The positives:

• My friend Susan said that she may walk this half marathon next year. (Love being inspiring!)
• My friends Pat and John have started running again. They ran 1 1/2 miles on Saturday. (Love being a motivator even more.)
• I enjoyed myself on vacation and wasn’t as neurotic as I thought I would be about my upcoming race.
• I finished with a smile – MY GOAL!
• I finished under 2:45 – MY REAL GOAL!
• I ran more of it than I thought I would or could.
• My feet are no better and no worse.
• I want to do another!

The negatives:

• My right foot did hurt (and annoyed me) most of the time. (I don’t want to see a dr & have to stop running!)
• I secretly wanted to PR. (Doesn’t everyone?)
• I am not sure I will or can ever run faster.
• Though my ankle did not hurt, I think it does not allow me to run hard.
• I walked too much the 2nd half … I used the water stops as an excuse.

All in all, I am happy.  I am relieved!

worst race photo ever … this is how I  really felt at the end!!

Lessons Learned:

• You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. After my broken ankle I didn’t think I could run again.  Then when I thought I could, I got a stress fracture. Obviously, I had my doubts about the race but I knew that if I wanted it bad enough, I could do it.
• A vacation with friends isn’t the best way to prepare for a race.  I spent the day before on the beach (and got sunburned.)  I didn’t eat or drink enough.  I felt hungry and thirsty throughout the race.
• Gu is the best race fuel for me. I ate one before the race, one at mile 4, mile 8, and mile 12.  No stomach issues at all. All I drank was water (about 8 cups)
• I love scenic races.  I love warm weather. I love Florida (in the winter!!!)
• It’s great having someone waiting for you at the finish line.
• I shouldn’t compare myself as a runner with anyone else.  Running is hard.  All runners are different. You just have to do your best and give it your all.

More Post Race Pics:

cool fountain at the marina in Sarasota

the view from the condo that Susan & Stanley will be moving to

an artist colony in Sarasota

me & Pat taking a walk on my last day in Cape Haze (notice what shirt I am wearing)

Happy Running! What have you learned about running half marathons?