I DID IT!!

Phew....my first half marathon is in the books!! It was so amazing -- beautiful day, runners were awesome and the crowd was fantastic. When I turned a corner around mile 2 and heard some locals blasting the Rocky theme song, I knew it was going to be a great day!

There were so many inspiring people along the way, I swear at some points I forgot I was running and next thing I knew another mile had come and gone. Then there were those lovely moments when I was pretty damn sure I was gonna pee my pants, my legs were going to fall off and then I was going to pass out.... but then I would see my awesome family (mile 9) and my little kiddos holding up their glitter signs "GO MOMMY" and I would be back on track :)

I think I just may have become a "half marathoner". I definitely want to do it again next year. I know 13.1 miles isn't for everyone but there are so many other races out there too. Try a 5K in your town, I promise you will feel so accomplished when you're done. It's a feeling you can't really describe until you do it. When I crossed the finish line, I was more than tired and couldn't utter a word but it was the greatest feeling (the fact that the last 1 1/2 miles were right along the ocean, wasn't too bad either).

If you're looking for some help training I strongly recommend Hal Higdon's training guides. (he has guides for a 5K also) They are so attainable, I know you can do it too!!

Here are my official results. (notice I beat my goal of 2:10--yay!)

Time: 2:08:34

Pace: 9:48

Gender Place: 1390/3724

Age group place (30-34) 232/607

week 1, day 1...

I've been a runner pretty much my whole life. It's always been the one thing that came easily to me and I loved doing. I started in 5th grade and ran through college. Then I stopped. Just completely stopped and I am still so mad at myself for it. I don't know if I had just had enough, or I was busy working, starting a family, etc. I could make excuses all day, but I'm done.

I am so excited that I have officially registered for my first Half Marathon!! I figured if I just took the plunge and registered I would HAVE to do it, right? (I'm not one to lose money!)

I started my 12 week training plan today, it was only a "stretch & strengthen" day so I'd say it went well. :)

I am going to post here and there about my progress (and hopeful weight loss!), I think this will help me stick to it.

Wish me luck, 12 weeks till RACE DAY!