I had to revive the blog I haven’t posted on in about 3 years to talk about this race and the prep. No, it wasn’t a bad race, but it was the most challenging half marathon I’ve ever completed, and here’s why…
So in December 2022, I was sick with what I thought was a normal cold (I know). I usually continue working out when I am sick, but this time was different. I could barely run half of a mile without stopping to walk. My chest would become tight, and I was breathing heavily. Sometimes I would vomit clear mucus after my workouts. Nope, that didn't make me stop. Well, not yet. So, fast forward to January, while I was still having these symptoms while working out, I found out from the doctor that I more than likely had COVID in December. I remember the exact child that I probably caught it from. He gave extra hugs before leaving for Winter Break.
I still continued to cross-train, but it took a while for me to accept the fact that I couldn't run at my normal pace and duration. I was sad. This was my outlet, my way to relieve stress, my way to press restart, my me-time, my self-care...and now I couldn't do it. I felt like this was something swiftly taken from me and it wasn't fair and I wasn't able to prepare. If you have something you like to do and it's the only thing that you thought no one could affect, then you'd understand why.
I continued to train as best as I could for this race because I still wanted to participate since I paid my money and I was planning to go with some run friends. They definitely made finishing bearable and they were so supportive of me.
Now onto the race recap. My first Rock 'n' Roll Race was in New Orleans. It was my first half marathon that I will never forget. I knew this experience this series provides everything from the expo to the race to the finish line was going to be great! That it was. It was so many photo opportunities and I even bought a new pair of running shoes. I've never done that before. :-)
After finally figuring out how we were going to get to the race and not have my car towed (lol), we got to the start line as soon as it was time for some corral to go off. I think we were all late for our corrals.
My plan for this race was to just walk/run. During my "training", I opted to run and count to 60 and then walk and count to 60. I made that interval thing up, I know. In the beginning, I was doing good. I actually ran for .40 mi., but it was downhill. My next strategy was to keep up with the 3:15 pacer. I did that for a while until I got bored. Then I started my own intervals back up. Towards the end of the race, I walked a lot. I think like 3 miles of walking straight.
The scenery on the route in Nashville was beautiful! My favorite part of the course was running past the record companies and the part towards the end across the bridge overlooking the river. The HILLS on this race was CRAZY hard. This was the hardest route I've ever done. Worse than Atlanta hills.
The people watching and the scenery GOT ME THROUGH. Those hills did NOT. If you think it was easy for me, maybe I made it look that way, but at one point I called my husband complaining and cursing, lol. After that, I prayed and prayed and prayed until I finished. I don't ever have to do that race again. I'd do the 5k.
Now, it is a couple of months later and I have dealt with the same long haul covid symptoms, unfortunately. I took a couple of weeks off here and there. Tried drinking green tea and other natural remedies that I remember trying when I was actually covid positive before. This week, the week of June 11th, I did a couple of run + walk Peloton workouts and I ran more than walked! I was sooo happy. When I wanted to stop, it was the "out of shape, out of breath" and not the "it feels like I'm going to have an asthma attack" feeling. I'm so happy, but I also heard the symptoms can return, so I am being careful and hopeful that things won't reverse. I have a heart doctor and allergist appointment coming up that may be able to give me some answers. I'm so thankful I've been able to do what I've been doing. Until then I am going to keep trying and keep moving. Movement is truly medicine for me.
Do you have an outlet that helps you escape and reset your mind, body, and soul?
