I woke up this morning and realized I didn’t have pins for my race number, so I had to go the grocery store at 5am. I told you I wasn’t prepared for this race.
WHY I LOVE RUNNING…
However, despite that, I really enjoyed the race. After the 1st mile, I forgot about the pain in my knee and just got into the groove.
Here I am at mile 5.
And again at mile 9, smiling away.
Something good: I lost complete track of the time and the mileage – and every time I passed a mile marker, I was surprised I was that far along.
Something better: My time – 1:58:37
My goal was under 2 hours, and I just barely snuck in under that mark. Actually, the race clock said 2:02, however my official time was the above number because it took me 4 minutes after the gun went off to get to the starting line. The Denver Marathon was HUGE…throngs and throngs of people the entire time. Lots of energy, lots of fun.
The last quarter of a mile was difficult – I was sprinting and pushing myself to the max. I love that feeling.
This was taken as I was coming down the home stretch. Head down, arms pumping. I was euphoric afterwards.
***
WHY I HATE RUNNING…
…bye-bye appetite.
I asked Meeker (who has a degree in exercise physiology) why this happens and his best guess was because while running longer distances I am burning fat – as opposed to carbohydrates – which doesn’t spike the hunger. Aerobic vs. Anaerobic exercise. But that was just his guess – does anybody out there know why my appetite disappears when I run?
However – after the race I forced my unwilling tummy to eat some of the yummiest post-race oatmeal I have ever had. Thank you Target (who sponsored the race)!
Then my awesome in-laws took us out to lunch, and I got a tiny side salad. So sad.
It tasted really good.
Then, in an attempt to get my hunger started, I suggested we go to the doggie park and walk limp around for a couple of hours. It was a GORGEOUS day here in Colorado – 80 degrees. The best news. We even played in the river with Punky. The cold water felt fabulous on my tired feet.
When I got home (around 4pm), I still wasn’t hungry, but felt sort of weak, so I had a milk/protein powder.
Then a few hours later – I started to feel the beginnings of hunger, so I made 2 batches of cheetahs.
My half…
Sorry for the blur.
These sweet ‘taters sort of woke up my stomach, and I made the most delicious and satisfying creation for dessert.
Ice cream and cinnamon on homemade frozen cookies.
Yessssss. Droooool.
All in all…a fantastic Sunday, aaaaand, I don’t have school ALL NEXT WEEK. I am one happy girl.
Congrats on your 1/2! You look awesome in those action shots; you’re definitely in the moment in a good way!
P.S. I am SO jealous you don’t have schooooolllll!
congrats on your 1/2 marathon girl! you did awesome, and i love the feeling of race day having so many people around. chip times always make me feel better, so when i cross the line, i know i did it in less time
yay for cookie sammies! enjoy your work-less week – this girl is totally jealous
You’re awesome!!! Great job on the race despite the dog/bike adventures…… Good race shots Meeker. Love you guys!
Congrats on the half marathon! I know what you mean about long runs killing your hunger, that happens to me sometimes. But today after my 16 miler I was starved! It just depends I guess.
Wow, Thrynn! I am really proud of you! I’m sure Matt would have loved to be in that w/you, but Disney wore his socks off! How is your knee?? I’ll take an ice cream sammie next time I see you! LOVE YOU!
YAY FOR COMPLETING THE RUN! Way to go girl! I was ravenous after my half marathon I did when I was like 14 but thats when I would eat my weight in food each day haha. Loving the cheetahs and um freaking yummy ice cream creation!
Awesome race time!!!! As a former teacher, I am sure you are more excited about this week off though
Hope you are sleeping in!
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My appetite tends to also disappear, at least for a few hours, after I run. It is common with strenuous exercise – it blunts the appetite.
CONGRATS my dear!
That time is outstanding! i can’t believe it, and you had such wonderful weather, so what a major plus!!!!! I’m so so so so so proud of you! 
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Awesome job! It was such a beautiful day wasn’t it?? That ice cream cookie sandwich looks amazing!
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Hey, congrats on the run! Love the pictures… awesome!
bro
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I have heard that when you exercise a lot and get the blood pumping, evolutionarily speaking, your body goes into “flight mode,” meaning that running and raising your heart rate originally (way back in neanderthal days) meant that you were running FROM something……so, when our ancestors were running, their bodies “turned off” all other necessary body functions and turned its attention to fleeing whatever they were running from (probably some type of mammoth or other large animal:)….I think it’s the same reason you usually don’t have to go to the bathroom when you exercise/run….it’s another essential body function that your body deems non-essential in the moment. So, your body has ot re-adjust and re-gain its appetite that was suppressed while running. Just a thought:)
Wow- thank you! That is so interesting, and it totally makes sense!
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