I wrote about racing in an upcoming half-marathon, scheduled for March 22.  It’s been 2.5 years since my last one, so I’ve been anxious for the next recovery millstone.  I’ve ran 5k’s, 10k’s and even a 10-miler since receiving doctor’s clearance, but I was not yet ready for 13.1 miles until now.  My first half since sustaining 8 back/neck injuries in a car accident was finally in sight.  My goal was 1:52:00.

The race was cancelled but I needed to run.  My finish time needed to be conquered and the race would also serve as a progress measurement.  I decided to run the course as if the race were not cancelled.  I would treat it as actual race.  This included:

1. Stick with my regular pre-race workout schedule, even after the cancellation was announced.
2. Carb load for 24 hours prior to the start
3. Wake up 2 hours before the race to prepare mentally and physically
4. Proper pre-race nutrition
5. DDP Yoga for a thorough stretch, before and after the race

I showed up at the starting line right at 7:30 and immediately took off.  I ran the exact course.  It was 38 degrees when I started.  It was wet.  Who cares, there was work to be done.  My wife was the lone spectator, watching me run by her at mile 2 and mile 10.  She greeted me at the finish.

There was no EMCEE, water stations, medals or volunteers.  I saw at least 10 other runners along the course as well.  They had to see it through too.

I finished with a time of 1:51:38.  Goal conquered.

I should have competed in my first triathlon on March 29.  Cancelled.  I planned to run in the Prairie Fire Half Marathon on May 2 with a goal of 1:48:00.  Its already been cancelled.

I will still run the course.  I will beat 1:48:00.

Go get it.