It has been a long time coming, but finally this morning, I cracked the HM distance and ran my first ever Half Marathon! This has been something on my bucket list for the last few years, but whenever I get within reach of it (it seemed to always be once I reached 16k 🤔), something would happen - a car accident in December 2014 that laid me up for a while and put me in a deep dark funk; a friend going through some tough times who was trying to take back control of her life in 2015 so a group of us all signed up with her to walk a full marathon (which helped to get me out of my funk and showed me what I was capable of but I quickly learned power walking and running uses your muscles differently so running went on the back burner); severe tail bone pain resulting in the diagnosis of a mass in my uterus in the fall of 2015 requiring major abdominal surgery in early 2016 and a long slow recovery process (but it brought me to C25k and these forums! Yay!); a nasty fall on the ice in January of last year and a ruptured hemorrhagic ovarian cyst in January of this year, both laid me up for a while especially combined with ugly Canadian Prairie winters making it challenging to get outside to run at all. It felt like I was destined to not reach this distance ever but I committed to my local 20k trail race this fall and I was bound and determined to reach the HM distance this Spring so I could focus on hill training without having to worry about "Can I even run the distance on the flat?!?". This last week I've been on call and have been working non-stop with some high stress cases so running has been put on the back burner again while I just tried to get through the week and try to force some food down my throat (I wish I was a stress eater, but nope, I can't eat when my stress gets too high so it is small little bland snacks for me and fast food whenever I was able to finally get a meal- not great running fuel!). I didn't get much sleep all week but especially last night with a sick kiddo who needed some tending to. I woke up this morning too early and too tired but knew this was the day I had to run it. So a couple cups of coffee in the belly, a bagel for breakfast, drop kiddo off at school and head to the pathway.
I've been planning this run for a long time (years, if fact) so I knew if I ran the entire pathway with a little loop at the exhibition grounds and repeated the loop on the way back, I would be about 16k when I got back to the beginning. All I had to do was then run the loop I used to do for my 5kish runs and Voila! HM achieved. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it 😁? Gear on, running vest bottles filled with Tailwind (bumped up to about 3 1/2 scoops per litre of water), a little baggie of Dare real fruit gummies, a little bag of Cadbury chocolate mini eggs that I had squirrelled away from my family over Easter and a Sweet and Salty granola bar just in case stashed in the vest with some Kleenex (my allergies are in full force!) and off I went.
I was very careful to keep things nice and relaxed at the start. My predicted pace for my plan was around 7:11min per km so I tried to stick fairly close to that but really I wasn't obsessing over my watch, instead running on how my body felt and how easy was my breathing, running this as I would any other long training run. I met many walkers, and dog walkers today and lots of lovely birds hanging out beside and in the creek, many in cute little breeding pairs 🦆💕🦆. I felt quite good for most of the run, even attempting to drink from the bottles in the front of my vest while running 😳. It worked fairly well, but by 8k I was at my turnaround point so I stopped and ate a gummy as I turned around. These ones were quite large but very soft so quite easy to eat. I ate a couple more at 2-3k intervals, but then decided to just focus on the Tailwind unless I felt I was starting to flag a bit. At 16 1/2k I was able to go back to the car, take a large drink of water and wet down my buff to wipe my salty face. It was quite refreshing, but this is my old buff and it was fairly stretched out so getting it back on my head, it was a bit loose. I ran the last 5k quite strong and other than staring at my watch doing way too much mental math while trying to figure out how different the GPS from Garmin was going to be from my Runkeeper so where should I turn around to still have a little bit of time to walk post run without having too far to walk, I finished strong - Runkeeper 21.16k (I wanted to ensure I did the full distance and didn't cheat); Garmin 21.84 km. Yippee! No cheating! HM ran and I didn't even need the granola bars or Cadbury eggs. I guess I'll save them a treat for later.
