My Quest to 50 +1 (Puerto Rico)

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 23^rd 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!