I did it. My second Covered Bridges Half Marathon, and I beat my first time. The first 8 or so miles were pleasant, even fun. After that it got hard. Really hard. I thought about what Pam says about “sitting with her stuff.” And I thought about my own inclination to stop when I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it through something hard.
And I did not stop. I swear I finished on fumes and grit. My feet are a blistery mess, my hip bone is worn raw from where I stashed the car key in my shorts pocket, and I feel the strange overwhelming stomach pain I often get after long runs.
But. I did it. And my family was there to cheer me on this time at the finish. 1:50.02. And this sign? The best part of all.
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23 Comments
Yay, you! Running may well be the best metaphor for life, no?
And that sign! Well worth the after effects!
Congratulations, Lindsey!
XOXO
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Congrats on an amazing time and on following through, pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do! You’re an inspiration, my friend!
(Also, what DO you do about the blisters? I thought that b/c I was running lots of miles prior to the race I wouldn’t have a problem during the half, but my feet are still a mess. Is this just part of the equation? Because it’s summer and I wanna wear flip-flops without grossing people out!)
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admin Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 5:05 am
I don’t have answers for you! I know that I’m wearing jack rodgers to my meetings today though!
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Ok, I am regretting that I just marred your lovely blog with an extended comment about feet. Feel free to delete that part, dear moderator, and I will totally understand.
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Elizabeth @claritychaos Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 10:29 am
this made me laugh
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Congrats! As a person who truly cannot run, I am full of admiration. And the sign is priceless!
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Congrats!! Impressive time!
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congratulations. My personal goal is to run one mile, so I am in awe as well. See how strong you are?!
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Brava! Thought of you often yesterday. xo
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Congrats, Lindsey! Great time! Blisters are hard to deal with. Not sure what you can do after the fact but know that cotton socks sometimes – especially in rain or extreme heat, due to sweat – contribute greatly to the problem.
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Whoo hoo!! I always think about running a half and then talk myself out of it… perhaps you will be my inspiration
Congrats!!!
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Wow! I’m in awe! Way to go!
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Awesome – congratulations!
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Amazing, congrats! You are inspiring me
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Congrats! I ran a 1/2 last year for the first time and I know what you mean about what comes after the 8 mile mark. It is hard, but there is a strength that comes from your core that helps you push through. Impressive time.
When is your next one? And have you considered doing a full marathon?
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admin Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 11:59 am
I can tell you unequivocally no on a full marathon, and that today is maybe not the best day to ask about my next one!
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BRAVA!!
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You are amazing, my friend!
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Congrats Linds! I am so impressed.
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Congratulations! What a gorgeous time of year to run in Vermont, too.
My brother-in-law throws up after every. single. marathon. He does everything he’s supposed to, but he still throws up. So you’re not alone with the stomach pain!
As for the blisters – I know my sister started using blister socks (I think by Thorlo) when she was coaching figure skating. I wonder if they would work for running, too? Might be worth looking into, at least.
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I love the wine glass on the sign
Missed you so much this weekend, but looks like you were engaged in some different kind of soul work.
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Hooray! Congratulations! That is a great time too! Regarding your stomach pain, do you hydrate well and eat (gu, gummy bears, etc.) while you run?
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Bravo. And in the ever-present realm of synchronicity, this made me think of the photo I use for my blog, a picture of me and my boys, walking in a covered bridge—the marathon that is parenting.
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Hooray for you! Great job! I’ve struggled to run 3 miles lately – the thought of 13, forget it! Congrats!
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Great run Lindsey!! Amazing time! I did my first half about a month ago. Long distance running is an amazing way to work through so many things. It certainly is about a lot more than feet hitting the pavement, but also can be just about that when you need it to be. Nice work!
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I didn’t know you were back running again. Congrats on a great time!
I also ran a half a couple weekends ago and went through some of the same thoughts (and came within a minute of your time – argh!). I guess the saying “better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all” applies. I never want to have wondered what would have happened and think that I could have done however much better if I tried harder. That said, preparation is key so that you know how much to test your limits near the beginning, and I’m still working on that!
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