the 1/2 marathon...

yesterday was perfect weather for running.
i had my alarm set for 5:30 a.m., but woke up at 4:30. i couldn't go back to sleep, so i decided to just start getting ready. i ate a granola bar and drank lots of water. at 6:00 my friend carol came to pick me up, i grabbed my ipod and i was ready to go.

i always love standing at the starting line, so much nervous energy and chatty runners. and, what a blessing it is to be able to run. we overheard a man saying that he was 68 years old and running the full marathon. i was so impressed by him. i hope when i am that old, i am able to run that far.

during the first mile, i saw steve's parents standing on the corner waiting to cheer for me. i almost started crying. it was just one of those moments where i was so thankful. they have always loved me like i am their own child. for the next few miles i thought about how awesome it was that they were there.

around mile 8, i started feeling great. i picked up the pace quite a bit. from mile 8-11, i ran effortlessly and felt so good. i wish it would have lasted. by mile 11.5, my legs started burning (i think that's the only way to describe it). it continued for the remaining 1.6 miles. usually when i see the finish line i can force myself to speed it up, but i tried and i just didn't have much left.

overall though, i feel good about how i did. i think it was my best time ever for 13.1. and, i have definitely decided that the 1/2 is my favorite distance. it is still a challenge, but it doesn't invade my life with training as much as the marathon does. for this season i am in with little kids, i think it would be better for me to stick with the 13.1. i look forward to many more...

(i only have one picture from the race, but i still need to upload it).