Comparisons and other 1/2 marathon reflections

One of my dad's frequently declared quotes is "All comparisons are odious." Well, when it comes to half marathons I completely agree, especially when I begin to compare how I looked after the race to the female who ran it in half that time I did that took the time to put make up on before the 7 am race. She must have known she would get her picture taken.

I guess I knew I would too, but I chose to go as unprimped as possible. Here's proof as I stand before the race with my fabulous running mates, Shauna and Charles.

More proof of my unprimped self as I stand with part of our send off team. Charles' parents and my sister-in-law to be were also there super early to send us off as well.

I'm so glad they sent us off because it makes the experience even more fun and because they were able to get a picture of my other running mate, who I need to name,

and a picture of me looking like I'm running. Looking like I was running in the pictures was one of my goals for this half marathon. Look for the shirt I always wear when running in official races. My cheerleaders say it helps them spot me.

Here's a closer look in case you couldn't find me or make out how 2 inches taller than normal and it actually looks like I'm running - focused, serious, both feet off the ground.

Speaking of cheerleaders, look at what Charles, Shauna and I had going for us.

(I believe the hair sticking up one the top of my head is my wings from last year.)

 Brad got the kids up early and out the door and was able to get to four different spots along the race to cheer for Shauna and I. Elliana cheering with all her might was priceless! They would've cheered for Charles too, but Charles could only stand about 2 miles of our pace and sprinted off to finish 20 minutes before Shauna and I. He wasn't wearing an orange under armor shirt either so I'm sure that made it hard for Brad to spot him as well.

With this amazing group of people and Brooke (who made Shauna and I a sign!) we were able to have 8 different spots where people were encouraging us on. Hearing them shout their lungs out during the last .1 mile was unforgettable. Thanks everyone!

(Only when you're on a high from finishing a race do you really have the nerve to put your sweaty armpits around your friends. Sorry about that guys!)

Now back to the comparison lecture before I tell you Shauna and my finishing time. (We tied all the way to the second if you're wanting to compare how we did.) Comparing half marathon speeds is completely odious. If I compared my time to the winner's, I could feel like such a slow runner; but I believe that would be a completely worthless comparison other than to note she's unbelievably fast. I was not made to run that fast. I most certainly couldn't have finished much faster than I did.

I don't think it's odious to compare my time this year to last because it does show improvement. It's a personal accomplishment for me and one I never thought possible, actually. Here's the comparison.

2010: average pace: 10:14 (and I spent at least 4 hours after the run in the bathroom or curled up in my bed while everyone else went to brunch) 

2011: average pace: 9:59 (and I only spent 15 minutes in the bathroom and was actually able to eat lunch!)

Can you believe my goal was 10 minute miles?! Scary considering I don't like to think I'm goal oriented.

Now please don't go comparing your would be or actual time to mine because that would be completely odious. However, I would consider setting a goal for yourself so you can have a great personal accomplishment as well. Continue reading for a possible opportunity...

So now it's over and I start to get depressed because I don't have a half marathon to train for to give me an excuse to run, BUT there is another run coming up that you can join me on:  The Havelock Run the first weekend in June.

I'd like to get together a team of 5-7 people to run the 10k, but if I can't find enough people to do that, I'd consider putting together a team to run the 5k. Let me know if you're interested in either. If 5 people from a team finish, the charity of my choice gets a donation! I failed at this last year but am trying again anyway! I need a reason to run!  If I don't have one, I prefer to not have to hassle with changing into and out of running clothes to exercise.