I almost didn’t make it. I was in so. much. pain. Every step was a struggle. I walked. A lot. I did what I had to do to finish without hurting myself even more. I don’t know what’s wrong. My left hip and leg hurt and my legs are just resisting. I learned something today. This is not an EXCUSE. I ran 13.1 FREAKING MILES. No “butts” about it. Speed is just a minor detail and this race taught me that! But. This is how I felt. It HURT. It was frustrating. Live and learn…
Not every race will be a PR. Since I’m a “new” runner, every half marathon I’d done until now brought a shiny new PR. Not today. Nope. I had a “bad” race. But I freaking did it. I’m just as proud of finishing in 2:15 as I am finishing in 1:42. It was just… different. I struggled every single yep of the way, mentally and physically. I cried.
Mile 1: I ran a bit and walked a bit. I knew something was wrong. I was mad, angry, frustrated, wanted to quit. I hate everyone around me! How dare they run so effortlessly! They suck!
Miles 2-5: Told myself to go slow. Walk if I need to. Will I finish? Should I pull out? How do I even do that? I don’t think I can run.
Miles 6-10: Just get to 10 miles. Just get to 10 miles. 10 is basically 13. Right? I walked a lot. I realized I could do anything. Right? Pain is mental. (Right?!)
Miles 11-13.1: FELT LIKE FOR EFFING EVER. I might die. I might fall over and die. I basically almost just tripped over a pebble. NOPE. I’ve come this far. I’m finishing. I’m going to finish with a 7 minute mile. Ok a 10 minute mile that feels like a 7 minute mile will do.
*Mile 9: lady yells “go Jenna! Looking strong, girl!”
I cried.
And there you have it. I will never ever forget Rock N Roll NOLA.
MORE IMPORTANTLY…
this trip holds a special place in my heart because I went with my AMAZING dad and my fur baby, and got to spend the weekend with my cousin and her fur baby who live in New Orleans. My dad and I ran a fun 5K the morning before the half marathon/10K race (he ran the 10K while I ran the Half), walked around Audubon Park and to the Mississippi River, rode the trolley, ate some delicious food, and had a great time together. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and it was just truly a great and unforgettable weekend.
Link to my full race review on BibRave.com: https://www.bibrave.com/races/rock-n-roll-new-orleans/9414#.Wp2e8egbNaQ
Link to Athlinks results: https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/319145186
Jenna runs 
Congratulations on finishing the race, because I agree- just finishing really can be a victory. But what happened- did you go into the race injured or in pain, or did it start in mile one? Or did you just want to use the run/walk strategy? I really hope you’re not injured and that you can recover and get back to training- I know you had your share of injury struggles during training but it seemed like it was going well the last few weeks?
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I had an aching pain in my hips after long or tough runs before, but it (quickly) escalated a run or two right before this race. I was already worried about it and knew immediately that it was actually “something” right when I started running. I did not plan on walking at all but I didn’t want to hurt myself further, so I just did what I could to finish. After talking with my coach, it seems to be a common piriformis issue and some glute medius pain from overuse and weak hips. I’ll be doing some strengthening moves and resting a while. Thank you 🙂
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I know that awful feeling. So many runners do. You should be very proud that you gutted so much of the race out and avoided the dreaded “DNF”. Congrats!
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Thanks so much! I honestly thought about it, but didn’t really even know what I’d do. Just pull to the side? Get an Uber? lol. Glad I finished, though! 🙂
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oh man. I’m sorry about the tough race. But mad props for toughing it out! I hope you’re feeling better now?
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I was in pretty bad pain after the race and for a few days but now I feel OK as long as I’m not running… I’ll be resting up for sure! Thank you!
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glad you feel okay. the running will come back soon enough!
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Hey, Ms. Jenna looks like you are doing great. I can’t believe how much you have progressed as a runner. I’m genuinely happy for you. Things are also going well for me. I have to confess to ending the pursuit of my JD. Simply put, I’m schooled out! Dr. Joey is where it ends. I’m very at ease with this decision :).On another note I have been accepted into the 2018 NYC Marathon Cut and pasted from my email 🙂 – “Congratulations, Joseph!
You are officially in the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon this November. This is the world’s biggest marathon—a life-changing race that draws runners from all over the planet. It will test you, challenge you, and above all move you. All of us at New York Road Runners are thrilled to have you with us!
Be on the lookout for regular newsletters to help guide you on your marathon journey. In the meantime, learn about how to book your trip to NYC, pick a training program, and ensure you have an incredible race week experience.” Although I was accepted as a result of a lottery entry, I plan to honor my commitment to run on behalf of Freds Team to raise money for cancer research. Both my father and sister battled this horrible disease. My sister who was an avid cyclist and health enthusiast was diagnosed with uritis cancer this past September. Things did not go well:(. :(. My coach continues to do an excellent job in blending my cross training and running to complete this race. The core work is killing me. I did have a minor set back and had to have the meniscus scoped this past Friday. However, I have been walking and will return to light workouts on March 12th. Of course, the back is an issue. But my goal is to complete the race in the four-hour range. Prior to the above-stated procedure, I was already completing controlled two-hour runs and three-hour full body ARC machine sessions. My goals are now different! I’m also happy to report that my relationship is going well. Quite honestly, I have never been happier with someone. Ok, I filled you in on more than you care to know :). As I read your recap regarding the difficult race you had, I was so impressed with the inner strength you had to gut it out and finish. That mental strength says a lot about you as both a runner and a person. Yes, I have a very kind side LOL. On a serious note, it is something you should be proud of. Everyone can complete the races that we feel well in. But not everyone can persevere through the difficult ones. As I think back to the period of time I was injury free and in my prime, the races I’m often proud of were the ones I didn’t even medal in. It was the fact that I overcame bad days. I recall a particular marathon that had me on the ropes at mile 5. But like you, I hung in and finished. I even remember hitting PR’s in freaking workouts lol. I’m actually serious about that.It simply proves that runners are truly unique individuals who are in it for the love of the sport.
I want to thank you for allowing me to use your Blog to compliment myself lol. Keep on doing what you do Ms. Texas. And as always, run and travel safe my friend.
Dr. Joey
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Hey, Dr. Joey! So great to hear from you! I’m glad your relationship is going well and it means a lot that you’re running for charity. It is nice to run for a cause rather than just for our own sanity (or insanity…) 🙂 Thank you so much for the kind words. It has been tough, mentally, after this race. But like you said, I am just proud of myself for gutting it out. It was the most miserable 2 hours of my life. I tried to just run slow and “enjoy it” but every single step took everything I had. I’m just glad I’m not “injured” – it’s my piriformis/glute muscles being so tight that they are trapping a nerve or something to that extent. So I’ve been stretching, strengthening, and dry needling! Have you ever done that? It literally feels like someone is stabbing the shit out of you, which is what it essentially is. It does not feel good. I suppose this is why running is an endurance sport. It will teach you to trule “endure.” Thanks again and great to hear from you and know you’re well. ENJOY not being in school! I’m telling you – not having 18 books to read and 7 papers to write is actually NICE! 🙂 Take care, Dr. Joey!
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BTW Happy Belated Birthday:) I’m also pleased to see that Derby is doing well.
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