Here is some history that may better explain my half marathon improvement attempt. Two years ago, Dean and I decided that we would train for and complete 3 half marathons a year. And so far we have maintained that goal for ourselves. For 2010, Dean wanted to participate in the Moab 1/2 in March, we always participate in the Salt Lake 1/2 in April and then we select a half marathon that takes place in the late summer or early fall. In training for the Moab run, my mentality has been that this will be my first half marathon of the season. My logical mind kept saying that this first run/walk coming out of winter probably wouldn't be the best so don't count on any big finishes or personal bests. I could provide several other excuses as to why this race wouldn't go well-training, injuries etc. My head and my spirit just didn't feel in the game.
But, I set a goal, number 15 on my list of 39 things to do this year, to take 5 minutes off of my best half marathon time. That means that I needed to obtain a finish time of 2 hours 35 minutes and 27 seconds in order to hit my target. With the Moab trek, I kept trying to convince myself not to push it. And now, the day before the race I am getting extremely anxious. I know I have three tries but my heart panics - have I set a goal I can't obtain? Is this too much? This goal may be too lofty this year - should I change my goal list and give number 15 on the list up until 2011? I don't want to change the list I am not ready to quit this early in the year. So instead, on Friday morning March 20, 2010, I turn into grumpy wife and grumpy mom. My husband and my children don't know what they did to set me off - nothing - but I can't explain the anxious emotion trapped inside of me. In my heart, I want so bad to obtain this goal but the logic of my mind says I am trying to do more that I am physically able to do. Basically the inner torment is now spilling to my outer world and none of us knows quite how to handle it.
Dean and I finally pack up Friday afternoon and head to Moab. First we went to do a session in the
Monticello, Utah LDS Temple. This was a great way to end the day. As I was sitting in the quiet of the temple, my insides seemed to settle. My heart and mind aligned with one another and my soul agreed to just have fun and to do the best I could in this race. I have trained and done everything I was able to do to prepare for this March moment. Ready or not it's go time.
Early Saturday morning, Dean and I check into the race, and catch a bus up to the top of the canyon. It is a beautiful morning as the sun begins to rise over the red rock canyon and the rays of sunlight seem to dance on the Colorado River. It is cold but we have 2 hours to acclimate before the race is to begin.
Ten o'clock a.m. and the start gun sounds and we are off headed down the canyon. Mile 1 time comes in at 11 minutes and 40 seconds. Mile 2 close to the same. Dean and I use each other to maintain a steady pace. We have both agreed to try to keep a 12 minute per mile average. Mile 5 and we are ahead of schedule 56 minutes into this race - I can't believe it I have never had a pace like this. Mile 6 still ahead time, but my body now says you have jogged enough it is time to speed walk. So I carry on hoping that the time I have banked will hold through to the finish line. Dean and I press on and with each mile our pace slows just a bit. So now the mental game kicks in for me. I say to myself, it's okay Joelle, do the best you can, you have done your best in the first 6 miles and it shows. I keep telling myself to keep my head in the game. I continue to listen to the book on audio and push forward with Dean slowly jogging by my side.
The miles pass and Dean talks me through the last big hill. He was amazing talking me through one mental road block after another. Mile 11 we are out of the canyon before the "bus of shame" does its sweep. Mile 12 - we have both hit the proverbial wall but Dean starts to pick up the pace. I look at him, I look at my watch and say - "go honey, please do this for both of us I will see you at the finish." He moves on, I continue to jog a little and walk and jog and walk and try to stay close to Dean. I round the last corner, looking at my watch 2 hours 33 minutes and 50 seconds. The finish line is in view. I am too close to let time beat me. Deep within my heart, I push it and like nothing I have ever felt before my body is able to push itself to a new limit. I cross the line and I start to cry - my watch shows the unofficial time of 2 hours 35 minutes and 19 seconds. I DID IT - WE DID IT! Dean and I finished this race just 2 seconds apart in our best half marathon times so far.
My official time was 2 hours 35 minutes and 21 seconds. I am definitely not the quickest participant in the bunch - but I have learned that isn't what matters. I need to remember to be the best that I can be and enjoy each moment that life has to offer. This was a great life moment and I had my husband by my side all of the way. For me this is a good as it gets!
With all of this exciting energy in me I didn't want to sit still. Dean and I then went on to hike to the Delicate Arch. A lovely 3 mile trip for our two tired bodies. But again well worth it - as this was a first for Dean! Life is good!
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