Fifth Half Marathon

April 11th, 2020 was suppose to be my fifth Half Marathon, the Outlaw race in Luckenbach, Texas. Due to the thing we call COVID-19, it was of course "cancelled". I was disappointed they did not give us refunds, instead mailed us our shirts and medals and said to do a virtual race by the end of the month. I was kinda angry about it for awhile. March 21st I had a really good 10 mile training run around Lady Bird Lake, then the next week they asked the crowds lighten up on that trail, and I decided to comply. I kept training in my neighborhood, but I hate neighborhood running for long run. Sidewalks hurt my joints. I realize the irony in that most of my races have all been on cement. I'm the runner that enjoys the treadmill as much as a soft packed gravel trail. Lady Bird is my favorite because is has a boardwalk, a variety of terrain, and has a lot of shade. So I kept training and it was making me more and more cranky.  Last weekend, after a slow 8 mile run in my neighborhood, I decided I had to either go run my Half virtually, or take a break. Well this girl decided on - Run it! But where? Running 13 miles in my neighborhood just sounded gross.  Then I read an update on Lady Bird Lake.  The weekend after Easter it became a one-way loop going clock-wise. They also decreased the amount of parking around downtown. All of this to keep the trail open, but decrease the crowds, and allow for social distancing. My parents offered to drive me so I wouldn't have to worry about parking. The race was back on!

Friday night, April 24, I gathered my supplies. I felt mentally prepared, and ready to run the next day.

My parents picked me up at 6:30 am Saturday morning. By 6:50 am, on the Southshore near the beginning of the boardwalk, east of I-35, I started my "race". It was 61 degrees. I had an idea of where I would end and planned on texting my parents to find them to pick me up. They had another thing in mind. At mile 1.5 I was nearing the Congress Bridge and much to my surprise in a business parking lot near the trail, were my parents. They were cheering and taking photos. It sure boosted my spirits. It was highly motivational and fun to see them every 3 or 4 miles as they followed my route. I don't know if I would have had the same attitude running the whole thing without them there supporting me.


I have never been a fast runner, I can go about 9:30 minute miles while running, but with some walking every mile or so, I'm about a 10/10:30 mile pace average.  I had my belt with 18 ounces of water/gatorade, 2 GUU, and thankfully I did not need to make any bathroom breaks.

The first hour of my race the trail was pretty empty.  I never really had trouble keeping 6 feet of space from others enjoying nature.

After I competed the loop, I had 3 miles to go. My last race in October 2019, my right hip gave me a lot of trouble the last 4 miles or so. Not a problem here. No hip pain.

My "finish line" was near the small bridge just before Lamar that you cross over to head to Zilker Park. My parents were at that point a 1/4 mile further down the trail.  No fan fair of a finish line, just my good ole Running GPS app. I have to say it felt great to reach the end. All 13.1 miles were a battle, but a fight I enjoyed.  2 hours, 17 minutes, and 46 seconds!  I had decided I would just be happy to do it in less then 2.5 hours. Mission accomplished!

I met my parents and they presented me my medal, which doubles as a cool belt buckle.

Much to my surprise, Michael and Emily also came to join the post race party. We met at a picnic table at Zilker. We walked down to the water to see the turtles. I felt so much love! I had received text messages of support during the race too.

If you know me, you know I'm all about looking my cutest in every situation. These photos are not what I call cute. At first glance I don't love how I look in them. I see red-face and double chin, and just looking kind of gross. But at a second glance, I see a woman I am proud of. I see someone strong and determined, and as someone recently told me, I have grit to do hard things. 

Here's to doing hard things!