Silver Strand Half Marathon
13.1 miles
My family found me at the finish line of the half marathon sitting on a curb with my head between my knees, long after they expected me to cross the finish line. To say the wheels fell off the bus is an understatement. I knew something was off with me when I woke up. But I didn't think it would affect the race, and anyway, what could be done?
I was on track for my goal until about mile 7. Then I started to fade, get massive abdominal cramps. I texted my husband my woes (yes, I slowed down to send a flare for pity, that’s how bad I felt). And then from miles 8-13 I was bent over dry heaving repeatedly. Like 10+ times. When it would fade, I ran, then it would overtake me again.
Goals were set aside and it was an internal battle of "if I go faster I will be done sooner" vs "if I go faster I feel worse". I have never ever had this experience before, it seemed to be related to my cycle but I have run and raced in every stage in the past. So I missed my goal by a massive 13 minutes. But that wasn’t disappointment sitting on that curb. It was just me fighting the final waves of nausea after pushing through some very challenging miles. Because I also had a strong finish in the final stretch.
I'm not mad about this. Because nothing is a guarantee or we wouldn't bother with trying. And we absolutely cannot control all of the variables, so focus on the ones we can. Half of the race was good, that means I've got a shot at my goal. I just have to try again. And I was able to keep charging forward, just at a different pace (with some stops for 🤢) which took digging DEEP. And any time you dig that deep you get another block that builds strength for the future.