Fitness Friday || Half Marathon #2

# 2 of Twelve In Twenty Twelve – Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon and Half Marathon

 

Before. Nervous and apprehensive about running this race. For the first time there is a distinct possibility of a DNF. That made standing at the start a little different. I didn’t like the feeling at all.

It would take only the slightest indication that I needed to stop and not risk further injury to my leg.

Miles 1-2 a little tightness in my right quad. After mile 3…nothing! Not even a twinge of discomfort. At mile 6 or so I was confident this wasn’t going to be a DNF.

Thoughts on the race:

• Perfect 50 degree temps but a little more overcast and gray than I like.
• Too much of the course was a long out and back straight way. Give me a few turns.
• Small race so I never felt crowded.
• Well organized.
• Would I run it again? Yes.

I have decided that the iFitness Double Pouch Belt is my all time favorite. It doesn’t bunch up, doesn’t bounce and it the perfect size for my iPod on one side and Honey Stinger Chews on the other. I love the fact that it stays totally flat. You don’t even feel like you’re wearing a belt.

After. I felt strong, recovered from the slight elevation changes easier, I could have kept running past the finish line. I finished this race knowing this was a turning point in my training. A new plan and new goals. More on that later

I finally got to wear one of my Chica Bands in an actual race. Other than workouts and training runs this is actually the first time I’ve worn a band at all. I have to say I love having my bangs out of my face without having to wear a hat.

Oh and I can’t forget, after the race I enjoyed the best ever banana walnut cookies! Check out my Half Marathon edition of What I Ate Wednesday.

And the best part? Running with Chad. He likes trail runs and ultras so anytime he agrees to run a race with me I love it! We don’t necessarily have to even run the whole race together but starting and finishing with him and knowing he is out there too adds a different feel to the race.

Crossing the finish line pain free was such a huge relief. I was [almost] as happy as I would have been if it was a PR!

Do you happen to have a healthified banana walnut cookie recipe? Are you racing this weekend? 

Time to share your health and fitness from the week!

Have a great weekend!

Tagged: 2012 goals, 2012 Race Recaps, blog hop, Chica Bands, Fitness Friday, Fitness Friday blog hop, half marathon, iFitness, running, Twelve In Twenty Twelve