When my alarm went off at 5:45 this morning, I couldn’t really believe that race day had already arrived.
I’d been training for this since December, but as you know, have been suffering from ITBS syndrome, which caused me to experience sharp pain on the outside of my right knee every time I ran. I first started suffering from ITBS after the first (and only) 10k I ran back in October, and after visits to an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist, I thought all kinds of things were wrong with my body, from scoliosis to a torn meniscus. Luckily, research and sessions with a new physical therapist taught me the problem was mostly coming from a strain on my iliotibial band (the muscle fibers that run from your hip to your leg), which is usually caused by overpronation (which I do, and wear special sneakers to combat this) and overuse, and can be fixed by stretching, foam rolling, rest, and wearing an iliotibial band compression wrap. (Megan has a great post on soothing ITBS, which helped me a lot these past few days.) So, long story short: I went into this expecting to try my hardest, but not beat myself up if the pain was too great to go on. I’d also never run more than a 15K… and that was three months ago.
I made my usual pre-race breakfast: toasted Ezekiel English muffin with peanut & almond butter, cinnamon, honey and a cup of coffee.
I pinned on my number…
… and grabbed my phone (in case my knee hurt too much and I needed to be picked up), my iPod, and Clif Shot Blocks.
Game face!
My parents and I followed the runners to Central Park…
… and lined up according to my number.
There were 16,000 of us.
The crowd gave off so much excited energy!
Still, I was a Nervous Nelly.
That’s better!
My parents waited with me until the very end, but then I was on my own.
Last night while I was looking for music, I came across the hard drive I used in high school and the first year of college. If nothing else, I thought nostalgia and good songs might get me through it!
I made the playlist 3 hours long, in case it took me the maximum amount of time a runner is allowed to be on the street for the NYC Half.
I had so much adrenaline during the first few miles that I had to be careful to pace myself. I didn’t worry about who was passing me or who was around me (although I did crash into someone who cut across me…. whoops); I concentrated on keeping one foot moving in front of the other. After the first mile I started to feel the familiar knee pain creeping around my right knee. (As I told my dad this morning, I’m happy that I knew what kind of hurt I would feeling, that it wouldn’t be a surprise.) I kept going until mile 3, when I moved over to the side to do quickly stretch my ITB.
I stopped twice more, at miles 4 and 6, and stretched for about 10 seconds before joining the mass running party. I find that it hurts more to start and stop, but if I can compartmentalize the pain (and I am by no means suggesting that you should push through something if you know something is really wrong) and say, “Okay, it hurts… but it’s going to hurt the same amount tomorrow whether I run 5 miles or 10 miles” then I can just accept that I’m uncomfortable and move on. I moved on.
Except for the first “fluid station” where I had a sip of Gatorade Endurance (a bit too sweet for me), I stuck to a few sips of water at almost every station. I ate my first shot block at mile 7. The whole time I was thinking of how much progress I was making: “10% done… 20%… now if I can only get to mile 9, I might actually be able to finish this thing!”
After we made the 6 mile loop in the park, we ran down 7th avenue. Bands played, and so many people flocked to the sides of the street, cheering us on. It gave me a whole new surge of adrenaline. When we got to Times Square – which was blocked off- we made a right and crossed over to the river, running past Theater Row and then down the West Side Highway. 9 miles. 15 k. 10. I ate another Shot Block, and prepared myself: This was going to happen. I was going to finish the race.
Miles 11-13.1 were the hardest. My legs felt so heavy, my calves were sore and tight, my knee hurt. I was tempted to stop and walk, but I knew it would just be that much harder to get myself going again. I saw a lot of people on the side of the road doing the same ITB stretch, and I knew I wasn’t alone. Just two more miles.
When I saw the “400 Meters To Go” sign my heart leapt into my chest and I was filled with so much emotion. At “200 Meters To Go,” I thought I was going to burst into tears. Wouldn’t that make for a great finish photo! I always like to finish strong and pick up the pace, but I didn’t know my knee would be able to handle it. When I was about 30 meters away, I started sprinting. The adrenaline was back, and I raced to the finish line.
Garmin report: 13.69 miles, 2:14:19 time
NYRR report: 13.1 miles, 2:12:50 time (10:09 mile)
I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of myself than when I received my race medal and space blanket. I still couldn’t believe I’d done it! I stretched and found my parents, and couldn’t stop smiling.
I immediately dug into the apple in my post-race swag bag…
… then we headed to Bouley Market for recovery treats. I had a chocolate mini muffin (the size of my thumb!), a hot chocolate, and we all split a lemon poppyseed muffin.
This is my Cloud 9 Face 
I was getting cold and needed a warm shower. On the way to the subway, we ran into Dori. She ran the race on her birthday!
There were so many runners on the train that I didn’t look too out of place icing my knee. (One guy, not a runner, walked into our car and said, “Did people just run? I smell sweat!”)
