Last Saturday I ran my first half marathon. That's right 13.1 miles!!! I finished in 2 hours and 4 minutes. It started at Tibble Fork Reservoir up AF canyon and ended at the AF High School. I just have to say I couldn't have done it with out my bff by my side, Gina. I never thought I would say this but I think I might miss training because we always had such good talks while running. (I know... I can't believe I could run and talk either)
This race was a cancer race. Meaning that all the proceeds go to families who can't afford cancer treatments. I was part of Team Hope, which consisted of a lot of my neighborhood and some of their friends. There was actually about 60 members of Team Hope and about 2200 runners in all.
Wade made these awesome signs with Wells the night before the race. They made me laugh and made the last mile and a half a lot easier to run just thinking about them. Wade had a lot of the runners say his sign was the best one they saw...and there were a lot of signs.
Now I just have to get a little mushy for a minute... so here we go...
I could never have even imagined starting something like this if it weren't for the soft and sweet encouragement of my hubby. He was so patient and willing to get up with the kids four days a week so I could train. Also, the night before the race he was so excited a giddy for me. He took me and the kids to eat sushi (so I could fill up on carbs), he made the signs, he made sure I had a warm hat and hand warmers to take for the beginning of the race. He was there on the side of the road (with the kids) cheering me on and then at the finish line. His energy was just so contagious that it made it fun for me. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive better half.
Finishing a big race like that is a huge accomplishment, and a great feeling. In August, they do a midnight marathon in Mapleton. You start up in Hobble Creek Canyon, run up two miles, then go down nine miles through the canyon and through the really nice neighborhoods in Mapleton. It's my favorite half to do. It's a little backwards as far as timing goes, because you start whenever you want, but the goal is to finish as close to midnight as possible. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteNow that you have finished a half marathon, you know what the next goal is, right? A FULL MARATHON. It's really not that hard once you get into the habit and swing of training. Don't let the length get to you, just sign up and go for it. You won't regret it, I promise.
You're the best running partner a girl could ask for...sniff sniff. I seriously miss our runs! Good thing we have the Freedom Run to look forward to...although, I'll probably have to have you push me in a jogger stroller because I haven't been doing jack squat lately. We'll have to do another half again together someday...2016?
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