Outside Katrina’s Kitchen | My First Half Marathon
I ran my first half marathon. You can too. If you’ve been following In Katrina’s Kitchen on Instagram you are probably tired of seeing pictures of my running shoes. Here’s the story.
Well I did it. I ran 13.1 continuous miles. And I survived. This is a LONG post with lots of pictures if you’re into that sort of thing. If not then you can just scroll to the end for a $200 Albion Fit giveaway. There’s not a pop quiz at the end.
So many of you started this journey with me when I ran my first 5k race in May 2012. That was such a big deal for me. In my training for that race I remember laying in bed the night before I was supposed to run for 20 minutes. I was out-of-my-mind nervous and filled with self-doubt. I don’t like trying new things beyond my comfort zone. Imagine my surprise when I ran that 20 minutes without walking and went on in the coming weeks to run 3 miles!
I don’t know what happened to me this past February but I got this CRAZY idea to run a half marathon. I found a reasonable 12 week training plan, sent a text to my husband saying that I was going to need some extra me time, and I started running. I remember the confusion I felt when I heard people talking about long runs, race pace, tempo runs, intervals, and fuel belts. How and when was I supposed to hydrate? What is Gu? I need to consume calories while I’m running? What?! As I marked those days off of my schedule I looked at each weekend long run with doubt. Then came the day I had to put my money where my mouth was and register for the race. I think I was only up to about 5 miles at that point and I was still very emotional about the whole thing. I literally cried after I hit submit on that registration website. I was scared, and nervous, and beyond excited.
Could I run 6 miles? Could I run 8 miles? Surely I could not run 10 miles without stopping. I remember very specifically the day of my 7 mile training run. It was a horrible run. I looked down at my garmin watch at what I thought was surely the 6 mile mark and I hadn’t even hit 5 miles. I wanted to quit. I wanted to cry. I held back tears. I was mad at myself for thinking I could run 13 miles. I was mad at myself for being mad at myself. I was mad that it was 30° out and I was freezing cold but also sweating. Every runner talks to herself during runs and I had to tell myself the shut up. Just shut up. I had to shut myself up and move past that self doubt. I had made this choice and there was no way I was quitting now. I tried to think of training for this race as a gift to myself. I was giving myself the gift of running- a sport I actually love. I still felt pretty defeated at the end of that run but I came out a new person. I’ll be honest, the following week I was nervous to try and tackle 8 miles and I was messaging with my friend Cindy (daily!) for her running wisdom and inspiration. You know what? It was an amazing run and I never looked back.
When I made the decision to train for a half marathon you can be sure all that anxiety came back along with a whole lot of WHAT IFs…
What if life gets too hectic and I can’t fit my runs in?
What if my knee acts up again like last Fall?
What if I can’t find babysitters to watch my kids during my long runs?
What if I don’t know what to eat or drink?
What if people laugh at me?
What if I wimp out and quit training?
What if I cry?
What if I’m too slow?
What if I need to use the bathroom?
What if I come in last place?
What if I can’t physically run my body for 10 miles?
For 11 miles?
For 12 miles?
For 13 miles?
What if I can’t finish the race?
But WHAT IF I CAN.
And I did!
Can I just say that I was a little annoyed with this “10 year anniversary” medal?! It looks like I only ran 10 miles instead of 13.1!
Please leave a comment on this post to be entered. Use the giveaway form below. By entering you are agreeing to the Official Rules.
Albion Fit $200 Gift Card
This Giveaway is CLOSED. A winner has been chosen and the prize(s) have been fulfilled.
You can find the training plan I used and some other inspirational pins on my Run Katrina Run Pinterest Board.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Giveaway provided by Albion Fit.
139 Comments on “Outside Katrina’s Kitchen | My First Half Marathon”
Congratulations. I’ve run a 10 miler a couple of times but never ventured to the half. I’ve trained for one but messed up my hip flexor. I think I’m best at 7 miles or less. Maybe someday though.
Congrats on your half marathon. I am still working on running a 5K with no walking.
I love the running skirts and the Midnight Dip swimsuit.
Way to go! Love their tops and petal pants.
