Call Me Overjoyed

The other day I mentioned that I was running another half marathon this weekend and how it was my nemesis, but yesterday Evan pointed out that this race was actually my white whale.  As soon as he said it I was inspired.  Thank you Evan!  You see, the race was in New Bedford which has a history deep in the whaling industry.  Herman Melville’s Moby Dick even mentions my little city, “Ishmael arrives in New Bedford on his way to Nantucket to embark on a whaling voyage.”  Even though Moby Dick is considered one of the great American novels, I’ve actually never read it.  I am however familiar with the themes of the book so I am happy to say, please do not call me Ishmael, I’ve beaten my white whale!  

I was especially nervous about today’s race because it has always beaten me.  Part of this, I believe is how familiar I am with the course.  Sometimes I think it is best not knowing what is right around the corner.  This morning I woke earlier than I really needed to and did not feel well, but it turned out it was only nerves because I feel perfectly fine now. 

The start line is just a quick 5 minute drive from home, so I waited until the last possible moment to get there.  I really did not want a repeat of yesterday’s cold waiting time.   I found my way up the corral to a spot between the 8 and 9 mile pace signs and after running with 5,000-6,000 people in the last 2 weekend 5K’s it felt like heaven to only have to battle around 2,000 runners today.  I quickly found my own space and comfortable pace.

Why am I leaning backwards?  Forward girl, forward!

Feeling really comfortable here.

Checking out pace in the last mile…I’ve got it, I’ve got!

The last 3 times I’ve run this course has always been right at or over 2 hours and my PR for a half marathon was 1:54.  I say was, because not only did I set my new New Bedford course PR, but I set an overall half marathon PR today too!  I am so thrilled.  I really can’t wipe the smile off my face.  Funny thing is, my goal for this year is to run a 1:50 half marathon and even though I was just off this goal, it does not bother me.  It can not take away the success I experienced today.  What today does is shows me the 1:50 goal is attainable and I can not wait until Saturday’s National Half in DC to try it again!

• Mile 1       8:06
• Mile 2       8:17
• Mile 3       8:26 (start of biggie hill)
• Mile 4       8:29 (recovery from biggie hill)
• Mile 5       8:12
• Mile 6       8:12
• Mile 7       8:20
• Mile 8       8:35
• Mile 9       8:30
• Mile 10    8:30
• Mile 11    8:30
• Mile 12    8:36
• Mile 13    8:51
• Mile .19   7:45

13.19 miles in 1:51:07 at 8:25 pace  New Half Marathon PR!!!

I’m Listening:  Do you have a white whale you are trying to overcome?

Closing Thought:  “But what’s this long face about, Mr. Starbuck; wilt thou not chase the white whale? Art not game for Moby Dick?” -Herman Melville