I have been wanting to do a half marathon for a while now. After we got a running stroller, I started running several times a week. Once I realized that I was in shape enough to start training, I found a half marathon in Hartford, CT and signed up. It was a very exciting step for me. The first 2 nights after I signed up, I could hardly sleep because I had running dreams all night. I felt lots of anxiety and excitement. It was 7 weeks of training, and I felt pretty good about it. Just really excited to finally tackle this long time goal of mine.
Ryan and I drove out Friday night, without the kiddos. Huge thanks to Katie&Josh! It made things much simpler for us, and I got a good nights sleep for the Saturday morning race. (As good as can be expected. . . There were more running dreams). It was so nice to have Ryan there with me, who ALMOST ran with me, but hurt his calf in the weeks preceding the race. He was quite the supporter.
Pre race. . . in the very long line to use one of the hundreds of stinky bathrooms.
Thank you Ryan, for getting this lovely shot of me coming out of the port-a-potty pre-race. Just wanting to document all of the special moments :)
Getting lined up. It was pretty chilly, but minutes before we took off I handed over my sweatshirt.
5200 people ran the half marathon, as well as 2000 something who ran the full marathon. We all started together and split up after the first mile or so. It was A LOT of people.
Waiting for me, checking out the capitol building.
Post race. During most of my training I ran a 10 minute mile. My goal since this was just my first half marathon was to run at my own pace, and finish. During the entire time I trained, I told myself not to worry about time, just to worry about finishing. Once I got out on the course, I couldn't help but run my best. I ended up running the first 9 miles much faster than I normally do. I felt pretty good until mile 10. My knee started hurting very suddenly, and just got worse and worse. The last three miles were really tough. I had to slow down quite a bit. I was a little frustrated because I hadn't had any problems with my knee up until that point, and it got very painful. I finished in 1hr 57minutes. I was really surprised and happy with my time. It was quite an emotional finish for me, partly because of pain, partly because I was SO HAPPY to have done it.
I have to have a pony braid when I run. Its just one of those things. But in case you wanted to know what happens to my hair after I run 13.1 miles with a braid. Sheesh. I lost a lot of hair trying to detangle that thing.
We tried piggies. . . piggy fail. They look like horns. Stick straight. We'll keep waiting for more hair. I'm just itching to do some baby girl hair.
Reading.
Handsome boy is growing up!
