Divas Half Marathon Race Recap

April 30, 2013

Fuzzy pink boas. Tiaras. Tu-tus. Shirtless men with abs of steel. Red roses. Bubbly champagne. Sparkle.

These are none of the words I would typically use to describe a race. But they are all words to describe my trip to Myrtle Beach this past weekend. I officially became a diva – albeit an unladylike one and only in the sense that I crossed the finish line at the Divas Half Marathon on Sunday.

I had big goals going into this race. My “A” goal was to run a 1:45 (1:45:59 counts), my “B” goal was to run a PR (faster than my current best time of 1:48:05) and my “C” goal was to just finish under 2 hours. (I always suggest having an A, B and C goal, especially since you can’t always control the weather, crowds or other conditions and may need to readjust mid-race. Know what your “this-would-make-me-over-the-moon-happy” stretch goal is, what you would be pleased with and what you want to do based on the worst case scenario – minus injury or something very serious happening, of course.)

I felt ready going into this race. My speed work and long runs have been stronger than they’ve ever been. I didn’t follow my training plan as closely as I could or should have, but I felt confident and ready. I tried to do all the right things within my control during race week. I had a nagging little voice in my head that was encouraging me to doubt myself, but I continued to push it out of my mind and visualize my personal victory.

The race didn’t exactly result in the run I was hoping or planning for, but it was a victory. I didn’t achieve my A goal, but I did manage a personal best time by 27 seconds.

Here’s how it all went down …

I made the 6-hour drive from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday. I’ve never gone to a race alone before, but I would soon find out I was far from being alone.

Welcome to South Carolina! This was my first race in this state, although much of the Ironman 70.3 Augusta was in South Carolina.
View from my hotel room … beautiful!

On Saturday, I went for an easy stroll on the beach to loosen up my legs.

I then went to the race expo. While lovely and easy to navigate, it was a zoo. I spent about 15 minutes there before fleeing to safety from the massive crowds of women in pink looking to buy sparkly, blinged out, princessy running things. I mean that in the most loving way. I promise.

Crowds at the Divas Half Marathon expo
Here were the goodies we received at the expo. I love that we got a koozie! The shirts were all too small for everyone, but they were cute.

Next was one of the highlights of my weekend. I met some fellow running bloggers and Twitter friends for lunch, including Kat (@katsnf) from Sneakers and Finger Paints, Monica (@runbangrun) from Run Like Hell, Melanie (@knittnerd) from Knittnerd’s Journey and Christina (@seehowwell ), along with 2 of their friends. Although Kat and I have met in real life once and I know Christina from Atlanta, it was so fun getting to know Monica and Melanie in person. It was even more fun getting to congratulate Monica and Christina for their huge PRs this weekend too!

Pre-race lunch with new friends
From left to right: Monica, me, Kat and Melanie (check out their blogs!)

Meeting these incredible women was another reminder of how amazing the running community is. There we were – 7 women who were from different states, with different jobs, who run different paces and probably would never have met if it weren’t for running. Our differences don’t matter in the slightest. We are united by running and by the joy, hard work, heartbreak and empowerment it brings to us in all its forms. And just like that my passion grew even more in that moment.

After lunch, I spent most of the rest of the day relaxing. I finished downloading my race day playlist, did some reading and ate a pre-race meal consisting of grilled chicken, a salty baked potato, rice, bread and a small side salad with non-fibrous veggies.

The next thing I knew, it was race morning. My alarm went off at 4:15 a.m. so I could eat a Clif Bar and banana before going back to sleep for another hour (I like to eat about 2.5 to 3 hours before a race to ensure everything is digested properly. There’s nothing more stressful than starting a race when you haven’t yet pooped. You know you agree.) I went through my race morning ritual, but added some extra inspiration for the race by writing the word “Boston” down my left arm and the initials “KM” for Kristin McQueen on my hand. My race was for them.

Since my hotel was just 1.7 miles from the race start, I walked part of the way and then used the rest of the distance to do a pre-race warm-up jog, followed by some dynamic stretching. I just discovered the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and played that in my ear buds before the race. During the chorus of the song, she chants over and over: “Be brave. Be brave.” I was trying to be.

The start line

With just 10 minutes to spare before the race start, I randomly found Kat and her friend Kristen, which was nice to have friends to be with as the nerves started to set in.

And then we were off!

