San Antonio Rock and Roll Half Marathon, 12/08/2019

I know, I know: what does this have to do with travel? Well, I took a tour of my adult hometown, San Antonio (I say “adult” because being a military child, my “hometown” is sadly non-existent – other military brats can relate, I’m sure).

So… what comes after you find out you can run a 5K and a 10K? Doing a half marathon!

I have always liked to run. I’m not fast, but I can run for awhile. But this pushed me to the limits like never before. And let’s just say I’m not in my 20’s anymore. :X

I signed up for the Rock and Roll series Half-Marathon because it was just something I wanted to say that I accomplished, and I’ve done the 5K and 10K with the Rock and Roll series. I also figured that I’m only getting older, so better do it now!

I had been pretty consistent in committing to running several times a week this past year. I would run after classes at UTSA at the Rec Center (they have an indoor track which is easier on the knees). I’d run in my neighborhood, I dragged people from work to go with me; I even joined a running group at a brewery downtown (though I skipped the discount beer afterwards). Three weeks before the the half marathon, I injured my left knee and it was super painful to even walk. But it was too late to back out, plus, I didn’t want to not do it!

I talk to my co-workers who recommend a compression sleeve for my knee and I get one for less than $3 and hope it works.

I went to the race expo and picked up my packet, and these sweet shoes which I rationalized that they were only $70, actually in my size, and a treat for myself if – no when – I completed the Half.

I ate sooooo much food from Olive Garden and drank water consistently the day before. I also started to get nervous and think: what if I got hurt on the route? What if I cried? What if I peed on myself???

Needless to say, it took a double dose of melatonin to get to sleep that night.

RACE DAY!

5:45 am

It was like 45 degrees in the morning and I didn’t have any throwaway sweater or pants. I also realized when I got there that I was one of the few that actually wears the shirt for the event to the event.

I found my starting corral, the last one. Talk about feeling like the slowest of them all! I must have went to the restroom twice and re-tied my shoes about three times. My fingers and toes were so cold and numb. I got my extended playlist ready (I absolutely cannot run without music) and started my Nike app to guide me.

The race started at 7:15 but by the time my corral got to the starting line, it was 8:00. I was happy to finally start!

So off I go, through the downtown area! Before I knew it, my Nike app told me I had completed a mile already! I got caught up and had to pace myself so I didn’t wear out early.

3 mile mark, 8:50 am

Ugh, the side stitch pain on my side, nooo! I make my way through Brackenridge Park and my toes are finally not numb anymore so I feel a little more confident. In the park, the run took us through a path lined with flags and the photos of soldiers who lost their lives serving our country. It was sad and beautiful and after all the photos were soldiers holding flags cheering you on. You could’ve help but salute and hi-five them.

6 – 7 mile mark, 9:20 am

I’m half way through!!!!! I kinda want to stop to use the restroom but the lines are too long and I’m afraid if I stop I won’t be able to start again. I’ve been grabbing Gatorade cups at every opportunity they’re offered, but now my stomach is growling because I never eat anything before running. I get handed a GU gel packet and after some hesitation, I down half of it.

I also start getting nervous again because now both my knees are really feeling the stretch and I’ve also never run past 7 miles in a single run. But I’m happy when the Nike app tells me my pace isn’t that far from my regular pace even though I’ve been stopping and power walking for a bit on the route.

The route is now in the east side of the city, and people are waiting outside their homes and apartment complexes, cheering strangers, offering bottled water, some even cups of beer! An older lady with a tray of orange slices hands them out. I’m also seeing more people in the first aid stations along the way and am super glad I don’t have any blisters to deal with.

9 mile mark, 9:50 am

The gel totally took care of my hunger pains. I have to make a full stop because there’s this tiny sharp rock in my shoe and it’s so annoying that I have to get it out now. After that, more hills, which I choose to walk up and then run when it goes downhill. The scenery also is sort of boring; I’m running past a cemetery and its still cloudy and slightly foggy. I’m starting to psyche myself up now and tell myself that I only have as if I am running a 5K left, and I know I can do that!

11 mile mark, 10:15 am

Around this mark the marathon runners split from to do the full route and the half marathon runners go back towards downtown towards the finish line. On an overpass pedestrian bridge are dancers and music cheering runners on. Ladies dressed in their Sunday best come out of churches encouraging the runners to finish, and I start to believe I can do it!

Mile 12 – 13.1

It’s the last stretch and I’m starting to become impatient with the slower people in front of me. I’m weaving around others and my brain says, “holy crap, you’re gonna actually finish this!” And I find my eyes tearing up! What the heck?! I was totally not expecting to be emotional!

As I see the finish line, the person on the mic says all kinds of encouraging things and the song on my phone appropriately plays “Hey look Ma, I made it” by Panic! At the Disco as I cross. 🙂

An elderly lady motions me to bend down and she places the medal around my neck: it’s heavy! I try to say thank you but I’m horrified to hear wheezing as I try to gasp the words out. Thankfully, people seem to be pretty understanding that you’re tired!

Now it’s time for free stuff! A big bottle of the best flavored Gatorade, Lemon-Lime, banana, cheez-its, granola bar, water, all kinds of goodies to eat right now. There’s free beer too, but I pass on it.

My official time is 2:39:29, my goal was 2:30 so yay! The compression sleeve worked, my shoes are officially retired, and I’m actually thinking that maybe I can do a full marathon now…? 🙂

Time for a shower, smell ya later!