1. 13.1 miles is a lot of road
When this idea was suggested, I said to myself, "I can run for quite awhile. Run slowly enough and I can do it for 2 hours or more." Reality; it's A LOT of road to run for 2 hours and 24 minutes, more than I imagined. The 10K was a perfect distance. We hit that at 1:03 and could have got there a little faster. Had I run that first 10K slower, how would the last 10K have ended? Faster or the same? That question will never be answered. :)
2. It can get cold in Nevada in November
YES, it can get quite cold in Nevada in November. There was a frost warning the day we ran. I did not expect that and was unprepared to run in that temperature. I had no long sleeves or tights. Due to the number of people running we had to be on site at 2:30 with the start gun going off at 4:30. And it's safe to say we walked for most of the two hours before starting. That was our warm-up. There were 40 or more "starting corrals" with AT LEAST 1 minute between each group starting. I was very cold by the time we started running. My internal body temp went up during the run but I didn't break a sweat. And the last 1/3 I could feel my body getting cold again. Not great news for hip flexors and quads.
3. Crossfit prepares me for the unknown
I finished this half marathon having run twice before, falling short of 5 miles each time. Not smart planning and therefore how I learned lesson #1 in this post. What surprised me was the lack of muscle and joint soreness the day after. Yes, I have been on a fairly strong prescription med for my RA but diet and supplementation play an equally important role for my body. Much of the recovery I attribute to Nutrie Skinne, Fuel and Energe. These supplements target many different physiological needs, increasing endurance and decreasing inflammation being two of them. AND secondly I survived with minimal damage due to my fitness level from Crossfit. In this case, endurance work capacity in a single modality, running. Let it be known the first 10K were awesome. I think I could be a decent 10K runner. The last half was walk/run and tough. The worst aftermath of this event was a formidable blister on one foot that had to heal before working out.
4. Eating is important
In working with groups on how to lose fat, inevitably travelling comes up as an excuse for not being able to eat well. I could not understand how it was so difficult to pack food and be prepared. AND then get to a grocery store once arrived at your destination. Well it happened to me on this trip. I tend to train less and less intensely when travelling and therefore, need less fuel. This trip, however, I knew I would have to be fuelling well from Friday to Sunday to be ready to run for a of couple hours. I discovered it was not easy. When scheduled very tightly, getting away to a grocery store when you don't have a vehicle is not quickly done. I packed some of my favourite carb sources with me but they were gone by Saturday morning. I made it through the run fine but recovery to strength and good energy took a few days of eating to refill glycogen stores. Handstand push ups, heavy cleans did not feel good. My muscles literally felt empty, no power output possible. Eating is important.
5. Cool down works
I cross the finish line and think, "Done. No more physical exertion." Not so. It was impossible to stop moving because the wave of people from behind kept coming. I guess if you were the last one to finish you would be able to stop moving. I wasn't so I got carried along with the crowd. I'm slightly dazed thinking, "Now what? What was the plan? Where do I go from here?". At that point I hear my name being called. Two friends who were volunteering spot me. I walk over thankful for familiar faces. Nicole and Tuffy were handing out the slightly tin foil-like blankets to keep us warm. While spending a short time with them I regained some logical thinking capacity. I remembered the two girls I started running with agreed to meet at truck #22 where we left our gear. I take off thinking I'll be there in a jiffy. It was deja vu all over from the start of the race. I walked and walked and walked looking for the row of UPS trucks that drove our gear from the start to the finish line. After what seemed a very cold, long time I found my two friends. The plan was for all of us to get back to the hotel we started at and meet on our shuttle bus. I'm sure I walked another couple hours after finishing the run before finally sitting down on the shuttle. I believe however, this walking was a very good thing...a very good cool down from a 2 hour plus run. We started this event outside at 2:30 pm and sat down in our shuttle at 10:00 pm. So grateful for good company, Joanne and Tudi.
AND that is what I learned from running a half marathon. I guess I also learned I don't want to do it again. AND I learned I have many people in my life who contribute to making me the best version of myself.
My children first. Thinking of them pretty much carries me through anything. My middle son actually phoned me while I was running. His call cut into my audio and I picked up. He talked me through a chunk of road. I love you, Justine, Rejean and Jonah.
I have skilled Crossfit coaches who prepare me physically and mentally for pretty much anything...like a half marathon for which I don't prepare. I love and appreciate you. Chad, Tron, Val, Matt, Carson, David and so many.
I have genius business mentors who dreamt up this &^%* idea of running this race while in Las Vegas. While running an exploding company and changing the world for the better, they care for and mould my personal growth, leadership skills and professional wisdom. What did I do to have you in my life? Aaron and Shawn
I am VERY clear that ALL I am capable of is a gift from the Infinite One. It is an infinite gift of power and influence that is beyond my human understanding. A gift, that if I work to understand it, give it my attention and act on it, will allow many to know His name. I am very grateful for special friends who influence my spiritual maturity. Rick, Shawn and Nicole
One of them allowed me to use a prayer he wrote to end this post.
Lord... What was it you
said about me? What was it you wanted me to become in this world? Help me to
see myself the way you see me so I can become your plan for my life. What did
you say my gifting was? Help me to keep the fire of that gift lit. Give me your
eyes of sight for my life Father. All other attempts of self made happiness will
only end in false peace and empty. Help me to develop the gift you put inside
of me so I can pour it out on others. Lift my eyes to your place of peace and
joy. May your Son be found in the centre of my heart and your strength be found
in my spirit and my hands. May your words fill my heart, and my voice execute
your love, hope, and authority to shake the human heart. May my life not be
lived in vain but that it would speak long after I'm gone. I love you Jesus!
Here's to a life ablaze! Amen.
~Rick Gutman~
