13.1 Miles: It Ain’t Half of Anything

This weekend, I am running a half marathon.  Tomorrow, actually.  And with the lovely Kayla (it will be her first one, so go wish her luck!).  I am excited.  It will be fun.  I do not feel nervous.  But I do want to say this:  13.1 miles is no joke.

I saw this recent post on Brie-Fit and thought YES, YES, YES!  So, I come to you today with the following PSA:

13.1 Miles ain’t half of shit, and I’m getting damn tired of it being treated that way.

The funny thing is that, in my experience, the people who most often cut down the half marathon are runners themselves.  I myself have even done it. I remember running my first half and thinking, “Oh, I’m only doing the half.” 

Excuse me?  I’m ONLY doing the half?  NO.  No, no, no, no, no.  I’m running 13.1 miles.  THIRTEEN POINT ONE MILES.  I’ve trained for 3 months, giving up most of my Saturday morning sleep in time to get up and run.  I’ve forgone the Cheetos for Cheerios.  I’ve swapped the brewskis for water.  I’ve chafed.  I’ve been sore.  I’ve lost toenails, had blisters, pulled muscles.  Basically, I’ve worked hard to get to the point where I can run more miles in one morning than most people will drive the entire weekend.  So this is a big reminder to me and to all half-marathoners not to cheapen the distance.  It’s COOL to be a half marathoner.  No, it’s not the big dog, but that doesn’t make you any less of a runner.  Be proud of your accomplishments!  You’re able to run 13 miles!  And that is pretty frickin’ sweet.

On that note, here’s what I packed for the big race tomorrow.  Who knew runners needed so much crap?!

First up, the electronics basics. Camera, iPod, cell phone, chargers for all three + camera battery.  Also, sunglasses and reading material for the ride home Saturday afternoon.  Though I am probably going to be napping at that point, let’s just be honest.

Second, fuel for the weekend.  Water bottle, fun glass with straw, Gatorade.  PB + toast + bagel.  Fruit leathers from Trader Joe’s.  A mango.  A mango cutter (naturally).  Silverware (left over from B’s shower), napkins, plates.

Oh, and if you’re going to have toast, you need to bring one of these.  Yes, I am bringing my toaster.  From past race travel experiences, I rely on no one and nothing.  Which means I bring my own breakfast and my own toaster with which to cook it in.  Trust me, you really don’t want to mess with what you eat on the day of  a race, so you need to be prepared.

Lastly, clothes.  Let’s go clockwise, ok?  Starting with the red satin thing, which is my sports bra, on top of my other sports bra (thanks, big boobs).  Undies, running shoes, old school ice bags for the car ride home.  Gloves on top of ankle brace.  Baseball cap on top of winter hat & scarf.  Running clothes (includes a multitude of options for the weather:  3 long sleeved tech tees, two tank tops, a t-shirt, running tights, running capris.  I’ve found it’s best not to worry about the weather and instead pack for all seasons, so you can just decide when you get up and see the actual forecast for the actual day).  Finally, regular clothes:  pajamas for the night before + super comfy PJ pants and soft t-shirts for post race (because the last thing you want to do is put on jeans).

Not pictured are my bajillion pairs of socks I always pack because I am a paranoid freak…or my slippers.

So, wish me (and Kayla) luck!  I’ll be back next week with a full report.

Also, this morning, this happened:

Don’t worry, there will be a ranting and raving post about this next week.

Have a great weekend!