I survived the Summerfest Rock N' Sole Half Marathon!

On March 25, 2011 I made a official decision to sign up for what would soon be known as my greatest and most challenging fitness journey to date - the inaugural Summerfest Rock N' Sole Half Marathon. I decided to follow the renown half marathon training program created by Hal Higdon. Throughout the 12 week program, I found myself surprised at how quickly my endurance had increased. Many people had warned me that I might encounter the best runs of your life yet more often than not you will have runs that will make you want to give up - press on. So, press on I did. I slowly began to trust my training and tried my hardest to fit it in my often busy lifestyle.

July 10 quickly approached and I was a ball of nervous energy. It was 7:00 a.m. and it was sweltering (who knew it could get that hot in Milwaukee?). I sat with the thought of 13.1 miles and it made me anxious. "You got this - all that matters is finishing".

My cousin, Meg, and I at the starting line. We look very happy still.

I'll save all of you the complaints and the gripes about no water, no cups, and the lack of organization throughout the whole race. Instead, I like to focus on the reasons why I first signed up to be a part of the race. If you were to ask me a year ago about running a half marathon I would have shared no expense in laughing in your face. I wasn't able to run a mile let alone 13.1! One of the biggest reasons why I chose to pick this race over the million other half marathons across the country was because it was partnered with one of the biggest events right in my own backyard. This race was more than some personal physical challenge - it was home.

Hoan, sweet Hoan - from the perspective of my training runs

Mile by mile I would fight with myself to bear through the heat and the exhaustion. I kept myself going by reminding myself how lucky I was to live in a city where one mile you could be climbing over the industrial districts of Milwaukee, and the next you could be marveling at the beauty of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Through the hardest miles (5-8) Lake Michigan greeted all the runners with open arms - I am still shocked that I didn't just run right into the lake to cool off. The hill at Lake Drive (mile 9) proved to defeat many runners as I saw a woman getting carried away in an ambulance. Miles 10-11 was the most enjoyable part of the run in my opinion and I welcomed the shaded areas on the Oak Leaf Trail. My favorite site on this path is the North Point Lighthouse.

Once I reached mile 11 we were alerted that there was severe alert due to the high temperaturs. Runners were to continue at their own risk.

Hoan Bridge aid stations ran out of cups, so athletes cupped their hands for a drink. So many runners were overcome by heat and dehydration that organizers posted black flags to officially cancel the race and warn runners to continue at their own risk. - Journal Sentinel 

I knew the Brady Street bridge was a right in front of me so I pressed on and attempted to smile.

Trying hard to look like I'm not dying - nice closed eyes too.

The last two miles through Veterans Park seemed to take forever. Thanks to the Milwaukee's finest - we had a shower right before hitting the Art Museum. This nice cold refresher gave me everything I needed to push till the end where I finally saw a finish line sign. Before I knew it, I forgot about the lack of water, the hills, the heat, and the pain in my feet now it was just my turn to finish what I had set out to accomplish and concur the half.

Rock N' Sole Half Marathon - 3:14:00