Georgia Marathon 2013: My Worst Race and Also My Best Race to Date

Over the weekend there was an incredibly fun Atlanta Event, the Georgia Marathon (and half marathon).  I call it the Publix Marathon since that was the name four years ago when I ran it for the first time.   Clearly I am a little confused.

This weekend I ran the half marathon portion of this race for my forth time.  It was  my worst race to date……and yet it was my best race to date.

My Worst Race to Date

Recently I have been unable to smell and breathing has been labored and difficult.  I knew that this race was going to be TOUGH.  I had some serious strikes against me.  I have run 5 other half marathons.  My best time was 2:01 and my worst time was 2:10.  I knew there was no chance I would be near my fastest and I just wanted to be a respectable distance from my worst.  I wanted to be in the 2:05 to 2:20 time range.  I had to use an inhaler four times during the second half of the race, and I walked up lots of the hills.

My Best Race to Date

Another thing that I really wanted was to NOT get a migraine after the race.  During long runs (anything over 8.5 miles) I have been getting terrible migraines that have knocked me out for days and required shots of Toradol to make me a normal person.  I did some research and decided to try Saltstick Electrolyte Capsules  to see if that would help regulate my electrolytes.  I used the salt pills on a long run or two and they totally helped.  The real test would be the half marathon.

I am so happy to say that I did not get a migraine after the race!  I took 5 or 6 salt pills during the race and it make a huge difference in how I felt.  They clearly couldn’t fix the breathing issues I was having, but they took away the pain that normally rings in my head.  A-maz-ing.  I have never really felt normal after a previous half marathon, but I did this time.  Despite my time being my worst time in my history I am the most excited about this race.  Running IS great, especially when you feel good.

I have sinus surgery in two weeks, and I am hoping that my next half marathon breaks the 2 hour mark!

March 2010 – ING Half Marathon (My first ever!) – 2:01:12
March 2011 – Publix Half Marathon – 2:09:45
February 2012 – Disney Princess Half Marathon – 2:06:46
March 2012 – Publix Half Marathon – 2:05:03
October 2012 – Silver Comet – 2:05:26
March 2013 – Georgia Marathon – 2:12:28

After running the Disney Princess race last year I decided I wanted to wear a tutu for the Georgia Marathon.  I mean, the race WAS on St. Patrick’s Day.  So I made 5 tutus for race day (one for myself and 4 for friends).  Running in a tutu is a MUST if you ever do a half marathon.  You get so many comments from the crowd and it is so easy to spot your friends!

Isn’t the medal awesome?  I love the cloverness of it!  Now that this race is out of the way I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulder.  It is such a terrific feeling!

What is your next race?  Are you inspired to start running.  Once you start it is addicting!

There are many fun things to do in Atlanta.  Check out our recent posts about Activities in Atlanta for more suggestions and ideas.