Done, half marathon #9.
I was supposed to fly out on Friday afternoon. Instead, I decided to drive. A cab ride from the Indianapolis International Airport to the hotel was about $80. So $80 times 2 is $160. That is a lot of money for a taxi. I left work at 11:30 am, went to get something to eat and then hit the road.
The drive was lonely and scary. It was raining and many people sure drive fast. I arrived in Indianapolis at about 4:15 pm. I quickly checked into the hotel and then went to the expo to pick up my packet. The drive there was beautiful. There were trees with leaves in various colors everywhere. There were some hills and you know we are not BFFs.
I am glad I decided to drive because I don’t know how I would have gotten to the expo to pick up my packet. I could have picked it up on Saturday morning but I had purchased a shuttle ticket to take me to the race. But how was I supposed to get my shuttle ticket if it was in my race packet?
Even though I had a shuttle ticket, I decided to drive to the race. Luckily I did because it was cold in the morning so I waited in my car till about 8am (the race began at 8:30). I made my way over and got in line to the bathroom with hundreds of other people. I tried convincing myself that I did not need to go but it did not work. Finally I went and made my way to the starting line. I decided to run with a pace group that was running the full marathon. We would be running together till 12.5 miles then we would split.
I stayed with the group till the first water stop at about 2.5 miles. I stopped to get water. They didn’t. We got separated and then I lost them. Oh well.
The course was just BEAUTIFUL!!! I took short breaks here and there. I had a jacket on but took it off around mile 4 because I got warm but then put it back on because I got cold. I ran with it on the rest of the way. The volunteers were wonderful! There was plenty of water and gatorade stations. However, no one was giving energy gels. I look forward to those. Good thing I packed three in my belt but ended up needing only two of them.
The last three miles were challenging. These hills really kill me. As soon as I saw the split area between the full and half marathon, I tried kicking it up a notch but just couldn’t. I was tired and sore. I did not care about my time but just wanted to finish.
Finally I saw the finish line and just sprinted. Finish time is 2:33.32.
I was pleased with my time considering that I did a half the week before. Two half marathons in two weekends kicked my butt. I am in awe of people that can run back to back half marathons in a weekend.
Next race is the Lady Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon in Arizona. That reminds me, I still need to register.
Congrats on your back to back half marathons! That course does look nice. Driving is always more pleasant than flying!