This morning I ran my fourth half marathon!
I finished the Women’s Half Marathon, but it wasn’t pretty.
I awoke at 5:50 a.m. and ate a Luna bar (my usual pre-race breakfast) and bowl of oatmeal. (I normally try to keep my pre-race meals on the smaller side because I cramp up so easily and paid for eating that bowl of oatmeal around mile two when I cramped up a bit! Luckily the cramp didn’t last long and I breathed my way through it, feeling better within five minutes.)
My sister, Leslie, was signed up for the 5K, so my mom and Ryan dropped us off at the start line about 10 minutes before the scheduled start. (My dad couldn’t make it to cheer us on because he had an early morning flight to catch to Arkansas.)
Leslie walked me to my corral as they were singing the Star Spangled Banner and we exchanged hugs and wished each other luck on our respective races. I had about five minutes of time to kill once I entered my corral and felt my nerves start kicking in.
When the race kicked off, it was relatively congested for the first mile, but I saw my mom and Ryan cheering!
See those two hands waving in the air? That’s me!
Almost immediately I saw the 2:00 pace group and decided to stick with them for as long as I could, thinking I might have another sub-two hour half marathon in me. Their energy was awesome!
The first few miles of the race were absolutely gorgeous. We ran past the historic Vinoy hotel, along the water and through some nice neighborhoods. I passed the 5K mark at 27:00.
I started to feel the humidity and heat getting to me around the fifth mile and was sweating like a beast. It was around then that I saw the best sign of the day that read, “That’s not sweat! That’s your fat cells crying!”
I took some Gu Chomps at mile five and kept on trucking, averaging around a nine-minute mile pace.
When we ran back the way we came and toward the pier around mile eight, I felt very overheated and changed my goal from finishing in under two hours to simply running the whole race.
I saw my mom, Leslie and Ryan at the pier and told them I was so freaking hot! Ryan said he knew that was the moment when I decided to let the two hour pace group out of my sight and he was absolutely right.
Don’t be fooled by the smile. Focus on my red face and sweaty forehead to know how I was really feeling.
Miles eight to 11 were definitely the hardest for me. We ran along a road with absolutely no shade and I saw so many people stop to walk and even passed a handful of runners from the 1:45 pace group who I heard complaining about the heat and humidity. I’m not gonna lie, it made me feel better to know that I wasn’t the only one so affected by the humidity.
Toward the end of the race, the runners ran inside Tropicana Field (where the Tampa Bay Rays play baseball!) and around the perimeter of the field. That was pretty badass!
I was so happy when I saw the mile marker for the twelfth mile and kept on truckin’, grateful for the spectators who saw my name on my race bib and yelled out encouraging words.
I felt a little discouraged when my Garmin reached 13.1 miles, but I was still a good distance from the finish line. I must’ve run along the outside of the course a lot because when I looked down at my Garmin after I ran through the finish line, I ran a little less than a quarter of a mile more than the half marathon distance.
My official time? 2:05:01.
Once I crossed the finish line, I chugged a bottle of water, but all of the food and flavored beverages repulsed me at the time.
We took a couple of photos but didn’t hang out for too long because I just wanted to get home to lie down.
My sister had an amazing 5K race! Her goal was to finish in under 30 minutes and she killed it! Her official time was 27:57. So excited for her!
Now guess who wants to run her first half marathon? Leslie has her eye on the St. Pete Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in February and I said I’d to it with her. I’m sure it will be colder by then, right? 
Once we arrived home, I felt pretty nauseous. It took me a while to feel like I could stomach anything (even water) and eventually, after acting like a zombie on the couch and watching five episodes of Friends, I was able to eat and drink again without feeling like I was going to puke.
With my hunger back, I ate a big bowl of potatoes and onions leftover from my family’s breakfast before showering and eating my bodyweight in grapes and pretzels.
Though I definitely didn’t feel my best during or after today’s race, I am still really proud that I finished my fourth half marathon. I think the post-race high is finally starting to set in!
Hope you’re having a great Sunday!
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I ran the race today too and completely agree with your post! Coming off the pier I suddenly felt terrible and I was so confused when my Garmin told me I had run 13.1 waayy before the finish line. I’m still lying down! It was great to hear someone else had a similar experience. And great job btw!
oh this makes me feel so much better that i wasn’t the only one! i think it was more the HUMIDITY than the heat that got to me. and i plan to continue to stay on the couch for the rest of the day. 🙂
Congrats! It’s still a good time. I was supposed to run this morning, but I did something to my hip three weeks ago and have had trouble even walking. I ran six last Sunday thinking I’d be able to still run the race, but after not being able run AT ALL on Tuesday I decided it wasn’t in the cards. So hard to watch people headed down there knowing I wouldn’t be going. Oh well. I can’t wait for Disney and the RnR! Are you doing the RnR St Pete?
yes! now that my sister wants to do that race, i told her i’d do it with her. plus, i LOVE RNR races. 🙂
Congrats on the race Julie! Sounds pretty awful, but you did it! Rest up 🙂
Congratulations on your race! I’ve been stalking your blog all day cause I couldn’t wait for your race recap…I’m officially addicted. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and take it easy! You deserve it!
this made me smile! thanks for your support, antonia!
