2010 Zeitgeist Half Marathon or “Will The Hills Ever End?”

Mike and I did the Zeitgeist Half Marathon today. We met our friends Tracy, Don and Amber there, and it was really nice to see them again.  

Amber, Tracy and I - Three Women on a Mission!

Mike and I - Oblivious to what waited for us!

Before I got to the start line, I read the race description:  Loop course; Scenic, rolling country roads; Paved and gravel surfaces; 3 hills; 1,180 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Wait - 3 hills with a 1,180 feet of elevation gain and loss?

Yep.

I can’t deny I was a tad concerned, but looking at the results from last year, I figured I was good to come in at least not last.  I typically walk these marathons, so I knew about how long it would take me.

I started out in typical fashion. I ran a little bit then walked on the side so others could pass me.

I got to Mile 1 and saw my friend Amber pass me. She was cruising!

About Mile 3 decided to actually try to run for awhile, and actually did about a mile of straight running. I was really proud of myself.

Mile 5 I had some technical difficulty with my Nike+ GPS, but fixed it quickly without too much hassle.  I passed through some cute neighborhoods!

I kept going, and everyone else kept passing me. I was getting discouraged, but kept telling myself that it didn't matter. My knee and hip were aching. I kept telling myself to keep going.

We kept going up what seemed like hill after hill after hill. About Mile 7 I looked up and all I saw was uphill. It felt like the hills would never end!  I was so tired and sore that I just sobbed. Even though I wanted to quit, I kept putting one foot in front of the other through the pain and tears.

Shortly after Mile 8, I noticed the Sweeper Truck was behind me. I sighed and kept going, figuring that at least I wouldn't be forgotten. I actually did consider throwing in the towel, but I trudged on.  Even though I was last, the race staff was great and kept encouraging me.

About Mile 10 my playlist on my iPhone started over again. I didn't remember that happening two weeks ago, but it must have.

At the stop near Mile 12, my wonderful hubby was waiting for me. He had finished the race (with a very respectable 2:29:57) and walked back to meet me and walk the rest of the way. After some sports drink, we headed toward the finish line. He encouraged me every step of the way.

I got to the top of the final hill, and saw the finish line. I was so happy! Even though the race was pretty much over, lots of people were still there to cheer me on. My friend Elizabeth was even there!

I crossed the finish line with an official time of 4:28:11. I came in last, but I finished!  As my friend Tracy said, this is a race that demands respect.  I applaud every one that finished it.  There were some smokin’ times!

They were just finishing up serving the food and such when I finished, but I did get some chili, cornbread, pasta salad, apple crisp before heading home to nurse my sore body.

Now coming in last would normally have made me upset because, well, I’m vain that way.  I don’t like to be last at anything.  But I finished the darn thing and I’m going to use it as motivation to do better next time.  Watch out Vegas, here I come!