I didn't run it as fast as I had hoped for my first attempt at it, but given I was just running on my own and have had quite a few missed runs lately, I just wanted to finish strong which I did. What now? A couple weeks of a few easy runs then on to my next HM plan to prepare for my trail race. If this plan doesn't have intervals and hills in it, I'll modify it to incorporate some in. I've had a lot of just straight runs and I am really looking forward to changing things up a bit this next go around plus getting back to my trails!!!! Can't wait! The ticks are out full force now, but that isn't going to stop me! I've got my new insecticide-impregated buff and will be using lots of bug spray and close body inspection at regular intervals on the runs and afterwards. It is time to get off-road!
I am so glad to finally have reached this milestone!!!
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Half Marathon
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Thanks David. It has been a long time coming and the gremlins were trying to creep in this morning, but I managed to push them away and keep them away. Phew!
You really earned this one with all the setbacks you faced so you should be proud!
Training is going well. Trying to get hills in. Was supposed to join another 20k trail orientation for a friends race, but it was cancelled due to the rain we’ve been having this last week.
Best of luck with your next training plan. You’ll be great. You have the distance in the bag now!
It's too bad you weren't able to run the orientation. It sounds like parts of Ontario and Quebec have been absolutely nailed with rain and flooding. Meanwhile we're in a drought again. There is 10-15 cm of snow in our forecast for the next 24-48 hours and the farmers are happy. At this point they'll take any precipitation. I keep hoping that we stay above zero so we can have a nice Spring downpour, but they are talking of -11 over night, so we'll probably wake up to a blanket of snow again 😢
So sick of it. We had had some nice weather lately too, but on our way out of town today you could still see a few snow drifts up against the tree lines. My husband was joking about taking the snowmobiles out tomorrow if we get the snow they’re calling for. I don’t think he was kidding. So far we’re still above zero and raining so far but it sounds like the system coming in has nailed Alberta pretty good today😭
Wow! What a journey to HM - I bet it tasted all the sweeter because of everything that life has thrown at you. Incredibly inspiring to read of you repeatedly just getting back out there and putting the miles in! Well done and enjoy those trails!😀👍
Thanks Sandra. There have been a lot of setbacks over the years (I really wish I had a more boring life 😂) but I have found that I am so much happier when I run and I handle stressors better so I just keep getting back at it. I thank the C25k program and these forums for that though. My first foray into running was with a running partner (the one we did the walking marathon with) but she decided she didn't actually enjoy running that much so she quit. I was really struggling with getting out there on my own and picking it back up where I left off after my surgery. C25k gently eased my recovering body back into it and reminded me how much I enjoyed it and how good I feel when I run. And then when I found these forums! That was an even bigger game changer! It was like I had my own huge international running group full of friendly runners of all different abilities. I have no local running groups, so this has helped to pull me through some of the tough times and has helped me to lace up the trainers again and just get out there. There is always a post that just resonates with you when you need it most, I find, especially being part of all the different running groups on here.
I agree, there is something to take from all 3 running forums. Like you, running has helped me handle the ups and downs of this life so much better - I am a happier person when I can run! Injuries and illness only ever 'interrupt' my running - I will always get beck to it, as long as I am able to. Take care.🙂
Thanks ar! I'm enjoying a nice cup of coffee with my feet up waiting for hubby to get home from work. Then we're off to the lake to do some work on our houseboat before we can think of launching it in the next month. I really hope whatever he needs help with doesn't involve me crouching or moving fast ... because neither are likely to happen easily tonight 😳😂
Fantastic achievement Saskie. You've broken the psychological barrier of a disaster happening to stop you in your tracks. You did it when tired and not well nourished too. I don't like the sound of tick patrol - you are very brave.
Now, do take it easy for the weekend and enjoy the achievement. I think those mini eggs will survive until your trail race !
Thanks Paula. I was really starting to think I wasn't meant to run more than 16k. I was glad when this plan skipped 16k and went straight to 17 😆. That gave me hope (I might be a bit superstitious).
