22.1 k in 1:51.

A week ago today I decided I'd run a half-marathon in Red Deer. It went well. Cool, windy weather (so I began with a "throw-away" top and gloves), but I prefer that to the heat. I can't run in heat. I shucked the sweatshirt and top about 7 km in.

Studying the route, morning of the race, in a hotel on Gasoline Alley in Red Deer, Alberta.










I loved the spirit of the thing. Camaraderie and support amongst the runners before, during, and after.

Greg, directly after finishing his marathon. Great time: 3:39.

Pre-race I fretted about a) whether or not I'd get over the start line without being trampled in the stampede of over 1100 runners (178 marathoenrs; 933 half marathoners) and b) accidentally taking the marathon route or some deer trail, and getting lost.

I was also nervous about my time. Could I finish the thing in under 2 hours? I hoped so, but I hadn't been running for six weeks, and didn't know if my injury was properly healed. Would I run 10 and 1s, and I'd done with Greg a few times on long runs in the river valley, or run straight through.

Speck in the distance: Greg rounding the corner to the finish line.

I chose the latter, and for whatever reason, I did not find it taxing. The ks seemed to click off, and even at 18k I felt great. The last three were harder, and I had to push on the last k (up a hill, before down again to the finish line), but I never stopped, and man, it felt great to accomplish my first half. The announcer even pronounced my name correctly. Bonus!

I can see how people get hooked on these things ....

I didn't know that even halfers get wrapped in a silver blanket. I didn't know that we'd each get a medal. I didn't know about the huge food tent -- all free for the runners. Bagels, muffins, bananas, yoghurt, coffee, juice ... it was a little paradise. I didn't know about the door prizes (didn't win one).

After the race I walked around and soaked up the atmosphere while I waited for Greg to come in from the marathon. Truthfully, when your partner's running a marathon, a half doesn't seem like such a big deal.

_____________________________________________________

In other news, we have the main floor of our house and a 2-bdrm basement suite for rent beginning June 30th. The top floor is available until August 15th, the bottom until the end of August, and beyond. E-mail me for info. Ads are on kijiji and craiglist, Edmonton.

Almost too busy to breathe these days. Oh, and I'm writing book reviews. Many book reviews.
And gardening. And landscaping. And frequently getting lost in IKEA. That place is like Hotel California: you can check in any time you like, but you can't ever leave.

Song I'm currently enjoying most on guitar: "Horse With No Name" (America). I've finally discovered that I should use a capo on the 2nd fret for most songs.

Hurray for the weekend, rainy though it be.