The Flying Pig: By The Numbers

Well, I did. I ran a half marathon. As I said to my fiance` earlier today, I'm still in shock with myself, and I don't know any nicer way to put it. Last August, I couldn't run two minutes without stopping-- literally-- and today I ran 13.1 miles. REALLY?!

I'm back in my favorite sweats and my fiance`'s old college tee, and I hurt all over. Every time I get up, I'm reminded that runnings beats up your body, and that I will most certainly be recovering for a couple of days before I venture out to run again. Race lore dictates a walk, at minimum, on the day after a long race to help burn off excess lactic acid, so weather permitting, I'll take the dog for a walk tomorrow and call it a day.

There's so much I want to write about how the race went, but I'm exhausted so I thought a brief "by the numbers" recap would be best for tonight. I've also posted my route and stats here... I was very happy with my time, but I recognize it's really slow, so again running friends, please be kind to my slow-pokey-ness. (The most important thing about these stats is the elevation... scroll all the way down and check out the elevation map in the bottom right. OUCH! http://connect.garmin.com/activity/82922763.)

And now (drumroll please)... My first half marathon, by the numbers:

• 2:57:39 -- My time. My goal was 2:45, but all things considered, I'm happy coming in under 3 hours.
• 3 -- Number of Clif PowerShot Gu packets it took to get me through the race.
• 19,000 -- Total number of runners (half and full marathoners) who ran in The Pig today.
• 1,141 -- Total elevation, in feet, I climbed during this race. Again... ouch.
• 4 -- Months of training it took to prepare me. Twice a week, every week, with my own runs interspersed between training group meetings.
• 5 -- Total number of toenails lost in training, including one more today. (Any ideas for magic nail-growing potions that will work in a hurry before my wedding?)
• 200 -- Total cost, in dollars, for entry fee to the race and training group entry fee.
• 4.5 -- Hours of sleep I got the night before the race, thanks to pre-race jitters.
• 10 -- Text messages of support I got by the time the race ended, and countless more Facebook well wishes, for all of which I am so thankful.
• 11-- Number of ibuprofen taken (as of 10 p.m.) post-race to help swelling and pain. (Effectiveness? 0.)
• 1-- Pair of legs that got me across the finish line on my own.

I'll write more about my race-day observations and thoughts later, but it's past my bedtime. I am so looking forward to mindless TV and rest for the next several hours before I conquer my next pre-graduation challenge... an exam on Wednesday. (Grrrr.)

Thanks for all your love and support. I could feel all the good vibes today as I made it to the finish line!