One race closer to my goal of 12 half marathons in 2012!
A windy but otherwise perfect morning for a race. The scenery is breathtaking.
I met up with blogger and Twelve In Twenty Twelve runner, Suz from Cows and Lasers and Everything In Between. We met for lunch the day before and then again at the start. Meeting Suz was one of many favorites about this race.
This race was more about who was with me at the start and waiting for me at the finish, my dad.
And my brothers. This was the first time they have seen me run a race. Having them there meant more to me than anything. My youngest brother wants to run a half with me in November and my oldest brother says he just doesn’t get it LOL
Another shot of the beach because I couldn’t get enough.
2:18:27
10:35/mile
The finish. At this point, with the 86% humidity and a head cold or whatever I felt like someone was sitting on my chest. It was hard to catch my breath. Not a fun feeling at all. I finished the race disappointed in my time. Despite being sick I expected a better pace. I started feeling great with a 9:20ish pace until mile 8. And the disappointment was even more so knowing that my family was at the finish line. Guess what. The people in the photos above, along with the rest of my family, were proud of me despite my time and pace. They were able to see the accomplishment for what it is!!
Admittedly it has taken me a few days but I have finally come to appreciate the joy that is finishing and the pride in the accomplishment of running 13 miles. Don’t get me wrong. Pace is still important and you can bet that my goal is still a half PR and then a sub 2:00 half!
And I’m actually ordering race photos!
And the bling? A bottle opener. Unique and so appropriate for a beach city race 
Something that has been on my mind since last weekend. I’m often around people that run 13+ miles on a regular basis. I read running blogs, magazines and books. Maybe my perception of running is slightly skewed and just maybe I’ve lost sight of how wonderful the accomplishment of running really is. One of the first texts I got from my husband after the half was “Remember. You just ran 13 miles.” Lesson learned reminded.
What is your perspective? Do you still truly appreciate the accomplishment of running? How has your perspective changed or has it?
Link up below!
Tagged: 2012 goals, 2012 Race Recaps, blog hop, challenge, family, Fitness Friday, goals, half marathon, running, Twelve In Twenty Twelve
I'm a wife, mom of 2, Swiftwick, FitFluential, Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador that is passionate about running, plant-based nutrition, fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy life is not about perfection. It's about commitment, effort and progress! 
You did so GREAT! We get so hung up on the times, don’t we? These races are so much more than that, though. Look how you inspired your brother to run a half with you! Your family are so proud of you. You have the courage to go where few will ever go and your doing TWELVE of them this year. You ROCK!!!
BTW….Did you know we’re in the same division? Shhhhhhh….Don’t tell anyone my age. I like to think I’m 29.
Denise I’m going to frame your comment!! You do mean the Feeling Healthier and Stronger Than Ever Before division right?
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Amazing Jill, what you have done to inspire me over the years is simply amazing! I wonder sometimes when people are shocked by our running 12 in 2012 and then think maybe I should be a little more shocked about it, it is a huge feat! Great race and can’t wait to see you next week for another!
Tina recently posted..Is it always a competition?
I know! That’s exactly what I’m talking about. We SHOULD be shocked! Looking forward to our girls weekend!
Thank you
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Another great race, congrats to you! I love this recap… how cool that your brothers and dad were there. I get caught up in the blog/running world too but my family also keeps me grounded as they aren’t runners at all, and are still impressed when I go for a 5 mile run.
Laura recently posted..Kashi granola bars and New Zealand accents
We should be impressed with running 5 miles too
My family will ask how far I’m running and I remember when I started saying “just a short run. 5 miles.”
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
I’m so impressed! I know being sick can really drag you down – so great you pushed through. And exciting that your dad and brothers could be there. I’m looking forward to my first 5k tomorrow with DH & DS there cheering me on.
It will be interesting to see how I feel afterward. In the last few weeks, I’ve not envisioned myself running after the race. It’s been challenging on my body – definitely not the same body I had when I was younger & especially pre-childbirth. I haven’t found it as fun as I once did. We’ll see. Maybe the thrill of the race will change that.
Thank you Sara! Good luck today. I hope you’ll share pics and let us know how it goes!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Nice work – especially since you were feeling under the weather! That is awesome that your brother wants to run a half with you. My sister runs, but we have never done a race together. Some day, I hope! Our training never synchs up because she is in Arizona and I am in Minnesota, so I am ramping up my training when she is easing into her off season, and vice versa.
