No. 4: Women's Half Marathon

I knew February was going to be a tough month with races scheduled so soon after Carlsbad, but I registered for this race because I had a coupon code and I got a hooded shirt. Admittedly, I was feeling a little lackluster at this race despite the gorgeous weather conditions at the Naval Training Center in Point Loma. Although I was physically ready for another race, I was not mentally ready. The thought of other runners with their girlfriends in matching tutus high-fiving each other irritated me. I forced myself to run for over two hours. Although the course was flat and scenic, I find the multiple out-and-back loops unappealing.

No. 3: San Dieguito Half Marathon, February 10

I registered last minute for this race when I learned a friend was running the 5 K. Since my late mother-in-law was a member of the San Diego Hash House Harriers, who organize the event, I decided to run in memory of her. I pinned a photo of her and her Hasher name on my shirt. At the start line, I shared tears and laughter with her friends. I finished strong and proud that I completed my first consecutive half marathons. I will definitely run this again as the course is challenging with a friendly atmosphere among participants.
 

No. 2: San Diego Mermaid Half Marathon, February 9

My pink wig and Mylar blanket kept me warm on that chilly morning at Mission Bay. I ran the flat course conservatively in anticipation of the challenging course the next day. After the race, there was a costume contest for $100 towards Mermaid Series apparel. Winners were determined by crowd applause. I tied for third place while first and second places were awarded to two runners and their daughters in matching mermaid costumes who attended with their Girl Scout Troop. I had a great time greeting spectators and runners with mermaid cheer, but it would have been nice to win that costume contest.

No. 1: Carlsbad Marathon, January 27

The Carlsbad Half Marathon is one of my favorite events, but I registered for the marathon instead because of the Marathon Finisher's Jacket. The thought of zipping the Jacket and showing it off kept me motivated to train. I tried persuading others to train with me, but the Jacket was not a strong enough selling point for them.

Jacket, tech tee and bib

The drizzly start gave way to perfect marathon conditions on this flat and scenic course. I started out with a few friends, but became disappointed when I learned of their intentions of a four hour race. I joined a slower pace group and enjoyed witnessing the excitement of first-time marathoners. I anxiously looked forward to my husband, daughter, and a girlfriend stationed at mile 18 with whiskey, tequila, beer, and a chocolate protein shake. Until that day, I never thought tequila with a protein shake chaser could taste so good.

My high spirits turned dark along four slow miles. I was on the verge of tears when I saw my cousin waving at mile 22. Another friend awaited at mile 25 with rum, but my only desire was to finish the race. I cannot remember what my cousin said to me or what we saw those last miles, but I am grateful she accompanied me to mile 26 for a strong finish.

Mile 25 with Rachelle

Post-race, I proudly donned the Jacket and arrived at my good friend's baby shower. I wore the Jacket to work the whole week after the race. A colleague asked, "You're showing off your jacket again?" Damn right.

2012 Carlsbad Marathon Finisher

2013: 13 x 13.1

I am a nerd. I once celebrated Pi Day, 3/14, by eating pie. I track my finishing times, workouts, and caloric intake in Microsoft Excel. I snorted with excitement when I realized the numerical charm of thirteen 13.1 mile long races in 2013. Lucky or unlucky, the number thirteen appeals to me. I adjusted my glasses, pulled out my wedgie, and announced my goal on Facebook. Then, I drafted a plan:

I am not alone in this journey. A woman who blogged her twelve races in 2012 is continuing with thirteen races in 2013. You can view her blog at jillconyers.com. There are hundreds of people, mostly female, striving for thirteen races this year. Fortunately, we connect and encourage one another via social media. Thankfully, I have had friends and family present at three of the four events I have completed this year. I am discovering that achieving my numerical-based goal is more tolerable with company.

The Beginning of the End

I met a boy, got married, and decided to have children. I translated our decision to reproduce as the demise of my future hopes and dreams and compiled a Bucket List, which included "Finish a marathon". I registered for the Rock 'n Roll San Diego Marathon training program with the San Diego Track Club at the suggestion of a fellow gym-goer and experienced marathoner, Amy.

Training for that race was a life-changing experience. I completed distances I never thought I could run and I met inspiring people who continue to be my cheerleaders. Training and racing became an emotional experience. I cried when I saw my husband along the course. Then, while suffering unexpected abdominal cramps at mile 16, I remembered Amy's advice after a difficult training run, "Just listen to your body". I angrily walked the last ten wretched miles. I finally finished at just under six and a half hours and became a "marathoner".

2007 Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon Finisher

It turns out, I was two weeks pregnant. I discovered this a month later before a 10 K on the Fourth of July. I remember whispering my discovery to my sleeping husband before dawn, but I cannot remember a single detail of that race.

Five years later, I donned my Wonder Woman garb and finished the same marathon over an hour faster. This year, I completed my third marathon and will be completing my sixteenth half marathon this Sunday. Every race I train for and finish changes me physically and mentally. My personal journey is different each time, but I still get teary-eyed at the start and finish lines of every race.

2012 Rock 'n Roll San Diego Marathon - Mile 18

Running Sucks

I dreaded the yearly jog-a-thons in elementary school and the weekly mile in junior high. In high school, I was one of probably five people who actually received a "B" in Physical Education because a mile and a half was excruciating for me to complete. I decided I was better suited for short(er) distance running and joined the track team.

I liked being a part of the track team. Oreo and chocolate milk picnics in the middle of the football field during a meet with my teammates was a lot more fun than a history lesson. I was not a track star by any means, but I fell in love with the anxiety at the starting line before the gun went off.

In college, I decided that the track meet picnic fare had finally caught up with me. So, I laced up and stepped out for a run. I ran for fifteen miserable minutes, but I was determined to become a "runner". Eventually, I was capable of running an enjoyable five miles and signed up for a 10 K. It was a St. Patrick's Day race with pizza and beer at the finish line, which was a major selling point for me. After the starting gun went off, I raced my heart out. If I could give myself a high-five, that is how I felt at the finish line of my first 10 K.