I could have written this myself. lol Without the finishing part. I’m still in my training for my first half. I have all these same questions. I love how you end it though. But what if I CAN?! Yes! That is what I need to cling to. Thank you for this awesome post.
The Capri pants!
I loved this blog. It was much needed. I just decided to run my first 5K in 2 months and I am nervous and scared. I have a lot of self-doubt and think about giving up my training all the time. But this post was very encouraging and I’m going to try to keep up my training.
The Sweet Stripe Full Zip, Seafoam / Grey and the Surprise Skirt– White / Seafoam is my favorite out fit. They have so many nice things to choose from.
Thank you for the giveaway and the posting. I love Albion Fit clothing.
I loved every word of this post, Katrina. Having hit a running road block due to injury, you have really inspired me to suck it up and goin I need to tell that voice in my head to shush! Thank you for that. Congrats on finishing your first half.
The Petal Pant is adorable!! The Illusion capris seem like a no=brainer!! Wow, thank you for a chance.
I love the love racer in Coral!
The high tide suit is gorgeous!
I’m signed up for my first half in October. It will be a year after starting my Couch to 5K program. I still can’t believe I’m going to do this! But I am. I’m actually going to run 13.1 miles. I CAN do this!
You rocked it, my dear. You know I am proud of you for breaking through the “what ifs” and “I can’ts’ to the “I can and I am awesome”. Love ya!
You’re the meaning in my life, you’re the inspiration,,,,
Truly though, I am so crazy proud for you. You are fierce, strong and amazing and I love you!!!
I really love lots of things at Albion Fit! One of my favorites is the Graphite Optimum Capris–so cute.
Congratulations on your half-marathon! That’s pretty impressive.
Wickedly awesome, girl! I’m so proud of you! You truly are an inspiration, Katrina. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I wish I could see all the photos (they’re not loading right now, those pesky devils), but I will make a special trip to come back and view them. You ROCK, sister friend! {{{hugs}}} xoxo …and, all that other mushy stuff! 😉
Congrats on running your first half marathon! I started running a little over 2 years ago and I’m hooked! I remember feeling like I could never do a 5k. Now I just signed up for a full marathon!!
My favorite thing at Albion is the Rainbow Skirt in white/pink/heather gray
Love, love half marathons!! Its a choice run & everyday can be a battle, but moving forward is only way up!!
So proud of you Katrina !! Philipians 4:13
I like the Petal Pant.
Katrina, I am SO impressed! For me it’s still weird to think about running being a challenge for you because you were so athletic when I knew you! So when I saw pics from your racing I was like, sure, of course she’s a runner. But a half marathon is amazing!
I’m entering this giveaway (i love the optimum capris) in the hopes that it will mentally inspire me to believe that I WILL be able to run again. At 32 weeks pregnant, larger than I’ve ever been in my life, and winded from simply walking 1.5 miles, it feels like an insurmountable goal. I have so much work to do. But I will. I think I can, I think I can…. 🙂
Katrina- Once again I must say what an inspiration you are. I just started to attempt running and I ran ( and walked) my first 5k the same day you ran your half marathon. I have a long way to go but I must say – I am at least going. I want to cry when I read your posts and see your pictures. I want to cry because my own fear comes out and my excitement at the same time. I feel your emotions as I do mine. You are like me and you understand and feel the same way and if you can do it then so can I! Thank your for being a Mom who shows it is okay to take time for me time and do something for ourselves. Thank you for giving me that encouragement I need and for sharing your journey with all of us to experience with you. May we all now share our journeys with you.
Oh Holley you just made me cry. You know me. You know what a big deal this is for ME. The not-sporty one. You are such an inspiration yourself! It’s hard to take time out as a mom but it is so necessary. I am a much happier and patient mom when I’ve had time to be by myself in my head for a few minutes…or hours 😉
Well done! That’s an amazing accomplishment!
Fave items? Um…I need some new workout pants! They have some great looking ones!
I absolutely love the Jaw Dropper in black and emerald green.
https://www.albionfit.com/swims/show-stopper-black-and-white
What a great post. Seriously I’m so impressed with all you’ve accomplished but omg brrr that pic with the snow on your hair. I could never lol. Uhmmm fav item? Totally the optimum capris.
