I ran the Kaiser San Francisco Half Marathon yesterday with some friends.   I ran the race in 1:57 which is something I am very happy about.    I did make some rookie mistakes that I will share with you because you are my friends and won’t judge!

Mistake #1 – Starting Out Too Fast

Running with two friends is a great idea but we didn’t actually sit down and chat about our race day pace plan.    We went out much faster than I thought we would and I paid for it by mile 11.

Mistake #2 – Don’t Chase the Rabbit

A bit after the water stop at mile 6 ish,  I lost one of my friends in the crowd.  I tried to catch up her but she’s a stronger runner and I just didn’t have it in me.  Unfortunately I wasted precious energy and strength, not to mention humility trying to catch her!

Mistake #3 – Refuel – Whether You Like It Or Not

Ok, this one I’m embarrassed to admit.  When I race I am like a clock.  Mile 6- refuel, mile 11 – refuel, Mile 16 – refuel…you get the drill.  Well yesterday I had GU at mile 6, right on schedule.  But by mile 11 I just didn’t feel like it.  My stomach was acting a bit wonky, it was warm, I was tired, wah wah wah, so I skipped it.  When I turned the corner at mile 12.75 (according to my wonder watch, the Garmin), I was out of gas.  I couldn’t catch my breath and I actually stopped on the course.  Let’s repeat that.  I STOPPED, in a race, with less than a half mile to go.  I took a few breaths, shook my head and continued on my way up the hill to the finish line.

The lesson in this is that no matter if you are running alone or with friends, set your own pace, don’t let pride get in the way of common sense and take the darn GU when you are supposed to!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