JBLM Half Marathon

I am not known for being spontaneous. I thrive on structure and some may say I over plan. In fact, when it comes to planing for races, I sign up for them months in advance and I study the route map as part of my training. So when I signed up to run a half marathon with one week advance notice I was a bit surprised at myself. At the time I had only been running for a couple weeks after taking three weeks off due to the injury during my last race. Not really a smart choice, but I knew as long as I took it slow I would be fine. Another deal breaker for me signing up was the entry fee being only $25. (Quite the deal considering the fact I have paid twice as much for other half marathons.) The race was being held on an army post and with my husband being in the Air Force, I got a discount.

I knew little about how race day was going to go. The only information given on the website was the time date and place. I always come prepared to any race with my own water and GU, but I would later find out that I should have brought my own Gatorade because none was provided. After getting my race pack and soaking up some sun, it was race time.

 Waiting to start the race.

 Lining up.

Crossing the finish line

This race was full of surprises. During the race I found out that part of it was also on a dirt trail and had steep hills, not idea for someone recovering from knee problems. But I think the biggest surprise for me was finding out I was wearing a 5k bib after I crossed the finish line. I was also disappointed to find that finishers medals were not given. Don't get me wrong. I don't run races for the medals, but I do like collecting them. Other than that I followed my plan to take it slow and just ran to finish. My official time was 2:29:40. 

My next race is The Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon, August 2nd 2014. My goal time is 2:10:00.