I asked my team coach for advice on running a half-marathon during this heat wave. “How far have you been running the last few weeks?” she asked. Since the Brooklyn Half-Marathon, in May, my longest runs had been 6 or 7 miles.
“Don’t run,” was her advice.
Rather than taking her advice, I took her literally. I promised her that I would walk when I got tired.
The morning of the race, it was 80F at 5 AM when I got on the subway. The race started at 7 AM.
After 5 miles, I considered dropping out. There was no shade, and I was hot and tired. Then there was shade, and I got a second wind. After 7 miles, I figured I had another mile in me. After 8 miles, I realized that I had only five miles to go, so I might as well finish.
I walked often. I drank at every water stop. Although it was my slowest race ever, I finished it.
The course was interesting. It started and ended at that wonderful metal World’s Fair globe.
My new running partner says that once you’ve run a few half-marathons, “you’re always half-marathon-ready.” That race was like one of those difficult gigs where you use every trick you have just to get through the program. After one of those, I always think that I can get through any gig. Now I think I can get through almost any race. I’m even ready to consider a marathon. Maybe in 2011.
