A frustrating half marathon

[C3PO]

The weather is pretty awful here these days, but I need to get that marathon training in. I'm also doing a virtual challenge for a running organization I'm a member of, and need to do a half before the end of the year.

So yesterday I got out in the afternoon and ran to the city center and did the middle section of my Christmas marathon. I did a good job of staying relaxed and running fairly slowly, especially as I was a bit nervous about whether it was slippery or not. It wasn't too bad, but I was pretty careful. We're at that difficult time of year where it's a bit slippery, but not enough that spikes would work (I think). It went really well, and I could see progress compared with the last time I had run that route, several months ago. I ran up several hills that been difficult for me before. I noticed that I hit the halfway mark at a good time. When I hit the big 4 k hill up towards my neighborhood, I walked a bit, as planned. So far so good. It was dark by now, and I actually took a few photos.

I kept doing the math in my head, trying to make sure that I managed to do the whole distance. Then, when I was about 2 k from home, I checked my watch and discovered that my app had stopped tracking the run some point before. I was so frustrated I wanted to cry. At least it had saved the workout, and I could see that it had stopped at 17 k. I started a new workout, but lost all of my running mojo. Plus now I didn't know just how I was doing in terms of my half marathon goal. It was all mental, my legs were fine

By the time I got close to my house, I decided to add an extra km to my run, and ran/walked up and down a side street.

Finally I got home and did the math, and ended up with a 21.4 k run in 2:51 - with 40 minutes of this being the last 4 k. I managed to manually register my run in the virtual event, and after some finessing even managed to submit my documentation.

As disappointing as the final result was, there was some good news. I generally don't like to do long runs in the afternoons, but I was fine. I only needed to use half the nutrition I brought with me, which was great. And last, and by no means least, I managed to tack on that extra distance. Usually when I see the hill down to my house, I usually don't have it in me to do any extra.

Sorry about the blurry photo!

[Hidden]

Wow!! Yes wow. I'd change 'frustrating' to 'eventful' because this run has so much of the real you in it. It's so important to react, keep going and finish in moments like these. A race day or event can throw up all sorts of obstacles that can affect people on the day. Not you though. You were brave, resilient, able to alter your mindset and finish on a positive. So many great things to take from this. A HM after all!!! Very, very well done 😊😊😊

[C3PO Marathon in reply to Hidden]

That's great feedback. Thanks so much!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Blimey that sounds challenging! Slippy, cold and dark? No wonder your mind had a field day with the gremlins. But the stats bear it out - you won!!! Very impressive.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

So frustrating and challenging for you but you persevered and got it done! Way to stick with it. I have also found my last few runs difficult for footwear. Lots of clear patches intermingled with heavy ice in parts. It is clear enough that wearing spikes doesn't make sense but makes for a slow shuffle across the icy bits. This weather makes it mentally and physically tough to get it done but you are one tough cookie and just keep truckin'. Good work C3P0

[misswobble Marathon]

Despite the downsides to that run there were many positives. You take strength from those 💪😃👍🏃‍♀️

Being able to press on in the cold and dark - and even extend - when all you want to do is stop, is a real measure of your stamina. The tech can be such a pain in the arse🤨

Well done 💪🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I fully agree with the others. You dug in and got it done, in the cold and the dark when your heart wasn’t in it. Its not only a measure of your stamina but of your mental grit. This will only make you stronger next time around!

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Sounds like circumstances decided to play against you - but you've done it. 👍 That's the whole point!

And the photo's great. As my wife says, 'it's not the tech aspect of the image, it's the point of the message in the frame'. 😉

[C3PO Marathon]

Thanks, everyone, for all the encouragement!

[Queenie17]

Oh well done, you really had to dig deep there👋I'm not very good when things dont go to plan, something I need to work on😒I shall take inspiration from your efforts👍💪🏃

[Over62 Half Marathon]

Oh my goodness what challenges you faced and brilliantly overcame, great job 👏 you’ve done this now and have the wherewithal to know everything can always be worked out. On to the next half marathon now - it’ll be a piece of cake 🎂

Happy running 🏃🏻‍♀️