I trained for eight long weeks. I actually enjoyed it. It gave me a weekly goal and kept me in shape. At first, it was simple. I had run three miles at a time for the past four years. Then as the mileage increased, it got a little tougher. I can honestly say, I've never been challenged so much mentally. Making myself wake up early and planning out 2 hours to train for eight weeks took some work. Running for 11 and then almost 12 miles, was grueling, but after, I felt awesome!!!! It really helped that I knew a few other people Jenna Mullins and Casen Sharp, were also preparing for their first race too. We were all staying in touch pushing ourselves through training. That really helped. Josh also helped me too as he helped out around the house more and did some cooking and late night runs with me on the trail!
This past week has been a challenge to keep myself positive and motivated.
Today was the day! Jenna got here at 7:10am and we discussed how awful this was going to be for us. We laughed headed to Marshall. Her brothers and Alaina were there too. We even saw some faces we weren't expecting. There were over 1100 people there to race. Crazy, intense runners, not so intense runners, bikers, strollers, and costumes! There were all types! Crazy, crazy, but fun. My nerves were intensifying. I felt like I had to pee again. Finally, we were lined up in the middle and ready to go.
As the race started, we were doing well. I stayed with Casen and Colby the whole time. We chatted about all kinds of topics mostly sports related of course.
The workers at water stations were awesome, friendly, and encouraging. It was wonderful. The scenery was beautiful. We ran some nice back country roads, crossed a highway and even some railroad tracks. Overall, I liked the course. A few too many hills though, but I did it.
At the 6 mile mark, my awesome husband was at the turn taking some pictures. Then he followed me on his bike and took my long sleeve shirt from me too. He was great!
At the 8.44 mile mark, I started to struggle. Mentally it was tough. I told Colby to keep talking so I could stay focused. I think there we began the best athlete in each sport at WHS for the past 20 years. Fun topic!!
At the 10 mile mark, my high school friend Meghan (McDaniel) McHardy passed us on her bike. Too funny. At this point too, Casen mention he had never run further than 10 miles!
At the 11 mile mark, I started to struggle. My legs were getting tired. Mentally, I was struggling too. Casen and Colby took a decent lead on me. I fell behind. I put in my headphones and kept on running. I saw Josh with one mile left. He said, "Good job! One mile to go! See you at the finish line!"
As I neared the finish, I saw my friends Jenna and Alaina cheering me on! Of course, they had been done for a while. :) I turned the corner and saw the muliti-colored stripes on the payment. I couldn't get there fast enough. I crosses those lines and instantly felt my legs weaken. I got some water and things got better. I feel a little cheated though because my GPS watch didn't quite say 13.1, but that's okay. :) Jenna and I took some pictures and ate our doughnut. I met up with Meghan and she introduced me to her cute son Colin! It was great to catch up with her. Josh even rode back to the car to get us our gatorades. He rocked!
Josh left for camping and Jenna and I headed for our cars. Only a mere .5 mile walk away! Ahhh!! Our legs were sore, but we were happy we finished. Jenna finished in a great first time too. She rocked it! I am happy I finished!
We had some lunch at Panera too. Great way to end a race! I couldn't drink my diet Pepsi fast enough! Yum!
Today, I am thankful that I God created me healthy enough to run a half marathon! I am thankful for Josh who helped me and encouraged me the past 8 weeks to train and complete this mission. I'm thankful Jenna suggested we sign up. I am also thankful for all the friends and family who supported me with cards, texts, and Facebook posts! I am very lucky!
Today, I RAN A HALF MARATHON! 13.1 miles. :)
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