My Quest to 50+1
March 13, 2016
Puerto Rico Half
Marathon
On March 13, I completed my plus 1 on my Quest to 50+1. This race was my 23rd Half
Marathon that I completed, although not one of my best races thus far this was
by far the most memorable. Traveling to Puerto Rico for this race has been in
the works for quite some time, my cousins in Puerto Rico have wanted me to run
this race after reading about my journey on running 50 states so I then added
the plus 1 on my quest. I really had a plan
to PR (set a personal record) in PR but due to the conditions and maybe being
too much on vacation mode I didn’t do so great. Race morning it rained and also
rained throughout. The race started at 5am to beat the heat but within in mile
1 I had already felt the 95% humidity, by the time I reached Old San Juan the
streets were dark and could barely see so had to really take it slow,
cobblestones were slippery and the streets were narrow. The best part of my race was seeing my cousin
(whom I met for the second time only) was riding the course on his bike as a
coach, he recorded me and took pictures and motivated me throughout. I felt ok
but not great enough to run faster than 8:30 pace which I had planned. My pace
was sporadic up and down at mile 7 felt a little light headed at mile 9 I
grabbed an ice pack someone was giving out to cool me off. Last mile my cousin
riding next to me says I am almost there and just have a downhill to go and
then comes the pouring rain, although refreshing it was a downpour that
visibility was minimal. As I cross the finish line, couldn’t have been happier
to be done and I knew my time wasn’t the best but I am ok with that.
This race had brought me to meet new people in the Latina’s
in Motion Chapter from Puerto Rico and NJ, fellow Junkees from Ohio who I met
on fb through Run Junkees Club, my friend’s husband aka my twin I call him
because we run the same pace. My friends
from New York ran and I was able to spend time with my family which was
great. So far this has been my best
Runcation I have had. My Runcation consisted of traveling the island, dancing,
spending time with friends, eating, running on the beach and just an awesome time.
Now to focus on my upcoming races in April a 15k, and 2 Spartan
races, and continue my Triathlon training (swim, bike, run have to
practice-practice-practice) I am looking
for another half to do sooner than later but haven’t found any that fits my
schedule.
Until next time Happy Running!
