If you missed the recap, it’s posted here.

Thanks for all the awesome comments in yesterday’s post! It is so fun to have a blog and get to know people who were excited for how I did. I love connecting with readers.

About the Garmin:

I mentioned in the recap post that my Garmin was way off and said I ran almost 15 miles in a sanctioned half marathon. I went back to Luke’s Locker where I bought it a few months ago, and they said I need to callibrate it to my movement. I think it’s only for Garmins with the foot pod, not ones on satellite. They said I should go to a track and run 800 meters and then you can match the Garmin distance to the actual distance, and then it memorizes your rhythm. Or something like that.

Basically, that is really annoying that I didn’t know it when I bought it. I talked to the salesperson for about 45 minutes choosing devices, and you’d think they would say “remember to callibrate or it’s not accurate!” It means that all of the miles I ran weren’t accurate. It also means what I thought my longest distance of 10 miles was probably about 9. So I ran 4 more than I have run on race day. That’s impressive! And probably why I am in so much pain. And not to mention I am so much slower than I thought I was!

Oh well, now I know. Moving along.

Day 2 post run:

I am so sore! I am waddling when I walk, and stairs are killer. I would like to do a yoga class, but my feet are useless. Hopefully it gets better soon!

Thoughts after the race:

On Sunday, I ran my first half marathon, the longest distance by far that I have ever run. Here’s what I’ve been thinking about since the race:

1. I am a runner. Running is hard on my body, it doesn’t come easy, I’m slow and sometimes 2 miles feels long. I don’t run more than 3 days per week at most. But I think 13.1 makes me a real runner. I loved the people yelling “Go runner!” That is a great thing for a spectator to yell. And if 13.1 is worthy of a bumper sticker, it must be a real accomplishment! Not to mention I can do one leg of a half Ironman! If only I could learn to ride a bike…

2. A three week taper was a little long. I planned to run my longest distance three weeks out, and then hopefully a middle range run about 10 days before the race. The middle run (7-8 miles I hoped) didn’t happen because my left leg was hurting and I did a lot of yoga, stretching, etc. I still stayed active with CrossFit and cross training, but not a longer run. It made me a little more nervous to start the race after a long time off.

3. Spectators and family really make the race more fun. And takes your mind of of mileage and pain. It was so fun to read the signs, hear people cheering, and people watch. Running a race is so much more fun than running alone.

(read the signs: “Way to be the best at exercising” and “I hope you win.”)

4. Not to be cliche, but you can do it. As I said before, I’m not a born runner. I never ever ran until age 20. And then I only ran up to 3 or 4 miles until about a year ago. If you really want anything, you can train for it and do it.  I developed a training plan, became knowledgeable of gear, shoes, stretching, etc. and I did it! Running any distance is an accomplishment, but it feels awesome to put so much effort into it and do it.

5. Have different kinds of goals. I had one goal to finish (did that!), one to finish under 2:30 (maybe next time!), and others to have fun, drink enough water, eat Shot Bloks, listen to my body, and enjoy the moment. It helps to have multiple goals so you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

I also have non-running goals like do more yoga, get stronger with CrossFit, and this month I’m doing a CrossFit challenge to do ladder pushups and situps. So your number matches the day of the month for 50 days. Like today I have to do 7 of each, tomorrow 8, etc.

6. There is nothing like taking a risk and completing it. I honestly didn’t know until about Mile 5 how this race would go. From June when I signed up until Mile 5 of the race, I really thought it was questionable about how I would do and if I would finish or walk a lot. That’s six months! Trust your training, push your body, and it’s yours.

What lessons do you take away after a big accomplishment?