Can you wing a half marathon?

Yes and no. I essentially tried winging it this weekend at the Hamptons Marathon and Half. It wasn't my intention to be so under prepared but things happen. Things like weddings and horrible colds.  The 4 weeks leading up to the half I had only ran combined 20 miles. I should have been doing 20/week. Whoops.

I was running for a cause so I really wanted to stick with it.  My friend Sarah (Seb)’s mom has had MS for some time now and last year she was also diagnosed with Lymphoma.  Sarah wanted to do something to raise money for research to donate in her mom’s honor.  Thankfully Seb’s mom is now doing well post chemo and we were able to relish in our running victory with her after the event.  Here's a pic of that:

At mile three I really thought I was going to need medical attention, my knee was locking and at verge of hyperextension. In true Jillian style I tried my best to ignore it and it went away before mile 4.

Miles 4 through 9 felt great, super, spectacular. I was pacing perfectly and felt like finishing this would be no problem. Then the mysterious injury came back with a vengeance.

So essentially miles 9 through 12 I had to do a run/walk routine. I was hugely frustrated. I trotted along mile 13 and finished but not at a time I'm proud of, 2 hrs 28 min.  But should be easy to beat it next time! ;)

The trainers at the finish line weren't much help. "Does it hurt right now?" "No, only when I run." "Well if it was something serious it would hurt right now... sounds like something random." THANKS GUYS, YOU WERE A GREAT HELP.

I was pretty fuming mad until I discovered free flip flops. Plus I had that mylar sheet around me, I felt pretty damn cool with it. Look at me, I ran a half marathon and I've got flip flops and a mylar sheet to prove it. I'm a runner, the real deal. Now where is the damn free food?!

Funny how small your appetite is after running like that. It’s kind of bad because your body actually really needs nutrients stat. Half a banana and a mini cliff bar probably didn't exactly cut it.

After my little personal pity party I walked with one of Seb's older brothers down to mile 25 to cheer on Sebby and Nicole.  Both looked totally unphased. Running along as if they started 10 minutes ago, not 4 hours ago. Seb was fiddling with her ipod to find a certain song to finish with, typical - I love it.

But two days later my legs are finally starting to work and I might even dare attempt a 3 mi jog this evening. I wish I had photos to share.  I’ll post some when BrightRoom makes them available.  :)

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