« Track workout in the dark | Main | Spooky run »
September 19, 2005
A chocolate-filled weekend
R. and I had a fabulous time in Harrisburg/Hershey. We enjoyed our anniversary at a really nice bed and breakfast, which was a remodeled pre-Civil War Dutch country barn. On Saturday morning, we picked up our race packets downtown, scoped out City Park Pavilion (where the race was to start), and walked across the oldest metal span bridge in the U.S. The area ran along the Susquehanna River and was very scenic, peaceful and historic. Afterward, we drove to Hershey and toured Chocolate World, where we learned about the company's beginnings and how their chocolates are made. It was a strange but yummy smelling chocolate in the air constantly. The street lights were alternately wrapped and unwrapped Hershey's kisses. We were like little kides gawking at everything. We also took a trolley tour that provided insight on Milton Hershey's life. I was amazed by what a generous philanthropist and visionary he was. It certainly makes me want to support the Hershey enterprise even more!
So, what about the half marathon, you ask? It wasn't pretty, but that's okay...I learned a hard lesson. My "plan" was to run at marathon pace to simulate marathon conditions, since I had already run 7 miles before. Well, that went out the window. I got caught up in the moment/excitement, starting out too fast and fading spectacularly between miles 11 and 12. I've made a bad habit out of this recently, and I need to quit it. Must RUN SMART. PACE. RUN SMART. This will be my mantra for Chicago. Please don't let me forget it! Even though it wasn't a banner performance, I had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the sights. After the race, they had delicious fruit trays, my favorite Panera cinnamon crisp bagels, and yes, more Hershey's choclate.
I wasn't too diligent about stretching or icing yesterday, and now my legs are more tired than they should be. I'm working the late shift anyway, so I'm going to swim after work instead.
Posted by Leilani at September 19, 2005 05:00 PM
Comments
I'm glad you had a good time in Hershey. I had forgotten about the lightposts! I worked briefly at the Hershey Medical Center (Penn State's medical school) and let me tell you - there was chocolate everywhere in that place!! :)
Anyway, hope the rest of your training for Chicago goes well. Have a great week!
Posted by: Beth at September 19, 2005 07:37 PM
Milton Hershey was quite the philantropist, we had phamplets for the Milton Hershey School where I worked, but I could never send one of my students there.
It sounds like all of us who ran half-marathons had issues somewhere around the 11 mile mark, but I think that is common for everyone-it's where the pace really starts to hurt.
A swim sounds like a good idea for today. I hope the water in your pool is nice and cold!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at September 19, 2005 08:42 PM
mmm...chocolate....i am glad you enjoyed your weekend. it sounds like you didn't LOVE your race, but it's all good. it sounds like you learned something that will help on marathon day. isn't it crazy we all have to learn that time and again and pacing? bye chica!
Posted by: Audrey at September 19, 2005 09:58 PM
The last time I went to Hershey was with James (the blogger), about six years ago. I remember doing the tour more than once, because we got free chocolate bars at the end. I obviously was in it for the wrong reasons, though, because I didn't remember anything about Milton Hershey, I just remember the free chocolate!
I'm glad you had a good trip. It's impressive that you ran so much before the race, too, so your 11-mile mark was really the 18-mile mark. It's good to do things not quite right in the buildup to a big race, so the lesson is reinforced ahead of time!
I hope you're feeling more recovered today.
Posted by: Alison at September 20, 2005 07:24 AM