Nike Women's Half-Marathon (Taipei)

Last Sunday I ran in the Nike women's half-marathon, although I almost didn't make it to the race on time. I had kept busy the last few days leading up to the event, moving into a new apartment, getting to know my new roommate, and going to a friend's college graduation, but I left my Saturday evening free so that I could relax, eat well, and go to sleep early. Unfortunately, I woke up a few times in a panic, worried that I'd overslept. I even had a terrifying nightmare that I'd overslept and hadn't made it to the event at all, only to wake up and realize in relief that it was only 2:00 AM. My alarm was set for 3:30 AM, the storage lockers would be open for use from 4:30 AM to 5:15 AM, and the actually race itself would start at 5:30 AM.

My alarm did not go off. I woke up on my own, noticing that the sky had already begun lightening outside, and panic clawed its way down my throat. I was afraid to look at my phone, sure that I'd slept in too late. It was 4:50 AM. There was no way I'd make it in time to store my stuff in the lockers but I could still make the race. I dressed, pulled my hair back, and grabbed five things: NT$1000, my ARC ID, my race bib, a time tracker, and the key card to my apartment. I couldn't store anything, so I could only take essentials. And I forgot to eat breakfast. Not the best start.

I did manage to stop in a 711 and get some water before sprinting down to a bigger road so I could flag a taxi. I hurriedly explained my situation to the driver, who managed to get me to the race start location with five minutes to spare. I was so incredibly relieved, not even caring that my start was less than ideal. I made it to the race on time! Now, to actually run it...

I had not realized how many people would be there - it was amazing to see so many thousands of women, all running this race. This was my first race so nearly everything was new to me and caught my attention - running out in the middle of the street (especially on the raised highway) was such a novelty to me, and I also liked looking at the gear other people were using, the clothes they chose to wear (best one: pink tutu), the music they were playing, how they were keeping pace...I tend to be most comfortable keeping a very steady pace when going such a long distance, so I was a little frustrated when people would sprint by, weaving in between runners and then stop, too tired to continue, and walk, getting in the way of the people they'd been weaving through. But anyways.

I had my cash stuffed down in my sock (resulting the smelliest bills ever, I am so sorry for the people I ended up paying that money to), and my ARC and key card in my hands. I decided not to bring my ipod as 1). I actually don't have any of those carrying/strap cases so I'd have to carry yet another thing in my hands and 2). I didn't want to be so focused on my music that I missed out on what was going on around me. It was fun being cheered on by people, getting high fives (and snacks!). Surprisingly, despite not having eaten, I felt full of energy and pretty good. About halfway through though, the snack tables started popping up and so as soon as I encountered the first one I grabbed a cracker and a cookie and just stuffed my face as I was running. The route eventually took us off the road and onto the riverside park path, which is very pretty - and I'd never been on that part of it, so it was nice to explore a new area. I was definitely feeling strained as I reached the last few kilometers but my goal was to do the whole thing without walking and I succeeded! And now I have a time that I can try to go and beat for next time. 

After the run, I collected my medal, free T-shirt, and sports drink (I never thought something so gross could taste so good), and relaxed in the air-conditioned bus that drove us back to the locker area in Xinyi, near to Taipei 101.There was a big stage with some people performing / talking to the crowd about something (I was too tired to really pay attention), and tents giving out free stuff, but all I really wanted was to get cleaned up, so I went home, devoured a snickers, and jumped in the shower. And then, remembering how satisfying the food from Sababa had been to a friend of mine after she ran a marathon, I decided I also wanted to load up on Middle Eastern food. So I decided to introduce my new roommate to the amazingness of Sababa.

I slept a lot after that. The only thing I regret is not having my phone to take photos, although you can see photos of the event here. If I'm still in Taipei this time next year, I'll definitely run it again!