Julie!!
You are truly an inspiration!! You pushed through your discomfort and conquered it!!! That looked so painful to run in the heat and humidity–but you did it! Congrats on completing the race! 2:05 is rockin!! You should be proud of yourself for your hard work and perseverance! Congrats again girl!
PS: I looove the dress that you posted last night from Fransesca’s. It was so cute paired with boots.
I still think that’s an AWESOME time!! You should definitely be proud of your accomplishment. 🙂
Is is SO HOT in FL – it feels no where near what it should this time of year..and I think this weekend was even hotter than it has been- so props to you for getting out there to run it, despite the heat & humidity.
& I have to say- you look pretty amazing after just running 13.1 miles!!!!! I wish I only looked HALF as good as you when I finish running. 🙂
i felt like it was unusually hot this weekend, too! last weekend would’ve been MUCH better for racing! and thanks for your compliments about my time. i’m happy with it! 🙂
Congrats to both of you!! It should seriously be way colder (read: much better racing weather!) than this by now 🙁
Congratulations! Wow! Just finished your fourth, and you already have a fifth and sixth scheduled!! That mus be so exciting! And Leslie is so awesome for finishing her 5k in 27 minutes! This post made me smile. Haha 🙂
You can train and prepare for so much but race day is the unknown. Take it for what it is and race accordingly. You did an awesome job at listening to your body and you RAN A HALF MARATHON. That’s 13.1 more miles than I did today! You’re awesome!!
way to go! its super hot and humid here today on the MS gulf coast so I bet it was pretty much the same for you! Humidity and sun are the killers…I tell people I can run in heat if its shady and not too humid. but bleh! you still did so awesome all things considered. Good job!
exaaaactly! heat is one thing, but humidity kills me! the air just felt WET.
Despite the humidity and rough feelings afterward, sounds like a great race – well done, Julie! And your sister did awesome too! How fun to look forward to another race later together. 🙂 Rest up and celebrate a solid race!! 😀
the race really was great! it was a beautiful course – especially in the beginning.
Good job! 2:05 is still a great great time!
Congratulations!!! Heat and humidity are def NOT a runner’s friend. But you did great! And congrats to your sister on her 5k – once she does her first half marathon she’ll be addicted 🙂
i ran my first half marathon yesterday in annapolis, md! My time was 1:50:10! Not my best…as i can usually run 13 in closer to 1:43. I loved it though and already signed up for another one!
Congrats! Heat is so awful to run in!
Congrats Julie! It sounds like it was a difficult race, but that’s awesome that you worked through it! And it will be so fun to run a half with your sister! 🙂
Oh congrats on your half marathon! You look great even when you’re running!
I was running by you for a couple miles of the race I think!! I remember by the red tank and black capris! This was my first half, the race was so fun! good job on your finishing time:)
aaaand i’m sure i looked like i was about to die. 🙂 very cool that we were close to each other! hope the race went well for you!
I’m sorry you felt so crappy after (and during, I’m sure) the race! I’m impressed you still had a great time even though it wasn’t your goal. The same thing happened to me during my 2nd marathon – and it was also due to heat (but not so much humidity). It’s amazing what a difference a few degrees and %’s humidity can make – and not in a good way. I remember it took me at least 4 hours to start feeling human again, and all I did was lay in bed! Good for you! 🙂
Heat and humidity can realllly put a damper on races sometimes 🙁 I hope my turkey trot has amazing weather *eek*! I don’t think it’ll be toooo bad since it’s at 7am though.
Great job, You did awesome!!
I totally know how you feel! I was poised to run a great half marathon in May but it was so humid in Boston that day. It drained me after the half way point and I ended up walking a lot.
Great job on your time!! 🙂
Julie! I am SO super impressed. No way could I run that far. Especially not in hot, humid weather! You are amazing. & You look super cute and happy in all of your running pictures too (and this might be a little weird, but your arms look soooo good – thin and muscular – jealous).
I wouldn’t feel bad about vegging and watching friends after running, I did that yesterday and I definitely didn’t run at all. Haha!
GO GIRL! Great job!
I’m doing the rock n roll st Pete for my first half! Leslie should totally do it!!
STILL an amazing accomplishment! 🙂
That is so awesome Julie!! I really have my eye on a half marathon too. I’ve never ran one before but all your race recaps are so inspiring!
Good job,Julie! This is so inspiring! 🙂
Congrats on your finish!! The heat and humidity is really tough to run long distances in!