I saw an 8-minute/mile pace group and decided that I would try to hang just behind them (my goal pace was 8:05). My first mile was 8:04, but the next miles were 7:52 and 7:55. I quickly realized that running with them was going to be faster than I needed to be going, and I wanted to try to remain consistent so I didn’t peter out at the end (I’m famous for positive splits, despite my advice to all of you).

Things did not go the way I planned them in my head.

By mile 4, I was feeling like crap … already wishing the race was just a 10K. It was 61 degrees at the start with 95 percent humidity. After training in cool temperatures with low humidity for the past few months (weather I excel in), I had certainly underestimated the humidity and how it would make me feel. I gradually started to slow …

8:07, 8:15, 8:12

I crossed the 6-mile mark in the 48-minute range. And the next 4 miles were torture. I felt like I had no energy. I ate a Honey Stinger gel at mile 4.5 and took a salt pill before the 6-mile mark. My legs started feeling like lead.

In my head I was thinking 3 things:

  1. “This is easier than brain surgery.” Kristin McQueen would love for the only pain she experiences to be this.
  2. The 8-year-old boy who died in Boston and his parents. This race fatigue and pain pales in comparison to what that family is going through and all the families who were affected by the bombing.
  3. I have the power to reach my goals or give up. I get to decide if I’m going to let how I feel now affect what I want most. Keep going. Keep pushing. Make your move. You have the power to choose. Make the right choice.

8:17, 8:22, 8:34, 8:23. Ugh.

At mile 10, I told myself what I always tell myself at mile 10: Only a 5K to go. I can keep doing this for less than 30 more minutes. If I want to at least reach my B goal, I’ve got to kick it up a notch. Choose what you want most. Somehow I managed to do that.

8:15, 8:12, 8:12, 6:45 last 0.1

Official race time: 1:47:38 for 13.1 miles (8:13 pace) – a PR by 27 seconds! I was 88th overall and 17th in my age group.

Garmin time: 1.47:40 for 13.15 miles (8:11 pace)

I ran as fast as my legs would possibly allow me at the very end. I knew I had the choice to capture a PR or let it slip away. Nothing about this race was easy for me. I wanted to quit pretty much the entire time after mile 4. I kept trying to visualize the finish. Getting my medal. Calling my husband. Writing this post. What did I want that story to be?

I know it doesn’t seem right to run a PR and still feel a little unhappy. I firmly believe that any day when you run your best time is a great day. But I was reflecting on the fact that I know it could have been so much better. I know I have those additional 2 minutes in me. And I will prove that. I will choose.

After crossing the finish line, a person on the medical staff asked me if I was ok. (That’s how bad I must have looked.) I said yes and then sat down on a curb and peed in my pants. Ha! Yes, I really did. But I made sure to position myself in such a way that it wouldn’t get on my legs or shoes (and so no one would notice). It’s what I call a Pee-R *wink*

The post race experience was great. Hunky shirtless guys gave us our medals, and we received roses and champagne as we made our way through the finisher’s chute.

When I went to get up, my feet were hurting so bad. My arches and the soft tissue above them were on fire. Additionally, the pain in the outer part of my left foot returned with a vengeance – the same place where I feared I had a stress fracture back in March. I’m not sure what is going on with that, but I know it is not normal. I’m spending the next week in Colorado for vacation and while I will be active, I am not going to run. I am hoping it will subside and will see a podiatrist when I get back.

All in all, it was a good day. A hard day, but a good one. Every single time I race, I learn a little bit more about running and about myself. Thank you so much to all of you for your words of encouragement and support during the last few months. You kept me going too.

Have you run any of the races in the Divas Half Marathon Series? If so, what did you think? Have you ever run your best time but still felt a sense of disappointment knowing you could do more?

Comments

Sarah @RunFarGirl

Way to push through Jes! That self talk in the race is so key. It is so hard to start a race and feel so prepared and then not do as well as you feel prepared to do. Weather is always that tricky factor. You did great! Congrats on the PR. It’s still a PR no matter how little or how much!

rUnladylike

Thanks so much Sarah!

Maria

I think you did great. It’s tough to push yourself through a race when you start having issues early on, like an upset stomach, feeling tired, or a muscle just waiting to cramp. You’ll make your PR one day. Sometimes hitting a PR is like finding love. You get it when you aren’t looking for it. I’ve had 2 PR’s like that. I started the races just wanting to finish happy and ended up with PR’s.

