Last Sunday, April 17th was the annual Rutgers Unite Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile race started at 8am on Busch and weaved its way through Rutgers. The course featured Busch, Livingston, Johnson Park, and College Avenue. Over 6000 runners ran, and I was one of them! Here’s a recap of my mile by mile thoughts during the race.
Mile 1: This is exciting!!! I’m running a half marathon! There are so many people! We’re all running a half marathon!
Mile 2: I’m running a half marathon!!! A woman has a sign that reads “If Trump can run, so can you.” *runs a little too fast for the second mile*
Mile 3: *still running too fast* I need to slow down. Why am I running so fast? I’m going to hate myself for this in a few miles.
Mile 4: Why are we running through such a weird part of Livingston? Sarah said they make bagels here. I want a bagel. Water station! Let’s see how much water I can drink from a tiny paper cup while continuing to run. Answer: not much.
Mile 5: Phew I’m starting to get tired. Which is concerning because it’s a little too early to be tired.
Mile 6: Halfway!! Please let there be another water station soon.
Mile 7: My running buddy is getting competitive? She wants to pass people? Why??? I’ll let her go. I’m running solo from here on out.
Mile 8: Obviously time to listen to some sad podcasts to get my mind off of the remaining five miles.
Mile 9: Podcasts were sadder than expected. Water station Gatorade was tastier than expected.
Mile 10: Why is nobody walking? I really thought there’d be more people walking by this point. Okay I’m giving myself permission to walk at mile 11. Just gotta make it to mile 11.
Mile 11: Two minute walking break was such a blessing. The rest of mile 11? Not so much. 13 mile run = 13 hour nap, right?
Mile 12: So close to the finish! A mile is so short! I’ve run so many miles before. I can 100% run just one more mile.
Mile 13: Really can’t wait for finish line music, post-race food, and taking a long nap. Hey, I see my family!
.1: Run fast run fast run fast! Done! Omg why are there fences everywhere? Why do I have to walk so far away before I can sit down? Where are my parents? Where is the post run fun?
Shortly afterwards: found my parents who had water with them (God bless). Also found post run fun which included me eating a half frozen soft pretzel. Did not get to take a 13 hour nap :/
Rate: 10/10 would do again.