First Post-Marathon Run + Half Marathon Photos From Deep in the Archives

Thursday night I set out for my first run post-marathon.  I'd like to say I was cautiously optimistic, but really I was just cautious.  I was extremely excited to try out my new heart rate monitor (Thanks TARA!) that came in the mail.  If anyone has any good reads on heart rate monitor training, please send them my way!  I had originally extended a cordial invitation to Kyle to join on the run, thinking that non-distance runner Kyle pace and Jeri's post-marathon pace would probably be somewhat similar.  Instead he wussed out.  (jk lol if you're reading this KK, although I'm sure you're not). 

I dashed out the door for a nano second forgetting that I was 4 days out from the 'thon and then was VERY QUICKLY reminded of this information.  Uff.  Sore.  Tight.  I slowed way down and was just tuned in to how things felt.  After the first 1/2 mile I seemed to warm up a bit, then the last 1/2 mile my IT bands got extremely tight, lending to some sore hips.  I had my screen of my Garmin set to HR, so I didn't know my pace, which was probably good.  I was extremely happy that I didn't have any shooting pain in my knee.... that's been my main concern given it's issues post-race.

I did 2 miles in 19:50.

I was cleaning off a folder on my work computer and stumbled across some old half marathon photos.  These photos were taken at the Sioux Falls Half Marathon in 2008.  This was my slowest half marathon to date (2:19:57), and I think I completed approximately 12 training runs total in the 12 weeks leading up to the race.  I was also a little bit hefty.  But hey, at least I'm still rockin' the GREEN!  Enjoy.

At the start.  Lap around the track.

Through Falls Park.

Evil look.... 2 inch stride.  YAYZIES!

I think I have 5 photos of me in this exact spot from the 5 of 6 years my parents have spectated this race.  That's kind of cool. OMG a through the years flip book is TOTALLY happening.

This photo accurately portrays how I felt during this race (around mile 9).

My best side. Haha. Man I loved those shoes.

Finishing sprint.

Slightly glad you can't see the finish time.  jk.

My roomies sporting the green. TEAM GREEN! :)

Notice the fam wouldn't touch my sweaty mess of a self.