll 1/2 and the other one is the Maymont 1/2 in Richmond. You arent too far if you are feeling froggy!
Ed´s last blog ..Frustration!
So proud of you!
Great job, Steve!!!
Chad´s last blog ..Weekly Weigh-In: An Amazing Weekend!
Steve, that is SO full of awesome! That’s really great that you did this for such a great cause. I’m so proud and happy for you!
Brandon´s last blog ..Fun facts about Alaska
Steve – sounds like you found the inspiration you’ve been looking for and you found it inside yourself which is awesome. I’m so inspired by your post and can’t wait to get running again. You rock and I’m looking forward to your next weekly status report!
I am so proud of you!!! Great job. I wish I could have been on the sidelines to cheer you on. And I totally undertand one thing you said…. when I go to races I’m constantly looking around for people that are in the same shape as me. It makes me feel better when I see people out there that are close to my physique. I’ve heard that from other friends too…
I love the medal. You sure did earn it!!!!
Lynne Garcia´s last blog ..An Awesome Run and a Little TMI (ewwww…)
You rock man! Well done on completing this event. You really showed your old self what you can do!
AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Weigh-in #21 2010: Mission accomplished.
YOU ARE A CHAMPION! I’m glad you rocked it. Remember the Biggest Loser where they finished the marathon on sand? I always thought that was crazy. . .maybe everyone does that.
LOVE YOU!
Alison
YAY!!!!!!! Way to go!!!!!!! Seems like you just announced that you were going to do this just yesterday, and now you’re a HALF MARATHONER!!!!
I can’t wait till you decide to go for a full!!!
You, sir, are a complete BADASS.
Seriously.
I couldn’t mean that in a better more sincere way. I’m in awe of you and all you can do.
Mary (A Merry Life)´s last blog ..A Merry Workout Pledge #3
Congrats on an awesome 1/2 marathon! I was at this race too and that 3-mile long hill at mile 7 was a killer! I’m also hoping to do my first marathon in October. Good luck with all the training!
Great job on your first half marathon, how long do you think before you are aiming for a full one??
I really like the honest recap you did of the race and look forward to seeing more from you . . .
Darren Getting Fit´s last blog ..Returning to the Blog
That’s a terrific time! I confess that I’m so stuck in my 5k/10k distances that I’ve never considered trying something like a half-marathon. But you are really inspiring! At 230-some pounds, to finish a half-marathon is awesome, and leaves me with no excuse. My partner is planning to run a half-marathon in September at Disneyland… perhaps I should join her!
Man I am pumped for you. It’s a damn addiction from now on.
Joe´s last blog ..Joe’s Blog Roll
So proud of you Steve!!!!
Wow, I’m really impressed! You did such a great job!!! Congrats!
Wow, I’m really impressed! You did such a great job!!! Congrats!
SWEET medal!! That’s so exciting!!
Fantastic Job!!! I know this is not easy…and yet you did it! You put in the hard work of training and then you showed up and completed what you set out to do! Excellent!