Congratulations, Julie– I’m so excited for you! So, I’ve been looking for awhile for some capris like the ones you’re wearing in your pictures. Can you do a fashion post on your running outfit (which is absolutely adorable) or just give some details about the capris? I’d really appreciate it. Congratulations again!
Sarah – I have found several different pairs of stretchy running/yoga capris from TJ Maxx/Marshalls. It can be hit or miss but I always seem to have luck there! They have good brands too (I got a Calvin Klein pair for $20, for example!)
Good luck!!
wish I was home this morning/knew the racers were going through the trop, I could have watched!. I live in that apartment building basically in the parking lot with the weird orange things on the windows.
The humidity this weekend has been horrrrrible. I went to the morning market and art show yesterday morning and was red and sweaty like I had just run 6 miles. But, in any case you should be so proud of yourself! Running two half marathons basically back-to-back is amazing!
Congratulations to you and to your sister!! Such great accomplishments. I’m with her on running the 5k, but with more practice, I hope to be able to participate in bigger and better races someday. You’re an inspiration!
holy smokes that sounds hard!!! WAY to go–4 half marathons under you belt 🙂 Woot.
I hate humidity –so props to you for gettin’ ‘er done!
Great job! Even sweaty and uncomfortable you looked absolutely gorgeous, as per usual! <3
Great job girl! As an arkansan, I’m wondering where your dad is headed? E
congrats on finishing a tough race, humidity is a killer. makes you feel slow and like you have swampbutt.
Yeaha! Good for you girly 🙂
I give you so much credit for running in that heat, Julie. I definitely wouldn’t have made it! Congratulations to you and your sister for completing your races today!!
2:05 is a GREAT time Julie! Congrats!! That is only what, 7 minutes slower than your last one? And in such gross heat! You should be very proud.
Congrats to Leslie too! I ran a 5K in 30:05 yesterday (but in 45-degree weather) and it was HARD, so 27 minutes in the heat is awesome!
Enjoy your lazy Sunday evening! 🙂
congrats on your 5K! Great time!!!
Congrats on the finish, Julie! Sounds like it was a tough race, but it must feel awesome to know you pulled through.
You Go Girl!! It’s soo hard to run in heat AND humidity!! YOU are awesome!! :))
Julie, I just came across your blog recently and love it! Your posts are great! I also ran the WHM in St. Pete today, and I am so relieved after reading what you had to say! The humidity was horrendous! I couldn’t stop thinking after about mile 3 about how awful I felt. I totally had the same thoughts as you. I originally had high hopes before race start, but that soon changed to just simply hoping I could finish. I felt like my legs just wouldn’t go any faster. I ran Savannah also two weeks ago as you did, and I had a far different experience. I had a PR in Savannah – 1:48:22. Today I ran 1:55:40. More than 7 minutes slower AND my Garmin was also off by a good .2 or so miles! I don’t think this course is certified so it is probably indeed off by a bit. Anyway, congrats on finishing! At least the medal was really pretty and the run along the pier and inside Tropicana Field was awesome! 🙂
ah! i loved reading your comment. so glad i’m not alone! and it also made me feel better that your time was slower than savannah, too. i didn’t know WHAT was wrong with me, but the humidity really got to me!
Congrats Julie! You ran a fantastic race.. and happy to hear you are resting and hydrating 🙂 running in the heat is no easy feat!
The weather is funky up here in New England.. I went running today in shorts and a T-shirt because it was 65 degrees out! so unheard of for November in Massachusetts!
Congrats Julie! Even though you didn’t get the time you wanted, you still did a great job. Heat and humidity can be the worst thing ever when it comes to running and the fact that you powered through it is awesome! I’m glad you’re feeling better now 🙂
Congrats! My sister and I are planning to run the St. Pete half too…I reallllly hope it isn’t too humid in February I am definitely not used to it living in NY!
wooohoooo! i LOVE RnR races!
I have NO idea how you ran in the FL heat! I would have died! Good job. Love the pictures.
Congrats Julie! My half was super long today too. 13.33. How torturous is it to hear your garmin go off for mile 13 and not even see the finish line?! I thought the hills were torturous today but I guess I should be glad I didn’t have to deal with heat and humidity!
VERY torturous!
You did great! I still huff and puff through a 5k. You killed that half!!
where did you get your workout shirt? LOVE!
the brand is lucy! i think it’s from nordstrom rack?
way to go, julie. that’s still an awesome time.
btw, during my first half marathon, someone told me that gps watches can be incorrect. i totally forget why?? something about the satellite readings, arm movement??? i was so puzzled b/c my watch wasn’t matching up with the mile markers!
Congrats on your time! That’s awesome! I am starting my 12 week training plan this week for the Feb Rock n Roll in St Pete.
Where did you and/or your sister find your running capris? I’ve been looking for some but haven’t found any plain black.
oh awesome! good luck w/ training! the capris are lululemon wonderunder crops. i loooove them.