A Humbling Half
Taken December 16, 2023
I ran a half marathon for the first time in my life, and boy, was it an informative experience. Upon arrival, I immediately assumed I had figured out which individuals I would beat based on age category, shape, and "the look on their face." As it turned out, many of the people I had counted out not only performed well but also went on to beat me by a significant amount of time. Contrary to my belief, my personal pain tolerance was not as high as I had thought when compared to the average person. I observed people huffing and puffing, a clear indicator of a high-zone heart rate, which is notoriously painful. To my surprise, these same individuals maintained a steady pace, effortlessly running past me until the end of the race.
My primary issue during the race was honestly my lack of preparation concerning carbohydrate consumption. Around mile 9, I hit a wall, later realizing it could have been avoided if I had brought energy gels. The wall was followed by intense cramping and what I can only describe as a lack of adrenaline coursing through my veins. While there were occasional cheers from fellow runners urging me to keep going, my moments of bravery and displays of willpower were consistently followed by intense cramping, instilling fear in my heart. Having sustained an injury at a wedding a month earlier, I was reluctant to risk exacerbating it. Despite the added challenge, completing the half-marathon was a personal commitment I couldn't abandon.
The conclusion of the race was pleasant, as I was greeted with fresh apples and a delicious garlic bagel with cream cheese. Those apples were not only big and juicy but also the most refreshing I had ever bitten into. Although the bagel proved challenging to digest and chew, it filled the pit of hunger in my stomach, a gesture I greatly appreciated. Immediately after finishing, soreness gripped both of my legs, with my thighs and calves ablaze. Although blankets were offered for sitting, I refrained from taking one, as I initially misunderstood their purpose. In hindsight, I was glad not to have sat down, realizing that getting up again would have been a nightmare. With a 45-minute commute back to my car involving a considerable amount of walking and standing, the challenge continued.
All in all, the half marathon was a tremendous experience. It taught me that there are incredible people out there, and I need to work even harder to keep up with some of them. It was a humbling experience, and I couldn't recommend participating in activities like this more. The community was supportive, excited, and incredibly determined when it came to this event.