Jelly Bean Virtual Half Marathon Race Review

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Today I reached a new milestone: I ran 21.1km all by myself. That's right, no start line, no water stations, no people cheering on the sidelines, and no finish line. I just walked out my front door and started running till my watch hit 21.1km, it was hot and difficult but also exhilarating to know that I can do that. It gave me hope that some of those full marathon training runs I have coming up are going to be doable.

It's hard to believe after a whole year since returning to running and 11 half marathons that I've never gone that far by myself but I've never had to, there's always been a group doing a suitable distance. So there I was out there by myself on a beautiful day doing my first Virtual Race:

It was definitely a slow run but I pretty much knew that going in. Without the adrenaline of a start line and all the distractions of a typical race I did my best not to focus on how far I had to go and how long it was going to take but my mind drifted there OFTEN. I ended up stopping twice at gas stations to refill my water bottles. It was certainly the hottest day we've had around here in a long time and everyone I passed had slurpees. I was pretty happy once I finally made it out of the populated area of town so I didn't have to see people carrying cold delicious treats.

Once I passed the half way point I came upon the Golden Ears Bridge, remember that race, The Golden Ears Half Marathon, that I couldn't complete because I was sick. We were supposed to run over that bridge during the race so I felt vindicated in a way running by it knowing I was half way through a race ALL BY MYSELF.You can see the bridge in the distance in this photo:

In no time at all I was back near my neighborhood and only had about 6km to go, a little loop I am very familiar with. I slowed down through here not because I wanted to but my legs were feeling pretty tired and I have a race next weekend and I was in no way intending to PR today, just to run and enjoy myself and I did that.

Today was a real turning point, I am no longer tied to running groups, I can do this by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love running with friends and I will continue to do so when my schedule allows but I feel a sense of freedom no longer being scared of the longer distances. First Virtual Race was a definite success! Run with Jess hosted this race, you can check out her awesome blog here.

Of course Griffin had to wear my medal for the evening :)