This is such a great post. I totally relate to your comment at the end about being sort of numb to the distances we are running. Training for races sort of numbs us to what our bodies are accomplishing. When I was training for my first marathon, towards the end of the training I’d say things like, “Oh, I am only running 14 miles this weekend.” And when I finished that marathon, I was like like – meh, so what, this is not a big deal. But it IS a big deal. And it makes me kind of bummed that we’ve lost that feeling of awe over what our bodies can do… So we have to remind ourselves that running 13.1 miles IS a big deal. Or 26.2. Or 5! And I’ve gotten better about doing that in the last year or so…
(whoa, epically long comment! Clearly a topic I’m passionate about!)
Exactly Lisa! So often I say “running only ____” There is no only about it. It is a big deal
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Awesome to meet Sue! She seems like such a great person.
Congratulations on the race. You’re right, it is a big accomplishment. Awesome that your one brother wants to run with you.
Is your leg ok? I know that’s left over from a previous race, is it still bothering you?
Carrie@FamilyFitnessFood.com recently posted..Decisions, Decisions – Fitness Friday
Hi Carrie. Yes it was great meeting Suz! Meet ups are one of my favorite parts of racing. I hope I can manage another half in FL this year to run with my brother.
My leg is fine. I’m just paranoid. I keep wrapping it until I stop feeling even the slightest muscle twinge. I probably didn’t need it for the race but I didn’t want to take a chance.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Congratulations on finishing the rest especially when your not feeling well. I know the issue your having with not having a better pace and the disappointment you feel in yourself. I had a similar situation happen to me not in the race world but in my bowling tournament. I had to get over the disappointment in myself and learn to appreciate what I had accomplished. It took me a few days though. I’m glad you saw the light of your accomplishment and are proud of yourself.
Lilli Toby recently posted..Beef N Cupcakes Psych Ward
Thanks Lilli. A few days later is better than never for both of us. It’s just that the disappointment is so disheartening at the time.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
You did great! The heat takes it out of us!
I’m so jealous you got to meet Suzanne, I need to register for a race she is running
I love that your dad and brothers were there for you! I also love that your brothers had different perspectives on it
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Random Thoughts Going on in My Head
Great job Jill! So glad you were able to meet up with Suz! Looks beautiful:)
Hikermom recently posted..Greenlake Recap and a Rant
Thanks! The meet up was fun and Suz is such a nice person.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Great job! The race pics are worth ordering, they are great pics and you look so happy
Mine are always terrible!
Jen recently posted..Boston Marathon 2012- My unlikely marathon
LOL I rarely have print worthy race photos! Some shots are just too scary!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Those are great photos! And it’s so cool that you got to meet up with Suz! I wish we could all do a 12 in 2012 runner meetup; that would be so cool.
I think we do get a skewed perspective. I have started a training program for my friend who is going to run a Half in October and she cannot run one mile right now. I am running with her once a week. It’s reminding me of where I started out and how far I have come…and how it was not easy, it has taken a lot of work and I sometimes poo poo that. 13 miles, shoot 1 mile, is A LOT! It’s a great accomplishment!
Kyria recently posted..12 in 2012 Update
Thanks Kyria! A 12 in 2012 meet up would be so cool! I wonder if there is a way?
You’re right 1 or 13…it’s a lot!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Great job! Your post is so inspiring!
Jennifer recently posted..scrapbooking
Thank you Jennifer.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Congrats!! You got some great photos – I’m jealous, I always look HORRID in my race photos!
Carrie recently posted..Long Run Recap
I rarely have print worthy race photos. Some of mine have been just too scary LOL
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Great job! I love seeing families support their runners! It means so much!
Kat recently posted..That’s the life!
Thanks Kat. It was so great having them there. That is what I thought about almost the entire race, seeing them at the finish line!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Gulf Coast Half Marathon Recap
Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Georgette recently posted..im on everything
great job jill! for real, YOU JUST RAN 13 MILES!! i’m the same way, need to be reminded every once in a while!
courtney recently posted..Knoxville Covenant Health Half Marathon:::: Race Review
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Great job Jill! This was a really tough race so I’m really impressed with your time. It was wonderful meeting you and getting to hang out. I’m glad your dad and brothers were there at the finish!
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