Milestones

This weekend, I was supposed to run the American River Parkway Half Marathon with my friend Tanja.

A couple of months ago, I had talked Tanja, a self-proclaimed NON-runner (but avid cyclist), into putting a half marathon on her bucket list and signing up for the walk option of this race. We talked about training for the distance with a run/walk-interval-strategy. I know she’s always up for a good challenge, so I am not surprised that she followed through and started training right away (cursing me under her breath multiple times, I am sure. Ha!).

Of course, we were extremely bummed when because of Corona, the race was postponed and Tanja had to cancel her visit. Was all this training for nothing? No way! So, we decided to still run a virtual race on Saturday. Separate, but together in spirit. So, we both set out for our respective races early in the morning.

This was supposed to be a goal race for me. If you have followed me for a while, you know that I’ve repeatedly mentioned the goal to break the 2-hour mark in the half marathon. It’s been a process, to say the least. Turns out, it’s harder than I previously thought to shave a ‘few minutes’ off a long distance PR (my previous PR was 2:02:39).

Running a virtual race is hard. Running a virtual goal race is harder. You can’t rely on other runners, spectators, and the energy of the race to carry you through. You gotta be your own cheerleader along the way. I always underestimated how much adrenaline you get from the race atmosphere alone.

I’ve been running some of my training runs with the Nike Run Club app, which has guided run options which put “Coach Bennett” in your ear on your runs. He checks in with you every couple of miles, reminds you to breathe right and watch your running form, and he coaches and cheers you on along the way. If you do a lot of solo runs and sometimes struggle to focus, this is something I’d recommend you try. It definitely helped me through my virtual race on Saturday. He didn’t let me give up on myself.

I (felt as I) was cruising all the way through mile 9 and I was hitting my goal pace, which was really awesome, but then the last 3-4 miles got hard. My legs were ready to quit, but my head told me – looking at my watch – that I’d have major regrets if I wasn’t at least trying to see this through. So, I kept pushing (and repeated to myself that Tanja all the way down in Irvine wasn’t giving up either!).

And what can I say? It’s not an official result, but I did it! I finally ran a sub-2 half marathon on Saturday. I couldn’t believe it. It was close, but 1:59:49 is a sub-2 race, #thankyouverymuch, and I am beyond ecstatic.

Of course, I am hoping I’ll be able to repeat this on an official course sometime when race running is possible again, but at least I could prove to myself that I can do it and that hard work does eventually pay off.

I just wish I could have celebrated the completion of Tanja’s first half marathon (woot!) and this milestone PR for me with a well-deserved brunch and mimosas with my friend, not just a virtual high five. Sigh.

Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
April 27, 2020 at 8:37 am

Congrats! That is awesome that you ran a sub-2 hour half! I have trained for that same goal and know how hard it is! I hit my goal, but it was during a beautiful half in Victoria, BC with the excitement of crowds and other runners to spur me on!
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:26 am
  
  Thanks so much, Lisa. It definitely was a bit of work (and patience!).
Tanja
April 27, 2020 at 8:43 am

LOL – I would NEVER do such thing, cursing you under my breath! #cursingatmyownstubborness
Anyhow, sooo thankful you motivated me and gave me all the support to show myself that I can do it.
I’m far from your awesome PR but I’m so very happy that you came in under 2 hours! What a huge accomplishment, especialliy under these circumstances. You made it!!!!
Maybe one day we will be able to run a race together and, most importantly, celebrate afterwards!
However, this virtual race will always be something very special (!) – your under 2 hours PR and my first.
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:26 am
  
  I am so so proud of you and thankful you trained with me #separatetogether. We can do hard things!!
Catrina
April 27, 2020 at 1:27 pm

Congratulations! Well done!!
You must be the only person I’ve heard of who did a PR in a virtual half marathon race!
I’m sure you’ll be able to repeat it in a live race – if not this year, then 2021!
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:27 am
  
  Thanks so much, Catrina. I had trained for it and wanted to see if I can do it, but yeah, a virtual race is definitely a whole different ball game.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
April 27, 2020 at 4:43 pm

Congrats on sub 2! Like you say, that was all you with no race course to back you up. Just imagine how much “easier” racing will be when real races come back.
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:27 am
  
  Thank you :) I really hope to repeat it at an actual race!
Sara Strand
April 27, 2020 at 5:28 pm

That is amazing!!! Sub 2 is a big deal so now you know you can do it. <3
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:27 am
  
  Thanks so much, Sara!
KIM m
April 30, 2020 at 7:31 am

Marathon runners always amaze me. I used to live running but not 13 miles lol. Im so glad you were able to come together and do this even if you werent running side by side! And the virtual highfives….love it! Awesome job friend!
1. San
  April 30, 2020 at 8:28 am
  
  Thanks Kim. It definitely helped knowing a friend was doing her own 13 miles, even if far away ;)
Tobia | craftaliciousme
May 9, 2020 at 2:31 am

Congrats for this amazing time. It’s so tough just getting a tiny bit better in personal bests. Quiet an achievement!

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