Coban Half Marathon

This weekend I ran my first half marathon, and I loved it! The weekend started out a little worrisome, as we got an extreme flat tire on the way up when we were in the middle of no where. I tried as best as I could to have some patience and wait (it’s one of my goals). Eventually, we got a new tire and headed on our way. I arrived in time to pick up my number and all the goodies, go for a little run on the last couple kilometers of the course, and get to the pasta dinner, although I did not get to see much of the parade.

The pasta dinner was held at the convent. When Caitlin and I went, we waited outside in a mass crowd (Guatemalans don’t understand the concept of a line). It seemed like we were trying to get into a homeless shelter dinner. The pushing, the shoving, and then clearly, a good half of the people in line, were not runners. But when we got inside, it was set up quite nicely, with a band and everything. They had plenty of dinners and readily handed out as many plates of cold spaghetti as one’s heart desired, runner or not.

The race was a blast. There were 3250 registered runners, plus all those who couldn’t get in or didn’t want to pay. It was a big race, and even with chips for our shoes and everything (although mine didn’t come out accurate). It was an international event, with Kenyans winning both the men’s and women’s race (Elías Kemboi 1:03:59 and Neriah Asiba 1:14:41). The first Guatemalan man took 10th place.

The atmosphere was fantastic, with spectators all throughout the course cheering “animo” (spirit), “arriba” (up) and other general encouragements. The first half was pretty easy – a few up hills, but mainly flat or down hill. I kept a great pace, averaging about 5:10 per km. It hit me at kilometer 13, though. The hills were increasing, and my energy was rapidly decreasing. My spirits were raised, though, when I saw a man with his ice cream cart charging up the hill alongside us to get to his next customer.

I absolutely LOVED competing again. Oh man how I had missed it. I raced pretty well, especially considering it was my first half, and I had been extremely ill on Wednesday. I finished pretty strong, outkicking a woman in front of me and a few men at the end, to cross the line in 1:54:46. My goal was to break 2 hours, so I am quite happy! I was also the first Peace Corps female, 5th Peace Corps Volunteer overall, and the 32nd female overall! Not too shabby.

I’m going to take a week or so off, let the random swelling in my ankle go down, and the start training for the next half that is in Antigua in July! Aww, running makes me oh so happy.