I have done a Diva Half Marathon before. It was in Puerto Rico. I did like that race. I liked it enough to sign up for the Women Rock Marathon in Minnesota. This is another race that starts and ends with girls in mind. It’s kind of silly, but it’s fun. And, there’s something about a hot guy giving you a medal that you just can’t help smiling about. Check it out. They have a half and a 10K as well.
http://www.womenrockmn.org/information/

rUnladylike

Thanks so much, Maria. Puerto Rico sounds awesome. Glad you liked it. I’m excited to check out the Women Rock series. Thanks so much for sharing!

Rebecca@Running.Food.Baby.

Although you didn’t PB/PR – you will one day, it will happen 🙂 I keep telling myself that as I haven’t PB’d in awhile 😉

I like those pretty pink medals!

Hope your feet are ok!

rUnladylike

Thanks for the extra encouragement Rebecca. It means a lot. We will both get there this year!

Megan

Way to push through it, Jes! Your statement, “I know it doesn’t seem right to run a PR and still feel a little unhappy” is EXACTLY what I’m feeling coming off DC weekend. My race recap goes up tomorrow so you can read what happened with me too, but I share the sentiment. Congrats on pushing through and really earning that time. Hope your feet feel better today!

rUnladylike

Congrats on your race Megan. Sorry to hear that it wasn’t exactly what you had planned but I am excited to read your race recap and proud of your finish! xo

Britton

Congrats on your PR girl!! It was a tough race for me too! I was 7 minutes off from my PR. I think the weather really got the best of me. I felt steamin hot from about mile 3 on! The course had a few pretty good hills too! I had to do a little self talk myself to keep motivated. The shirtless men and champagne were definitely worth it though!!! I hate I didn’t get to meet you or the other bloggers! Maybe next time!! 🙂

rUnladylike

Thank you Britton. Wish we could have met too. Congrats on your finish. It was a tough day but we both persevered. That is all we can ever ask of ourselves. Hope to see you next time!

Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom

Being a diva, I would LOVE to run a race in the Diva Series! I’m not sure there’s one near me, and I wish that when I lived in the Dyrtle (Dirty Myrtle), I was a runner and could have participated! I have only run one half marathon, but when I saw my time, I knew I could have run faster. I think I was slower because it was the Disney Princess Half and there were a ton of people and I stopped for characters, but I’m hoping to be able to beat that time next year!

Beth@ReadHardRunHarder

Way to go! Like I said in my Tweet…a PR in humidity like that is totally awesome-sauce. Trust me, I live in Alabama; I know humidity. I totally agree with the poop-before-the-race stress. I get really worked up about getting in a good one before the race. If you don’t PRP (pre-race poop) you can’t PR!

rUnladylike

Thanks again Beth! And your comment made me laugh out loud. Very true. Glad I’m not the only unladylike gal 🙂

Beth

Congrats on your PR! I’m sorry it wasn’t exactly what you wanted but we know how these things go. I hope your feetsies are feeling better soon.

rUnladylike

Thanks so much Beth! Next time you need to race with us 🙂

beka

Way to go on the PR! You definitely ran the best you could that day – and I literally LOL’d when I read you Pee-R’d.
I hope it’s nothing serious with your feet. Do you wear orthotics or have high arches?

rUnladylike

Thanks Beka! I have custom orthotics but don’t wear them anymore, as they should — in theory — be worn temporarily. Perhaps it is time to give them another try. Don’t think I have high arches. This foot issue has never happened before Feburary so it is really odd. Going to see the doc again and try some acupuncture. I know people that had some pain in their feet and it went away after acupuncture. I’m not one for alternative medicine usually, but willing to give it a try in the name of running :).

Kristen

Congrats again on your PR and it was soo awesome to meet you!!! I enjoyed our goofy convo on the walk back to your hotel lol i did pick up some good tips 😉 I hope your feet are feeling better, awful ice baths for me the next few days in hopes that will help with my foot pain.. Enjoy ur vacation and hopefully I will get to see you again soon!!

rUnladylike

It was awesome to meet you Kristen! I can’t wait for my next trip to Tampa so we can all get together for a run and some drinks 🙂 I hope your foot feels better too. We are a mess.

melanie

Hi Jes!! I was sooo happy get to meet you!! You ran by like a flash!! All I heard was “Hi Melanie” and it took me a sec to realize it was you that just flashed past me! Congratulations on your PR! You are speedy and a great inspirtation!