I am looking forward to the trails but really hate ticks as well. A couple weeks ago one of our techs pulled a tick off a dog that looked different. They sent it away and it was a species that can carry Lyme disease (we haven't heard if it was positive yet). We don't normally have that species here, but I think I'll put a little sealed container in my hydration vest. If I find any on me that are different looking, they'll be getting sent away! Of course, that means I have to be calm and not scream and chuck the tick as far as I can like I've done in the past 😂. We'll see if I remember my plan when I get one on me. There were only 2 episodes last year, but I try to avoid the uncut trails as much as possible and my trail running partner knows I stop after any questionable areas and do a thorough check before I'll carry on 🙄. The trail cutting weekend isn't until early July. I'm hoping after all the runners on them last year, their still fairly packed down though.
It'll be a weekend of working on the boat at the lake tonight, driving to and watching my son play badminton tomorrow out of town, but hopefully a quiet Sunday watching movies (they're calling for snow again 😭). Those mini eggs might not survive past that! I'll need some comfort food!
You are truly inspirational! Well done a huge achievement! You stuck with your dream and got there. You had some pretty heavy obstacles to overcome and that just makes you awesome. Congratulations. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
I had to re read the bit where you said that you went back to the car to take a large drink of water and then you set off again. That’s true determination. I obviously don’t have as much will power as you, I can’t loop past my house without giving up and going inside.
I normally would avoid the car as well, but my face was getting pretty crusty with the salt from the sweat and I just wanted a clear drink of water, not Tailwind. I'll have to start running with the bladder in my vest and get used to that. I like having both water and a Tailwind with me, especially once it gets hot. I was a little worried knowing the car was at the 16k mark, which seems to be my nemesis, but I've ran two 17k runs now, so was hoping that was a strong enough pull to keep going. I really didn't want this distance hanging over my head when I train for the trail race. It has some serious elevation change which is challenging enough. At least now I know I can run the distance, just have to hit lots and lots of hills now 💪 (and build up the distance with the hills). Yay! Time to get back to what I really like now! Off road running/power hiking!
Wow. Fantastic. What an achievement, and all the sweeter for the hurdles you've had to jump to get to this distance. You are one determined runner and should feel very, very proud and satisfied right now.
Thanks Jan 😊. I’m tickled pink; I can’t believe I finally did it, but then I get up or go to walk down the stairs and I’m reminded that yup, it’s true 😆.
The last few years have had it’s challenges but I’m glad I have found something so therapeutic to help work through them and such a lovely running family to share my running journey with here.
I'm surprised I'm not more sore today. I was able to get out of bed quite easily 😆 given how stiff I was getting last night. I'll be spending the day sitting in a school gym watching my son play badminton all day today so hopefully I don't stiffen up too much.
Congratulations on your HM!🎉 You’ve gone through so much to get there. It must feel awesome. It sounds like you were absolutely determined to do it today. You kicked those gremlin’s butts! Enjoy your weekend. You deserve those mini eggs!
Thanks Lavender. I wasn’t feeling super pumped about it when I left the house but as I got going, it sure felt good. After missing pretty much all of the Easter break with my family due to work, I am looking forward to spending some time with my boys this weekend!
Wow Sask, I had no idea you have had such a tough few years. Fabulous job and (as usual) brilliant post. I am really pleased for you👍🏃🏾♀️🥂
That is an heroic effort SA, not just completing the amazing run, but also overcoming everything you have face to get to this point. You are one tough runner!! We visit Canada (Ontario) most years to see our daughter, spending most of the time living out of cabins on the edge of lakes surrounded by forest. Canoes are the preferred mode of transport. The thing which stands out in my mind as an obstacle to running (ignoring the bears of course) is the number of bugs out there ready to feast on you....I guess you have learned how to manage it by now....maybe they pick out tourists as easy targets! Enough.....so glad you made it; enjoy and celebrate properly is the challenge for the next week at least 😊🥇👊👊👊👊
It sounds so pretty where you visit your daughter. Ontario is full of gorgeous lakes, from my understanding. The bugs are definitely out now! It was quite cool when I started my run so they weren't bad, but I was running through little clouds of no-see-ums by the end. I'd be swatting at the air and closing my mouth to not feast on the little buggers 🤢. The Mosquitos don't seem too bad yet, but we've been so dry this spring so far. The bugs sure like feasting on me, as well. I hope my insecticide-infused buff works well this summer. I read somewhere years ago that biting insects are attracted to people with Type O blood. It runs true in my family 😩.
