Running a half-marathon a life changing experience
As I was coming up to the finish line at the Civic Center in San Francisco
April 14, 2014
There’s only one thing to think when you see a 13.1 sticker on someone’s car. Crazy! I guess you can consider me one of the “crazy” few then. I recently ran the 2014 San Francisco Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon on April 6, something I consider now as one of the greatest experiences of my life.
With almost 15,000 participants in the race, it was quite hectic and crowded at the start of the race, but not too noticeable during the run. The race started at the Great Highway in San Francisco at 6:30 a.m., and 13.1 miles later, the finish line was at the Civic Center near Union Square.
I started training for the half-marathon about a month ago when my dad’s friend mentioned it to me and tricked me into signing up. I did not run 13 miles once during my training, and I was still perfectly fine during the race. Having runner’s knee two weeks before the race was somewhat of a setback, but it was still manageable to prepare.
It definitely helped to have two family friends, a teacher, and a cousin who have run marathons and half-marathons in the past offer me plenty of advice on how to prepare and what to do during and after the race.
I woke up at 3 a.m. the morning of my race to ensure I had just enough time to get my breakfast, time to pick up my bib and race number, and time to find the starting line. I am especially thankful for the 24-hour cafe just around the corner from the hotel that served Eggs Benedict at 4 a.m. Who would have thought?!
Just as I do on cold mornings of my cross country races, I wore sweats and a light running jacket (until 30 minutes prior to the race start) over my race outfit to ensure that my legs kept warm and loose for the race. Tight legs are the worst thing that can happen to a runner.
Runners are known for having crazy outfits during big races, so of course, I had bright blue shorts and a metal vent tech running shirt from Lululemon.
Prior to the start and during my race, I fueled up with gel packets of energy which I kept in a small fanny-pack which was surprisingly useful during the long race.
The adrenaline rush was just unreal.
Water stations were every few miles, but honestly I did not stop once. I grabbed the water, poured it in my mouth, threw the cup on the ground (while still running), and continued the race.
The views running throughout the city of San Francisco were incredible. Running along the shore, marinas, the houses on El Camino Real, and the Golden Gate Bridge was pure pleasure.
Music, along with the fact that I had to finish, was what kept me going during the race. An upbeat playlist and a little motivation is all anyone needs to complete a half-marathon! “Animals” by Martin Garrix and 80’s rock songs were on repeat.
It was so great that my friends and family came to support me at this big event. Some of the funniest posters I have ever seen popped up during the race as well.
I could not have been more comfortable. The weather was great, my feet and knees felt great, and I felt great overall.
Miles 9-12 were definitely the hardest throughout the entire race. It was the San Francisco hills that were killing me.
My estimated finish time was 2:10 with a 10-minute mile pace but I ended up finishing the race with a chip time of 1:54:36 and an 8:45 mile pace. I never knew getting 1,246th place would feel so amazing!
Running my first half-marathon was such a great accomplishment and I cannot wait until I can run another one.
My goal was to finish under two hours and I am so proud that I did so. Hey, even retired San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig came in only a few minutes ahead of me. The man who came in first place was in the elite category of runners for this race and had a finish time of 1:10:28.
Whether it be completing a race, such as a half-marathon or marathon, or graduating from college, being able to finish something only a certain number people in the world have done gives such a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment.