rUnladylike

I am SO glad I got to meet you and learn more about what an interesting life you have. I can’t wait to learn even more. Please let me know when you are in Atlanta so we can get together. Hopefully my travels will take me up to NC too. Thanks for volunteering during the race and for your kind words and encouragement. xoxo

Christina

OK, on a day when a storm the likes of which made people upstate want to call Noah and start gathering animals in pairs was happening and the coast got the resulting humidity, it isn’t any wonder than running an 8:05 pace was a little challenging. You showed what you are made of by not only continuing on but triumphing over the less than perfect conditions to find those 27 seconds you didn’t have before. And what is 2 minutes amortized over 13.1 miles anyway? I’ll tell you – a VERY reachable goal.

In other news – I didn’t GET a koozie. 🙁 Boo hiss.

rUnladylike

Thank you so much Christina! You are always so encouraging and I appreciate your support. I’m so glad I got to see you before the race, and I am so excited for you massive PR!!!! Lets get together in ATL soon and I’ll let you borrow my koozie over lunch 🙂

Christina

Thats a deal! DM me and we’ll set it up!

Christina @TheTinyRunner

You did awesome! Congrats on the PR- that is an awesome time! This weekend I ran a 1:54 which is my best for a half but my goal was a 1:50… I had to stop to go to the bathroom- it was kind of disappointing!

rUnladylike

Thank you Christina. Congrats on YOUR PR! Super excited for you, although it sounds like we both had bigger goals than what we ran. We will both get it next time! Congrats again. Very happy for you.

Nicole

I have definitely run a PR and felt disappointed! Last Oct I ran the LB half with intentions of breaking 1:50 and ended up with a 20 second PR instead. I was not happy at all! But it happens to us all. Sounds like you had a fun race and learned more about yourself and that’s all that matters. And CONGRATS on the PR 🙂

rUnladylike

Thank you so much Nicole! And thanks for sharing your story. It helps to know we are not alone 🙂

Debbie @ Live from La Quinta

Nice job, Jesica! A PR is a great result. The thing about racing is that it is hard. You don’t feel good. You push yourself to your limits, but you keep on going. That’s what you did. Be proud.

rUnladylike

Thank you so much Debbie! I hope your race went well!!!

Kristen L

I have the same pre-race morning routine of eating early and going back to sleep for a while. Haha. I sometimes get picked on for it, but I think it really helps! Way to push through the tough run and finish strong. You’ll make that A goal on the next one!

Mary Rose

This was a great motivator for me and a perfect example of how a PR can come from even the rockiest starts of a race. Way to go!

rUnladylike

Thank you so much!

Colleen @ Live Free And Run

Way to push it. I had a similar experience this weekend at Nike Women’s Half in Dc. Goal time was a 1:45 but with being diagnosed with strep throat that week and a m. sartorius strain in my quad…..I gustered all I had to finish sub 2:00. Not anywhere near my goal time or what I knew I could run, but it was still one of my proudest finish line moments BECAUSE of the struggle instead of in spite of it! XOXO

Congrats again on the race!

kelseygodfrey

Way to set a PR!! I’m sorry you had to go to the race alone…that’s something I’m used to! I think it is awesome that you enjoyed the time and got to meet some fellow blogging friends! Again, congrats on a great PR and looks like you had a great time!

rUnladylike

Thank you Kelsey! Really appreciate it!

Heather @ farmgirlgonechicagoan

The race looks like it was so much fun! I had the Nashville Half Marathon that same weekend. I thought I made 1:45 but then a couple days later I realized they added 35 seconds onto everyone’s time 🙁 still a PR but I hear ya on that 1:45! Congrats!

rUnladylike

Congrats on your race Heather! We are both so close! We will get that 1:45 next time! Great job!

Melissa

Congratulations on your PR! My friend ran this race as her first half marathon ever and raved about how much fun she had — so much so that I am on the hunt for one nearby to enter, myself! 🙂

rUnladylike

I hope you enjoy the race! It is a fun series and they have lots of different locations. I’d love to do another one 🙂

Melanie

Congrats on your PR! I ran that race also, the 5k, as my first race and I agree it was hot a d humid! Next year I am doi g it and running the half!

Kathy@26point2south

I know this is an old post but I’m think of doing this race this year. Very nice post…I like the honesty…you made me laugh

rUnladylike

I really enjoyed it, Kathy. Please let me know if you have any questions I can help answer about it 🙂 Best of luck with your training.