Back in late 2009, a few months before our trip, we decided to start training for the Carlsbad Half Marathon in January 2010. I’ve always enjoyed running, but never ran further than 3 miles. Serendipitously, I was surrounded by a group of veteran marathoner friends. With their words of encouragement and advice, I bought myself a proper pair of running shoes and began running for real.
I never thought I could get past the 3-mile mental block I had created for myself. When I realized I could run 5 miles, I was over the moon! Then my mentality became: Well, if I can run 5 miles, then I can run 6 miles. And if I can run 6 miles, then I can run 7 miles, etc. After each run, I felt a satisfied sense of accomplishment. It was a confidence booster as well as a great way to relieve stress. I felt calm.
Leaving everything we know with no job, no home, and definite uncertainty for the next 9+ months? No problem!
Except….
The race sold out. A January race selling out in October? We didn’t realize it was so popular. We soon found out that the Carlsbad Half Marathon is the first of three races for the Half Marathon Triple Crown. The second is La Jolla Half Marathon in April, and the third is America’s Finest City in August. If a runner completes all three races in one calendar year, you get a nifty medal and a big pat on the back.
We were a little bummed we couldn’t run the Carlsbad Half, but we continued training anyway. We peaked at around 10 miles, but inevitably, we started to focus more on preparing for our trip.
One of the things we really missed while we traveled was running. There were times and places where going for a run would have been really awesome. But we had to keep our packs as light as possible, and choosing between our hiking shoes and our running shoes, our hiking shoes won.
When we returned home 4 months ago, one of the first things we did was unpack our running shoes and go for a jog. We were curious where our fitness level was or wasn’t. We went for a 2-mile run. I was a little surprised that we I had the endurance for it, but the next day, and a few days after, our bodies felt like one giant muscle cramp. After that initial run, though, we were able to build up our miles again pretty quickly. Feeling encouraged, we decided to sign up for the La Jolla Half Marathon. I was a little intimidated to run this race since the course has quite a few hills, one of which is a monster climb at the entrance of Torrey Pines State Reserve. The trade-off is that most of the run is along some of the most scenic coastlines in San Diego.
View near the end of the course
Jay and I, being unemployed, and trying not to go stir-crazy, trained for this race like it was our jobs. We ran our long runs on the monster hill once a week for 6 weeks. Even though it was challenging, the vast ocean views and San Diego sun always left us feeling incredibly grateful.
Race day came and went. Our good friends were rooting for us at the finish line. Thankfully, the weather was cool and overcast. It didn’t make for the most beautiful day to enjoy the Pacific views, but it was good running weather. After it was all over, the sun came out.
We did it: 13.1 miles from Del Mar to La Jolla. We finished what we started.
Jay and I decided early on in our training that we’d run separately since I’m a slowpoke. And Jay rocked it! Pretty incredible for his first half!
As I crossed the finish line, I told myself that I’d never do anything like this again. I mean, why am I running 13 miles for FUN? My feet were burning, I was sweaty, and the last hill at mile 12 was demoralizing. But, here I am, a few days later, and already signed up for our next half marathon, America’s Finest City, in August.
If things keep going this way, who knows what’s in store for us in the next few years. Triple Crown? A full marathon (meh, I’m not so convinced with that one)? All I know is that running has kept us sane before our trip, and it is keeping us sane upon our return. Thanks endorphins.
Christina
