IMT Des Moines Half Marathon

On Sunday I ran the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon with my friend Jaime.  I can honestly say it was a great race!

My last race was the Disneyland Half Marathon in August.  It was that week after the race that I decided not to run anymore the Chicago Marathon.  Since then my running/training went downhill.  I went back to work and was staying there till 6pm and honestly the last thing I wanted to do was go out for a run.  I ran a couple of Saturdays with Lety but I wasn’t exactly training for a half marathon.

I began to panic as the race day got closer and almost backed out because I didn’t feel ready.  I then decided to just go for it.  I am so glad I did.

The race began at 8am.  It was 39 degrees at 7am and I decided to wear shorts, compression socks, and a long sleeve shirt underneath my Oiselle singlet.  Jaime and I left the hotel at 7:30am and headed over to the start line.  It was chilly but the walking warmed me up a little bit.  Once we got there, we took a few pictures, and waited for the race to begin.  My favorite part of the beginning of a race is the National Anthem.

Finally it was time to run.  I had no time goal.  I wore my watch but set it to only show the distance.  I also wore my iPod.  I don’t remember the last time I wore them during a race and it felt good to hear some good tunes while running.

The first couple of miles went by fast.  There were a few hills but nothing too horrible.  It was gorgeous outside and I was warming up with the sun.  I wasn’t uncomfortable hot but just warm.

We ran through two parks.  That was my favorite part of the course.  It was beautiful plus it was flat. Very peaceful too.  It was after running through the second park that my left side began to hurt..from the glutes to the calf.  I would run, walk, and repeat.

I had passed the 10 mile marker when two male marathon runners passed me up.  Wow, they were speedy!

The last two miles were back to downtown Des Moines.  Luckily it was not as hilly as the beginning of the race.

Four more marathon runners passed me up.  I hurried on determined not to let the female marathon winner passed me up too.  But I just couldn’t with that darn pain.  Then I heard a siren and knew the female winner was behind me.  And she passed me up.  I knew I was close to the finish line but just could not see it.  There were so many people cheering for her but I pretended that it was all for me. Finally I saw the finish line and ran for it.  Finish time is 2:31:56 and yes I am very happy with it.

The best part was the post-party.  There was food and more food.  It was neverending.  There was water, gatorade, chocolate milk, pizza, cookies, protein bars, chips with nacho cheese, and sandwiches. Jaime and I talked about how we’ve never seen this much food at other races.  Hmm, not even at the very expensive Disney or Rock ‘n’ Roll races.

I love the long sleeve shirt we got.  I am definitely keeping this one.

Overall it was a great race.  I enjoyed the course and the weather was gorgeous.  There were plenty of water stations and two Gu stations.  The spectators and volunteers were wonderful.  And let’s not forget all of the food after the race.  The medal was OK.

As for my glutes and calf?  I foam rolled at the hotel after the race and am feeling much better.  The pain could have been caused from the lacking of training/running or from wearing a new pair of Superfeet insoles.  Who knows?  All I know is that it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Next race is Princeton Half Marathon on November 2nd.  Can’t wait!