Sunday, August 03, 2008

My First Half Marathon!

I just participated in my first half marathon yesterday! My goal was to finish and not die, and to finish in 2:20 or less. So clearly I am not dead! I actually obtained both goals!

My day began at about 5:15 AM when I woke up and stumbled into the kitchen to eat breakfast so that it could have time to settle before my 7:30 AM start time. I also turned on my computer, as I always do, just in case Jonathan (my husband) was online. He is currently in Iraq and I was dying to hear him encourage me about my race! but he wasn't online and I went on preparing for the day.

Despite the warnings that the race would begin at 7:30 sharp we were delayed by about 15 minutes. Standing at the starting line with the finish line 13.1 miles away is quite daunting. But the guy counted down, slowly from 20, talk about building the the intensity! Then he said go! We were of! The first mile came really quick! the fourth mile came even quicker. I was feeling pretty good until about mile 7 when I really had to have a potty break. Lucky for me we ran around the infield of the Rainier's Cheney Stadium (the Seattle Sea Hawks farm team)and I got to use a real rest room with running water! I was in and out really quick! In like 20 seconds or less! Amazing! Then I was off again. Mile 9 brought somewhat of a mental wall...I had to keep going. I walked through the 10th mile water station so that I could actually have a drink and not spill it, then I was off again. Mile 11 was strange, I had ran so far but still 2.1 miles to go. Mile 12 was somewhat of a relief, I can run one more mile, right? But can I run 1.1 more miles? Barely! I did it with a time that I am very happy with, 2:06.33. I came in 24 place in my age group, not too shabby!

Now I just have to keep running to stay on track for my first marathon, Portland in October!

9 comments:

Mmem said...

That is phenomenal, what an accomplishment!!!

Enjoy it! Congratulations!

Cotter said...

that is so good! congrats!

Elizabeth said...

way to go!

Kelly(M&M) said...

Congrats on your first half marathon! Such an exciting accomplishment. I am amazed you are doing all this training with your hubby gone. I really admire you military wives. You are a great example for me. Good luck in the rest of your training for Portland. I would love to hook up with you when you are in town!

JP said...

Way to go! You are amazing!!

5 Miles Past Empty said...

Kelly, thanks for the encouragment! I guess I had to find something to do to clear my head and just have an outlet! Well, something other than chocolate, so it balances out! :)

So you live in Portland? I would love to meet up! I will hopefully be at the finish line eventually! ;) We can work on a plan!

CarrieAnn said...

Awesome job!! Half-marathons are my favorite distance. Good luck with your marathon later on this fall!! You'll do great!

Suzie Petunia said...

That is amazing for your very first 1/2! I know what you mean about not knowing if you can make it that last 1.1 mile! How can a distance seem so short and yet so long at the same time? Only in a distance race! I am so happy for your results!

The Roberts said...

Good for you! Great job!