I SURVIVED MY FIRST 1/2 MARATHON!!

I did it! My first 1/2 marathon :) It was such an amazing experience. ONe event where you can experience such JOY...HaPPinESS...fear...TERROR...what the crap did I get myself into...emotion....frustration...anger and...PEACE. Weird I know. I was so anxious waiting for the race to start. ONce it did, I couldn't stop smiling. Even though the first 3 miles were hard for me to get in the groove, I kept smiling! Knowing that I was running along side one of my best friends Sara, and that I was surrounded by many more friends...all tryting to accomplish something difficult and new, it was an amazing feeling! Then I got in my groove, totally focused, Sara and I jumped up on the sidewalk to pass some people for a while, then BAM...I totally bit it off the uneven sidewalk. Not to worry...that old basketball roll I learned in 7th grade came in really handy and I was right back on my feet! Then I was just embarassed and mad. Oh, well...back to my groove and focus. Time flew by between mile 4 and 10. 10-11...I think was the worst. I got slightly panicked knowing that I had never before ran more than 10 miles. My heart started going crazy and I had a hard time breathing. I got it under control and just had to endure the last 3 miles. - They were the longest 3 miles of my life! - But alas...I finished:) So happy and so overwhelmed. There was a group of ladies running that had t-shirts made up with my favorite scripture on it. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. It was so powerful to see that through out my run!

My TIME was 2:02. I am very happy about that. And I finished 394 out of almost 2100 people in my division (age 30-34). I'll take it! And placed 3683 out of almost 20,000 people.
Sara Budge... the one responsible for getting me into this mess...the one who pushed me, encouraged me, and was just there for me. I LOVE YOU!!!Jen Card...It has been so fun training for this with you. You did awesome & I love you!

Before the run, waiting in the cold.
Still waiting in the cold!

We DID IT!!!! me, Joanna, Kelly, Sara, Ann, Jen, Melissa & April
I think doing this adventure is like child birth. Time will pass...I'll forget about all the pain...and want to do it again. Thanks for the adventure ladies. ROCK ON!!!