When I got home I took a warm shower and tried not to fall asleep before I finished. I noticed before I got in that I had so much salt on my body, it felt like I’d gone to the beach! I wasn’t even sweating that much, but I guess it was there all the same. Pretty sexy.
Hunger hit me like a train, so we went to Sura Thai Kitchen for lunch. Hot Oolong tea was in order…
… as well as spicy calamari salad…
… as well as stir-fried eggplant with shrimp and rice. I ate half of each of these.
The meal came with coconut almond custard, which I devoured.
After lunch my dad and I went to Paragon to use the 20% off discount all runners received at the Expo. I was treated to the updated model of Asics Gel Kayanos (for overpronators); this is my third pair, and I’ve had a lot of luck with these shoes. I also got a new pair of heat-moldable inserts, which you bake in the oven and mold to your feet. I’ve had a lot of problems with arch support and plantar fasciitis (I have a hard time wearing flats), and haven’t suffered since I’ve used these insoles.
I also got an ITB compression wrap, which will hopefully reduce a little of the pain both in the next few days and when I start running again.
I was hungry again when I got home, so I had a little Vanilla Chobani with half an orange and half a grapefruit. Then I took a nap.
When I woke up, I had leftover peanut noodle salad with an egg and green beans.
I’m starting to feel hungry again, so I have a feeling I’m not done eating for the night!
It’s been a long, long day. I hope you’ve had wonderful weekends as well… I don’t know about you, but I sure could use one more day! I have a feeling I will sleep well.
Congratulations to Megan, Dori, Ashley, and Jen who also ran the race today. Check out their re-caps!
WOW GREAT JOB GIRL!! oh my goodness katie!! okay FIRST of all-you look beautiful even after RUNNING 13 freaking miles! i am so happy for you!! rest up love!
Congrats on your racing success! You’re a true inspiration!
IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! WTG!!! That half-marathon is SUCH an accomplishment!
I also love that you got thai custard… no one EVER eats that in blogland, and its my favorite!
Awesome!!!! You totally rocked that race! Big congrats, girl!
Woohooo!! Knew you could do it!
Congrats on a great race! Sounds like you rocked it! Amelia ran it too but she didn’t run into any bloggers.
OMG GIRL!!!!! Congrats! How amazing that you accomplished this today. You have to be so proud of yourself!!! Now that is over, rest that knee girl. Take care of yourself so that you can race so many more races to come.
Congrats again! So proud of you!
Congratulations, love!
That’s an awesome time!!! I hope you heard me cheering for you!
You looked adorable too in your little Lulu outfit! I have to say, thumbholes on running shirts are the greatest invention ever!!!
I hope you get to enjoy many more well-deserved snacks this week! You did a great job!!
Way to go. You’re the best.
ahh!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did AWESOME!!!!!
that’s so exciting and you should be so so so so so so proud of yourself!
whoo hoo! YOU DID AMAZING! i’m so proud of you, little lady. and i love that pink lulu headband
congrats on an amazing race <3
You made such an amazing time despite your pain! I am so impressed. The outside of my knees are killing me now as well from my bursitis and patella femoral pain syndrome. Miles 10-12 were beyond brutal, this woman was walking and I couldn’t pass her even though I was running! So glad you were able to run today AND do such a great job! So nice running into you!
Soooooooo proud of you!!! Congratulations on the race, my dear. I hope that knee is calm and your belly is full
Congratulations Katie! So proud of you!
WOOOW, Katie!
CONGRATULATIONS!
I´m so happy for you. Great job, girl!
Have a terrific week!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
I saw you stretching your IT today early during the raced and hollered but you had your iPod on so you couln’t here me! Great recap and I love that your parents were there to support you! I wish mine could be here. Only note to add: The Central Park loop was 8 miles since we did the full loop and a bit more.
Give yourself more hill credit rockstar! Want to do lunch next week in between our offices??
Congrats girlie!!! I am so proud
I did my first half-marathon in December, and the last 3 miles were the toughest ones for me too! You are truly A-mazing, no matter how much pain you were in you never gave up!
Rest up!
congrats katie!!! awesome race recap and you deserve the new running gear
i might look into those shoes because i suffer from some of the similar problems you do
ps all of your food looks delish, like always
Congrats on the race! You’re far braver than I!
Woo-hoo! I’m so glad your IT band held up. Congrats on running your first half-marathon. So, so exciting
Congrats!! This is so inspiring. I’m really not a runner, but this makes me want to try to run a half marathon myself! Almost.
Glad you had a good race and feel good about it. And that little muffin is really adorable.
Katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy for you and knew you could do it!!!! I was so happy the whole time reading this, and even if you didnt finish you would of still been a winner and you know that!!!
Congrats girl and love the new kicks!!!
Get rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxo
YAY! CONGRATS! I’m soo proud! I KNEW you would kick ass at the race!
Have a good sleep and great start to your week!
Nicole G
Great job pulling through even with the knee trouble!! Hope that gets all healed up and better! I would love a pair of Asics but they’re a little pricey….if only I could find them at TJ Maxx! I’ve never tried in grapefruit MIXED IN with my yogurt…I always eat them separate. Perhaps I need to give this a go.
