Blisters - Be gone!

Well, I did it again...another 1/2 marathon under my belt. I wasn't actually sure I would even start the event this morning, but after a visit to my podiatrist Thursday, I felt that it was ok to run.
So, I think this may be the least prepared I've been (logistics/layout-wise) for an event. I'm talking I didn't even know what I was going to wear until about 40 minutes prior to the race! The temps in the a.m. were supposed to be 50's, and though it was expected to warm up to high 70's by the afternoon, I wasn't sure how warm it would get in the 2+ hours I would be running. So, the bag I tossed in my car this morning contained all kinds of stuff. I had my base layers on, but shorts and capri-length running bottoms were thrown in, as well as a short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved throw away t-shirt, wind jacket, etc....you get the point. I was pretty indecisive! I hadn't pinned on my bib (duh, I didn't know what shirt I was wearing!), I had thrown in a bunch of fuel, but wasn't sure how I would carry it - depending on my garment choice. I was supposed to meet Jen in a parking lot near the finish at 6 a.m. I pulled in without 1 minute to spare, found a parking spot and sat there sipping my coffee, wondering what I was doing. I kept watching for Jen and never did see her. So, after about 30 minutes, I decided I should start getting ready.
Feet: I had to run in a different pair of orthodics, so I put those in my shoes then put inserts over top of them. I used NuSkin on the spots where I had the blister trouble 2 weeks ago. I also purchased some new, anti blister, running socks (pictured above), so I put those on.
Then - thanks to a tip from coach Steve - I purchased these blister prevention patches that you actually put on the surface of the shoe, rather than your skin. So, I put these on the spots in my shoe where I've had trouble. These things seems to work really well, as I had absolutely no trouble with blisters! So, there's my plug for Engo's Blister Prevention Patches. They were fabulous and I intend to keep using them.
Head: Nike drifit hat
Pants/Top:After much deliberation, I decided on capri length running pants and a short-sleeved dri fit shirt with my "throw away" long sleeved t-shirt over top. Those pants have a pocket in the back that allowed me to carry my cell phone, and I pinned the GU packets on the inside of my waistband.

Ok, so I was ready to head out. Still no sign of Jen, so I made my way over to Union Station and then towards the starting area. I wandered through the crowd, kinda looking for folks I knew would be out there. I headed towards the 9/10 min pace group folks, thinking that I could find Jen somewhere in there. Nope, no luck. I did, however, see several other folks I knew, including my friend Sharon (previously pictured on my blog with husband, Mike, and the dogs). Fellow DFT member, Julie, phoned to see where I was...I thought I might find them prior to the run, but I did not. We agreed to check back in after the run.

I was feeling a bit sick at my stomach. Odd - I didn't think I was nervous, but perhaps I was. Anyway, I ended up around the 10min mile pace group, and just stood there till the race started. Before I new it, I was shuffling my way to the timing chip mat with the other 2000 runners. And, the race was underway. It was weird, 'cause I just felt like I was out for a Saturday morning workout. I wasn't running with anyone I knew, but there were tons of people around. So, the first part of the course was hillier than I recall from last year. I was plugging along, just taking it nice and slow. I intended to follow the 9 min run/1 min walk system today. So, that's what I did. The only deviation from this was when I hit the hills - I walked up those, simply because that motion/angle of my foot causes a bit more friction in the shoes. I didn't want any blister trouble, since I really wanted to finish the run. So, I walked up the hills.

I was chilly and not super comfortable for the first 4-5 miles of the run. I didn't feel bad, but also wasn't great. My phone rang right around the 5 mile mark...it was my mother. I answered. She asks, "are you running?" "yup" was my response. "How are you doing?", she asked. "Well, I'm at mile 5 and I'm not feeling too badly....we'll see."

By the time I hit mile 7, I was feeling great! Who knew I needed more than an hour "warm up"? I was actually enjoying the scenery and hearing other runner's chatter about the race. It was still fairly crisp/cool out there, but starting to warm up. I continued with the 9:1 ratio until I saw that 11 mile marker. Seriously? I'm already at mile 11...that means there are just 2.1 miles to go. Oh yeah, I can finish this. I ran the rest of the way - well, except for the quick stop when a traffic officer let a bus cross in front of me - it was either stop, or run into the bus. Not good.

When I hit that final 1/2 mile, I was really able to pick up the pace and enjoyed a strong run into the finishing chute. I was surprised to note that even with the walking breaks, hill walking, and not running for 2 weeks prior to the event - I finished in 2:23. In all honesty, that's not much slower than I would've done it "prepared". So, there you have it. I was happy to be able to do it!

I wandered around, looking for people I knew - in particular, Jenny. I never did see her, which was odd. I was able to meet up with Julie and we had fun discussing rehashing the event. Eventually, Julie's husband, Dan, found us, and then another teammate, Erin, also met up with us. We chatted and watched more marathoners finish the race. It was fun to see people just flying into the finish!

After standing around for a bit, we all went to breakfast. Mmmmmm! Not only was the food yummy, but it was fun to talk about Ironman training and other stuff going on in our lives. Overall a good day!