My 1st Half Marathon

 Well, I officially did it! 

 

To be honest, I'm mostly proud of the fact that I finally accomplished a goal that had been hanging over my head for at least 5 years. Every new year, or birthday goal I set out, always included finishing a half marathon, and I'm so dang happy that I can say that I did it. 

  

Training for the half wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was time consuming - and expensive at times (LA workout classes are, at the cheapest, $22 bucks each) - but mostly enjoyable. Joel and I have always included working out in our daily schedule, so that part didn't take much adjusting too.

I do have to say that I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of Joel's help. He came on any run I asked him to, slowed down to my pace, and encouraged me the whole way though. He never let me complaints get in my own way and had more confidence in me than I had in myself. He was the reason I finished this - no doubt - so thank you Joel.

 

Now, the actual race? That wasn't as much fun. 

 

There were 11,000 runners and I had a hard time losing myself throughout the 13 miles. I never had a mile that I totally zoned out, able to jam to my music, and just run.

All of the commotion of race day is very distracting, and that might be good for some people, but for me, it distracted me from my zone. When I got to mile 7, I was scared I wasn't going to finish. From mile 7 on, I stopped at every pit stop for Gatorade and a 30 second break, and somehow each mile passed until I was at the finish line.

 

I have never been so happy to stop running - I can tell you that. But, when I did catch my breath, the sense of accomplishment far outweighed the muscle agony and pain!

 

My friend Kristin and I signed up for this race back in July and we held each other to the fact that we were going to get this thing done - and seeing her at the end was pretty surreal. Just four short months, and we are both half marathoners!

Our friends Brent and Dawn met us at the end and joined us for lunch. After a few beers and a burger, I was ready to head home and camp out on the couch for the rest of the day. A few more beers, a nap, and a few hours with a heating pad and I'm almost back to normal.

I can't say for sure if I would ever do one again - but I know one thing is true, if I can do this - I know you can too.