I'm already thinking about when I'm going to run next but will be taking things easy. My HM plan has 2 more weeks post event, with 2 slow 5k runs and 2 slow 10k runs. We'll see how I feel but I may just go for a walk tomorrow instead.
👏👏👏👏 Yay! Well done, Sask! I am so so pleased for you. Beautifully run. You are one strong, capable, determined lady and I really admire you. Happy running to you.
Hiya Saska, I lurk on this forum and admire all who are on here and love reading of everyone’s achievements, seeing your post tonight as I’m about to go “nye nyes” has made me so happy. You are amazing and many congratulations, such a thoroughly deserved HM. You are so generous with your encouragement and praise of others on the HU sister sites, so fantastic that we get to say to you well done. Lovely! 👊🏻
Wow, wow, WOW!!!! You are one tough cookie! And I don't mean that lightly.... Everything you've been through, this is just amazing and utterly wonderful for you!! Very well done Sask you are an awesome, inspiring woman. I am no way near your calibre of running, but I often think of you when I'm out pounding (literally) the grey and dismal streets in the UK. You are a running superstar - what next?!! xxx
Thanks Fishy 😊. I have a couple trail races coming up this summer and fall (a 12.5k and a 20k) so the next plan is to hit the trails and climb some hills 💪😅
Wow Sask, what a journey you have had. Congratulations on finally nailing it 👏👏👏 Thank you also for the tips on damping your buffs down, that will be very useful if our summer arrives 👍 Good luck with those annoying ticks x
Thanks Tailchaser. The wet buff is amazing in the heat of summer. I usually run all summer with a brimmed running hat but will put my wet buff around my neck. It is so refreshing. When I run around the campground, I’ll stop often to re-soak my buff and get that cool water on my neck.
They sure are! I’m quite excited to try the one I ordered last month - UV protection and has insecticide right in it to repel biting insects. It is supposed to last for 70 washes.
Really enjoyed your story. Many congratulations on overcoming all your setbacks. You must be so delighted!! Well done and good luck with the trail run 👍🏻🏃🏽♀️😊
Well done, you've made it! Did you afterwards get to the point of emotional distress where you take candies off random confused children and tell complete strangers all about the race in high pitched inarticulate voice, gesturing wildly? I did.
I have a couple of trail races this summer - a 12.5k one and a 20k one. So that means lots of trail running and hills over the next 4 1/2 months. Yay! I can't wait to get off road again. The 12.5k race is a new race; they have a 12.5, 25, and 50k race. There is no information about it other than where it is so I’ll be going into that one blind and it is too far away to scope out ahead of time. It’ll be nice to have a shorter term goal before my 20k in September (which is local).
Absolutely brilliant Sask! I really enjoyed that write-up. So pleased for you. Didn't realise you had all that in the background, just proving how much determination you have. 😘
Thanks Annie. I was looking forward to a nice walk or easy jog today followed by some easy trail running next week, but woke up to a blizzard 😢. Oh well, we’ll be back to Spring within the next week, I hope.
Congratulations SaskAlliecat. Half marathon is fantastic and you so deserve it after everything you go through to get there, compared to us in the UK with our more temperate climate.
I did have the privilege of meeting bugs on my first twilight run, my calves are covered in mossie bites. They bit through leggings too.
Nasty little buggers! I'm always amazed how they can get you through your clothes 😡 but I guess it is a sign of nicer weather. I'm ready to complain about bugs and heat instead of ice, snow and cold 😂
Wow what a journey you have had. Admiration for your determination before even noticing the HM itself ... so double admiration. Well done and good luck on the upcoming trail run. 👍👍
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- what next?!! xxx 
Still working towards HM distance.......
HM Training... oh and Tracking Running Shoes
Garmin HM plan
Can I get back to HM in four months?
First run at HM distance!
