London's Run 1/2 Marathon

Caitlin: 13.1 miles - 2:12:28, 10:07(mpm average)
Ben: 6.2 miles - 48:03, 7:44(mpm average)

My friend Becky asked me to do the London’s Run ½ Marathon about a week prior. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess that competitive edge I have embedded in me wanted to challenge the other half to a duel. I figured if I was training already for my Ragnar Relay I’d be fine. Before all this I hurt my knee and took about 6 weeks off of training completely. Then I had some major arch pain which ended up with me getting new shoes.


Before I got injured my longest run was only 10 miles. So after I committed to the half, I’ll admit I got kind of cocky and thought “Hey what’s 3 miles more.” The night before I was sick to my stomach with nerves and wanted to visit the toilet for many reasons. Ben did his best to calm me and reminded me to stretch and clear my mind. I did just that and got my Ipod, beans, gels, GU’s, powders, Garmin, body glide, and water belt ready to go. I laid out the perfect outfit and tried to relax. At the last minute Ben decided to run the 10K. He’s crazy. The morning of we got up bright and early. My nerves turned into adrenaline and my legs were ready. It was more exciting because Ben was participating in an event too.

I told Ben afterward that I’m such a bi-polar runner. I’ll be laughing at mile 7 and crying at mile 8. It didn’t help that along the way were pictures of children who had suffered or are suffering from cancer. At mile 12 was a beautiful picture of London in a white dress, which the run is named after. She passed away in 2005 at age 6 from leukemia. I lost it. I kept telling myself…you can’t breathe, cry, and run at the same time!! As I came up to the finish line I saw Ben taking pictures from the side.


I crossed the line and a guy caught me and all I really remember is Ben saying “thank you” and then he was walking me to get some food. He kept saying “You’re ok, you’re ok” as I was trying to catch my breath. He grabbed me the best tasting bagel ever and got me to the massage booth. Ben did great in his race and got a medal for placing. Becky had a great time too! We were so close to each other.




I absolutely loved the whole experience and will definitely do it again. It was such an emotional experience for me. Not only was the cause a great one, but I accomplished something I NEVER thought I would. My body literally took over and beat all the negative thoughts. I love that feeling. Now everytime I hear the songs play from that run I get those same emotions and my legs get that feeling like, "get me on the pavement." I learned so much about my body. All the fancy gels and beans and powders are nothing compared to what happens when your body takes over. You keep putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it you've accomplished something awesome. You feel the sore muscles but it's all a reminder of what you did. I'm hooked.