Thank you! Yes- running in the snow was not my favorite. But running NOW in this heat is SO MUCH WORSE!
You totally just stunned me with that “what if I can?” thing! Every single one of those what-if’s have run through my head a thousand times since Sunday and you just inspired me to change my thinking!! You are amazing and such an inspiration!
Oh Cassie I kind of wish I were feeling those feelings again. I’m sure I will when I decide to race again. I KNOW you can do it Girl!! You just feel free to text me anytime you want. It really helps to have somebody to celebrate with/whine to. 😉
Congratulations! I am on day 3 of training for a 5K and this is just the motivation I needed! I would love to try their workout pants!
Yay! I’m proud of you!!!
Congrats on finishing your 1/2 marathon!
Thank you! 🙂
I love the blue one shoulder swimsuit!!
I’ve been having a hard time getting out there to run. It’s never felt good–but I want it to. Thanks for your inspiration. Headed out the door right now!!!
Have a great run!!
I love their Love Racer tank in orange. So fun!
I totally want their signature hoodie!
Congrats on your 1/2 marathon – I know how hard it is to do, especially with kids around. You are awesome!
Thank you Erin! You are the best!
I love Albion’s swimsuits!
I love their signature hoodies!
This post hits home hard for me. I started running in last year and ran (and walked a little bit) my first 5k. Then did a mud run. Then did a color run and ran the entire thing for the first time. Now, I’m running a consistent 2 miles almost every night, usually with a little walking involved. I’m signed up for another 5k on the 4th of July, but I keep wondering if just maybe I’d be able to do more. Maybe a 10k and in my dream land, a half marathon. But every time I have that fleeting thought, it feels like such a distant dream that I just let it go. I can barely run 2.25 miles straight, so 13.1 miles feels unattainable. This post inspires me, though. It gives me hope and brings that distant dream just a little bit closer.
You can do it Becky! I love following along the #rfr5k hash on Twitter and Instagram. I know you can do it if you decide you want to. Don’t be afraid to dream!
Congratulations!
i really like the Petal Pant
I love their swimwear!
The Mantra yoga pant looks super comfy.
Awesome post! I’ve enjoyed following you through your journey. Congrats!
Thank you Sara!! That means so much to me.
The gown swimsuit
Good for you. I understand your feelings exactly. I was going through the same thing when I was training for the Spartan Race. Congratulations on your accomplishment.
Thank you Cindy! And congrats on your race.
I love the optimum capris
Awesome giveaway!!
I love to read about peoples struggles and accomplishments when it comes to running!! makes me feel better to know I’m not the only one 🙂
There is community here!
Oh, forgot to mention…I LOVE this swim-suit of theirs. It looks SO flattering and cute!
https://www.albionfit.com/swims/criss-cross-suit-plum
This post is just inspiring. You are so awesome for finishing a half. Thanks for writing this post. I’m encountering some major WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? thoughts right now as I’m slowly, but surely training for my first half.
When I pressed submit on my first half, I thought I was crazy..absolutely nuts, but you know what? I’m going to push for it, and in 7 months, I can’t wait to be holding that medal in my hand (while eating copious amounts of post-race jambalaya at the finish fest). 🙂
Oh Amy I wish we lived closer. You just make me smile. I cannot wait to hear about your Half Marathon story. You inspire me every day.
What an inspirational post! I hope that one day I can succeed in the way that you have… we all have to start somewhere!
And I started with walking just over a year ago! 5 minutes running was a big deal.
Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on completing the half marathon. I have run 5K’s before and have been thinking about running a half marathon but I have had some serious self doubt. Your story gives me some motivation to know that I can do it. Thanks!
I know you can do it! I can’t wait to hear YOUR story someday!!
Katrina, I’ve read all your updates on Facebook, & you are so inspiring. Not to sound too sappy, but your story brought tears to my eyes. I can relate to what you are feeling & I haven’t even taken a fraction of the steps you’ve taken toward running. I have the feeling of wanting to run, but I have not been able to get started. I’ve signed up for the Warrior Dash this August, & I’m ready to train. Can I text you? I’d love to get some daily inspirational words from you! 🙂
Sure thing! Message me. You got this girl!