Pre-race
General Javi (friend of Javi), Javi, me and Liz
Javi and I doing Rocky Balboa
After the race and..... AFTER the race! Spanish style!
I reached my goal. I finished the half-marathon in Madrid this past weekend, a goal I would never have set if it weren't for Javi and Liz. I wasn't sure if it was an expereince I even wanted to have (13 odd miles/ 21 odd km isn't exactly one's idea of Sunday fun) but I figured at least it would force me to get my rear in gear and run. Well, that theory worked only partially. After signing up, I didn't magically have time to run (it is usually dark my the time I get home and daylight savings time just kicked in last week) but I did manage to go once or twice per week thanks to future motivational speaker, Javi, and queen of positive thinking, Liz.
I was actually quite nervous the night before the race. I certainly wasn't in it to win, but what if I couldn't finish??? On top of it all, my ipod with my handy-dandy nike plus gadget that tells you everything you need to know about your run froze on me the night before with no apparent solution in sight. (There I was at 1:30 am cursing apple and all mac products...you know how I get when I am tired!) I CAN'T run without music!!!! Eventually I decided to load up some MP3's on my phone and carry that, which actually turned out quite well. I was able to make a few phone calls durng the race and take some pics that Paco missed due to his early morning arrival from Saturday evening and late start to the day.
It was certainly a unique experience that I enjoyed and will remember for a long time. The ambiance was amazing. Many people came out to cheer us on (Venga, animo! Ya estais!) which helped tremendously and in many cases was quite entertaining. Also, the sheer fact that I was able to run through the middle of the streets in Madrid gave me a new and interesting perspective on the city. After running for a total of 2 hours and 19 minutes, I crossed the finish coming in at number 9614 of a total 9867 runners. (I had thought that 12,000 runners were running but appartantly I was misinformed or else over 2,000 people didn't finish!) I know it isn't an impressive position, but I don't care. I did it and I finished it and I know now that I can. (and of course, I wasn't LAST!) Besides, I know I won again the title of "Fastest Female Runner from Pittston," I am quite sure of that.
And, to answer your question: NO. I am NOT going to train for a full marathon.
PS: Did I mention in the runner's gift bag there was a can of beer???
