I recently returned from Las Vegas, where I participated in my first ever half marathon, as part of the Zappos.com Rock N Roll Marathon Series, on December 5, 2010. Running on behalf of Team Challenge, which raised money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, I solicited $4,000 in contributions from friends, family, colleagues and strangers, in the hopes of helping to fund a cure for these illnesses. As a woman who’s lived with ulcerative colitis for more than 20 years, I wanted to do something bigger than myself, to complete a task, to set a goal and accomplish a feat that no one could ever take away from me.
I ran for myself, to prove that I could “beat” my ulcerative colitis, that it wouldn’t get the best of me. While I attended a few group trainings, most weeks I preferred to do short runs during the week and long runs on the weekend, during which time I ran without music so that I could listen to nature, be one with my thoughts and allow my body a chance to breathe, to get in tune with itself, with nothing to worry about except covering the allotted number of miles for that session.
I knew I was ready for the race but was still scared, nervous and a bit anxious about traveling without my friends and family, the support network I came to rely on. Luckily, my team members are an amazing group of people and together we shared an incredible journey.
As I sat on the plane on the flight back to Providence from Las Vegas, with my finisher’s medal around my neck, I thought about what I learned from the experience on race day and what I might do differently next time (once I can feel my thighs again and walk normally). Here’s my own personal top 10 list:
1. When your coach says stretch before a big race, do it and do it well! Otherwise, at about mile 7, your legs will feel like they are no longer moving and you will be counting the steps until the next water stop, which brings me to Number 2.
2. Sportsbeans should only be taken with water (it’s a good idea to read the instructions on the packet so you’re not nauseated throughout the run).
3. It can be tough, especially for a newbie, to drink at a water stop so don’t be afraid to walk while consuming water, Cytomax, Gu or whatever else is offered. This may help avoid painful cramps.
4. Run with a buddy. Even if you aren’t talking, it’s good to have the company and the pace keeper.
5. Don’t keep asking said buddy where you are with time and pace – it won’t help cross the finish line faster and may further discourage you, except when you’re at the end of the race and want to try to achieve your goal time.
6. Adrenaline does not carry you through the last three miles, so try to reach at least 12 miles during training.
7. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Concentrate on your rhythm and let your body do the work.
8. Dress in layers that can be easily removed and remember you will likely be warmer, from adrenaline, than you were during training, so less is more. (I wish I had worn one less t-shirt or at least had a long sleeve shirt that could have been easily removed).
9. When your legs feel like they are going to give out, let your arms take over. The legs will follow.
10. Smile when you cross the finish line – you’re finished, you’re a member of a special club and you deserve the accolades.
On August 1, 2010, I hadn’t run more than one mile since high school (more than 15 years before) and worried whether or not I’d be able to complete such a daunting task. Fast forward to December 5 and I covered 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 33 minutes, finishing in the middle of the pack of 20,000 other runners (plus thousands of other walkers.) Though my goal was 2:30, I’m proud of my accomplishment, particularly in light of feeling ill in the weeks leading up to the race.
After more than 16 weeks of training, though, I can say that while it wasn’t easy, it was rewarding, inspiring and intensely emotional. I will always be a member of the 13.1 club – just don’t ask me for at least six months if I’m interested in doing it again. (I may just say yes!)
Amanda Griffith - Amanda Sina Griffith, principal of Bumble PR, has planned and executed media relations and PR campaigns for more than 10 years. ...
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