Confessions.

[momoflizandains]

Well, I'll be leaving on Thursday for our trip to WDW. I did the 5k last year and roped a friend in to do the half this year. This, however, has been a terrible year. I lost my dad at the end of October after a two month hospitalization. After that, I planned to work on my training but never quite got to it through my grief. I am still going and plan on walking the race. Does anyone have any words of advice or wisdom? I figure the worst that can happen is that I get swept, but I am hoping to walk the entire thing.

 

[cewait]

No real words. Keep your head up, shoulders relaxed and pace comfortable. 13 miles in 3.5 hours is not all that insurmountable but you will need to keep moving.

Why not create a little list of the good/great memories you have of your Dad. At each mile point just tick though it and think about all the reasons you put that line item on there. Before you know it you will be at #10 or 11 and one the way home!

 

[momoflizandains]

Thank you. I absolutely love that idea. Jan 7th would have been his 66th birthday, so I will take the race and weekend to celebrate him. I WILL make it.

 

[deleckidesign]

It's very possible! Just think of how proud your dad would be of you

My husband and I have had a rough year (well, rough 2 years). During that time we have lost an uncle, 4 grandfathers, 2 jobs (each lost ours within a month of one another), a house and a car; and both my grandmother and uncle were very ill and nearly died. And hubby just got laid off again 2 days ago. He had originally planned to go w/me to do the 1/2, but work said no and he didn't really train that much. But now that he's not working, I've convinced him to go w/me and we're going to walk the race together!

Even through the tough times, you can find it within yourself to do anything if you put your mind to it!

 

[kimara]

sorry for your loss.
it is great that you are going to try the half marathon and i hope it goes well.
i just have a small word of caution: pay attention to your body.

i finished a half without training. it was a great experience, but also foolish. i should have stopped when my knees started screaming at me. i am very stubborn. just listen to your body and don't do any damage. i will be there in january with you--i will be the one with the brand new knee braces

ok, another word of warning:
for me, the half was more emotional than i realized it would be. it is difficult to explain. since i was pushed to physical limits, my emotions ran close to the surface. fear, pride, sadness, joy--they all surfaced unexpectedly. the strangers cheering you on, the other runners. it was a great thing and i hope you enjoy it.

 

[crewmatt]

Sorry for your loss.
Keep it relaxed in the beginning, there's all that excitement. Dont over do it at the start. Keep moving, stopping makes it SO much harder to start again. Stay light on your feet especially in the beginning when your fresh. Find a group of people after the first mile or so you'll probably find people who are going at a pace you find comfortable. Being with other people will keep you from sprinting and crashing, and will in general smooth your pace out. Plus it'll help pass the time on those lonely stretches btwn parks.

 

[saysay]

So sorry for your loss....my dad passed away 2 years ago and I know its not easy to say goodbye to your dad. Your dad will be with you. I love what coach said about that check list to keep you going.

No advice, just wanted to tell you my neighbor did a half here in town on halloween with no training....it is possible. Listen to the advice you got here to get your through it. Good luck!

 

[figment82]

walking is a great way to get through it! Find a pace that works for you, find some other people that are walking the same pace, and just keep moving! You will make it to the end. And if you don't, at least you gave it your all!

 

[momoflizandains]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and well wishes. I thought I would let everyone know that I FINISHED. Yes, I have a beautiful golden duck to wear proudly. We walked and ran and were very sore after the race, but we did it. I have to say, my dad certainly helped me to keep going.

 

[TnTsParty]

So glad you updated this post. I am so happy that you finished. I didn't post any advice but I followed along and wanted to say sorry about your father. You did awesome and I am sure your dad would be so proud of you. Wear that duck medal with pride you earned it!!!!

 

[cruisin'Mike]

I'm sorry for your loss. I think you did a fantastic job finishing the half. I'm sure your Dad was with you every step of the way and is very proud of you. Congratulations on a job well done!

 

[mousemgr2]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and well wishes. I thought I would let everyone know that I FINISHED. Yes, I have a beautiful golden duck to wear proudly. We walked and ran and were very sore after the race, but we did it. I have to say, my dad certainly helped me to keep going.

Congrats!!! My first 1/2 Marathon was 9 months after my dad died. He certainly kept me going. I'm sure your dad was with you every step of those 13.1 miles.

Congrats!

 

[mikamah]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and well wishes. I thought I would let everyone know that I FINISHED. Yes, I have a beautiful golden duck to wear proudly. We walked and ran and were very sore after the race, but we did it. I have to say, my dad certainly helped me to keep going.

Congratulations. I am sure your dad would have been so proud and he was there with you in spirit. I am so sorry for your loss.
Your story has me crying. I lost my mom in 09 and started running last winter to help with some depression and my grief, and will be doing the princess half next month. I know she will be there with me, and I'm sure she is shocked I'm running at all.