Reflection on my first half-marathon

Last weekend, I completed my first half marathon. I'm still feeling some minor effects of the race (and probably didn't let myself rest enough before getting back in the gym), but it was worth it.

Being the only one in the group racing this distance for the first time, I was definitely feeling the pressure as we lined up in our corrals. It was a little chilly at the start, and there was a light rain shower passing through as we crossed the start line.

Matt and Chad started first in Corral B. A few minutes later Jessica and I got our start. The first three miles were entirely dedicated to getting around other racers to try and get up to a comfortable race pace. Running with 30,000 other people means you have to stay alert the entire race.

We crossed the first bridge around mile 3. This was my first "pretty" view of Pittsburgh. The next couple miles were uneventful, though I was not prepared for the constant up and down the course provided.

Shortly after mile 6, Jess and I grabbed some water and ate our gels. There were fans cheering at almost every corner of the course, which helped me keep up my motivation.

Around mile 8 my body started getting fatigued. I tried to keep my mind occupied by reading the race signs. A couple favorites: "Bob couldn't be here today because he has pink eye...again." and "Welcome to mile 7. You only have...a s&*t ton of miles left."

I knew that mile 11 would be the most difficult feat of the race, since it was the most significant incline of the course, especially intimidating because of the inevitable fatigue I'd feel after running the previous 10 miles. As we crossed the bridge that led us to the bottom of Forbes St. I told Jess I was scared and she gave me a running side hug and reminded me that we were almost done (and that I could celebrate with a mimosa back at the hotel). As we came down the Boulevard of Allies I felt relief for the first time in the race. I knew success was around the corner.

My official time was 2:13:01. I would have liked to finish under 2:10, but now I'll have a record to beat in my next half marathon...which will not be for a while. This race was undoubtedly the most difficult thing I've ever put my body through, but the feeling of completing 13.1 miles without walking made it worth the pain.

Pittsburgh Half Review

The Stats
13.1 mi; 2:02:54 net time; 9:22/mi avg. pace

It was a cool, cloudy morning this past Sunday in downtown Pittsburgh. Four friends, and about 12,000 other half marathoners, toed the start line and completed one of the toughest races of a lifetime. Why, you might ask? For fun, health, food...and glory.
Okay, now for the prose section of my recap. I started the race with aching pain in my left knee. Through the first three miles I developed some shin pain in the right leg, probably due to overcompensating. It didn't feel good, but I kept pacing myself and tried not to overreact to the pain. If I could deal with this level of discomfort I knew my lungs and the rest of my body could keep going. We completed three beautiful bridge crossings in the first five miles. Plenty of cheering Pittsburghers were on hand to clap for us and encourage our feet to keep moving.

Crossing Clemente Bridge

The first 10k was over by the time we crossed the West End Bridge and entered the longest stretch of the race. I had some "bladder discomfort" and saw many a runner stop at a port-a-john (or go off into the trees), but toughing it out seemed like a better option. The quicker I finished, the quicker I could find relief. Before hitting Carson Street, a nice group of schoolkids was lined up cheering wildly and looking for high-fives. I appreciated the sentiment, but needed to chill out. To relax, I would close my eyes for a second or two at a time. I let my legs go almost independently from my brain; I pretended to be sleeping back at the hotel and dreaming of still running. But I made sure to dodge the occasional swerving runner who would cut across the street to grab a water cup. Miles eight to eleven were a long haul on Carson Street. There were some rolling hills that weren't featured prominently on the elevation chart that tested the legs.
It was a great feeling to reach the Birmingham Bridge without stopping and turning left away from the full marathon course. This was the first point at which I saw a significant amount of people walking the course. I slowed my pace a bit, but maintained a jog over the long bridge. I knew to conserve some energy for the hill on Forbes Ave. Once I hit the hill, I took my first gel pack and sucked down its calories. I needed anything to help me keep running on this hill following twelve long miles. It was disappointing to see the uphill section continue onto the first part of the Boulevard of the Allies. The crest of the hill seemed to continue to stretch out ahead of me.
Once I reached the peak of the hill on Boulevard of the Allies, I was sure for the first time in the race that I would finish without stopping. And Sweet Baby Rays how good that descent felt! The Monongahela River below and to the left, we rolled down the Boulevard feeling a release. I was passed by a bunch of other runners who felt it was time to sprint. With a mile still left, I was more cautious. The last mile was my third fastest for the course. A good finish for a long race. I crossed the finish mat and continued jogging until my fellow runners would let me go no further. Success!

I caved and bought some race photos

Participation medals!

We slowly piled into Point State Park where refreshments were waiting. Our group decided to meet under the S-Z banner (originally we had said 'W' for 'winning'). Chad was waiting once I stumbled over there. Ten to fifteen minutes later Ashley and Jessica joined us. They got a later start due to being in a separate start corral. Everyone was in good spirits and uninjured, a true success given the challenge we were up against.
Then, came time for the fun. We stacked the calories back on at Fatheads that afternoon. Sandwiches and wings all around! Afterwards we made the pilgrimage to PNC Park, where the Buccos took one on the chin and lost 2-7 to the Blue Jays. Oh well. We finished half marathon Sunday with a trip to the restaurant Eleven for some delicious dining.

Halibut, Jalapeno Bacon Burger, Primanti Cheesesteak

The next morning brought all the soreness you would expect. We groaned around the hotel room until everyone was ready to check out. Our last meal in Pittsburgh was from the infamous Primanti Bros. After sandwiches with fries and slaw we were ready to wave goodbye to a great weekend in the Steel City. Thanks Pittsburgh, it was one to remember.