How long have you been running to work up to doing a half marathon?
Have a great night!
YAY KATIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOO AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG!
Hi darlin’!! CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the race!!! I am SURE you couldn’t stop beaming. My goal is to run a half marathon, and it puts so much into perspective reading your recap. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and what you did through the race. I’m so glad you got treated today to so many cool and tasty things. You deserve it all!! I hope your knees recover quickly. Make sure you take care of yourself and don’t push it like you did during the run for the next few days! Ahhh congrats!! And good night!!
Yay, congratulations!! So happy for you!
<3 <3
CONGRATS!!! The race sounded awesome! Sweet playlist too…I think the Dixie Chicks and Green Day could get me through pretty much anything
http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
Congratulations, you must be so so proud (and you had a gorgeous day!). I’m also suffering from ITB ish which kept me from running for 2 years!
I have been using the compression wrap & foam roller and have to make myself use the PT exercises on my own. Silly IT band! Do you wear your heat moldable inserts to work in all your shoes? Sounds like something to check out.
YES! It feels really good doesn’t it?
Congratulations! That takes a lot of drive to do that, especially with a messed-up knee. Of course, I’m in awe of anyone who can run more than a 10k. I can barely run a mile!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! So proud of you! GREAT job girl! I hope you celebrate all week long- you are AMAZING!
I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Congrats!!! Seriously, you are such an amazing inspiration. Great Job!!!
Congratulations on your awesome race! I am so happy that you finished and I wish I looked half as good as you did when I’m done with a run!
Congratulations! You look nicer after a marathon than I do after hours of sleep and makeup application. Seriously though, well done.
CONGRATS!!!!!!!! you really are an inspiration! i’ve only done a 10k once but a 1/2 is definitely a goal i hope to aspire to someday. you also look amazing post-run compared to me haha
KATIE!!! YOU DID AWESOME!!!!! SOOOOOooooo PROUD! and dayyyum look at those new bangin’ running shoes! waaahooo! I hope you have a great nights sleep and a fabulous monday!
p.s. did you like the Lulu tech shirt??..it looks bangin’ on you!
xoxo!
Katie, congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When you have time, could you tell me more about these:
I also got a new pair of heat-moldable inserts, which you bake in the oven and mold to your feet. I’ve had a lot of problems with arch support and plantar fasciitis (I have a hard time wearing flats), and haven’t suffered since I’ve used these insoles.”
I have major plantar fasc issues and have some things that are meh but the moldable sounds PERFECT!
Congrats babe!!!!!
Awesome job yesterday, girlie! I can’t believe you were so speedy with a bum knee. Good for you for completing the race and having fun:)
Amazing job on the race! I’m especially impressed that you weren’t discouraged by your ITBS pain and managed to work around it in order to complete the route. Also, after peeking at some of the bands on your playlist, I can confirm that we have nearly identical musical tastes. “Spoon” has gotten me through many arduous runs. Your eats all look sensational, right down to the baby chocolate muffin.
So sorry I missed meeting you the other night at Leslies! We’ll have to have another group together again to make up for it.
katie, omg, i am so so so happy for you. seriously, so happy! i know how hard and frustrating and time-consuming this whole training/injury experience has been, and i’m just so glad that you were able to see the payoff all the way through. you should be so proud!! enjoy the post-half glory, rest up the knee, and i’m sure you’ll be back out on the pavement soon.
ps: not that i did anything like banging out a half marathon this weekend, but i could so use a third day off too! thumbs down for mondays.
First of all, CUTE running shirt! I love it! Where is it from?
Secondly – CONGRATS!!!! I am so, so proud of you!! Not many people would have ran a half given your circumstances. How inspirational!
I was about to say u looked adorable and then scrolled down and saw that yummy looking spicy calamari salad and lost my thought!;)
woo! you did it! you deserve to feel so accomplished – pushing through the pain (especially for 13.1 miles) is no easy feat. also, i love love asics – i can’t wear the kayanos (because i have crazy orthotics) but just bought the nimbus, and they’re great.
congrats on the run! i’m so glad your knee made it through it and you had a great time!
Way to go plugging along all the way to the finish! I know how worried you seemed to be the other night so it’s great that you were able to take all the advice and tips that people had given to you and come out on “Cloud 9″, as you say
Way to rock the new Lulu top [and thumbholes] too hah!
AMAZING JOB! It sounds like you did a good job of taking care of your knee too and being conscious of it which is always a good thing. And how great that you got to spend the day celebrating with the fam and eating delicious food. I should also add you still look pretty fab after running a half marry!
I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!
OMG, I cried reading this. Aaaah, now I can’t stop smiling. 
<- me right now
Awesome job! I’m proud you finished!
miss katie…i could not be happier for you right now! i was actually thinking about you and megan this weekend, and i am just so excited you seriously kicked that race’s butt! yay for you, yay for those eats and just YAY!