As of this past weekend, I am a half-marathoner!!!
Last Saturday morning, I ran in the High Country Half-Marathon, the second race in the High Country Triple Crown series. My friend Marcia and I debated registering up until the day before the race, but on Thursday night after work, we took the plunge! Going to the football stadium to sign up and get my race packet made me even more nervous than I already was!
My Dad came into town on Friday night, to cheer for Marcia and me on Saturday. I was so thankful to have him there! It makes all the difference in the world knowing that someone is waiting for you at the finish line.
On Saturday morning, my alarm was set for 5:45, but I woke up at 3:00 not able to sleep at all. I was so anxious, excited, and just plain scared knowing my first half-marathon was just a few hours away! When it finally was time to get up, I had my outfit laid out and ready to go. Like most of my other races, I wore a lightweight racerback shirt with Nike shorts. I also made sure to wear a thick headband to keep my hair out of the way the entire race.
My Dad came into town on Friday night, to cheer for Marcia and me on Saturday. I was so thankful to have him there! It makes all the difference in the world knowing that someone is waiting for you at the finish line.
On Saturday morning, my alarm was set for 5:45, but I woke up at 3:00 not able to sleep at all. I was so anxious, excited, and just plain scared knowing my first half-marathon was just a few hours away! When it finally was time to get up, I had my outfit laid out and ready to go. Like most of my other races, I wore a lightweight racerback shirt with Nike shorts. I also made sure to wear a thick headband to keep my hair out of the way the entire race.
My Dad and I headed to the stadium a little before 7AM, so that I had enough time to stretch and get warmed up. We even had time to snap a picture before I had to be at the starting line.
The race started at the football stadium, and after running 3/4 of a lap around the track, we began our trek from Boone to Blowing Rock. The course was tough and extremely challenging. The level of difficulty was similar to the Cub race that I did back in June, but this one was 6 miles longer. Except for about two miles in the middle of the race, the rest was completely uphill. By about the tenth mile, all I wanted was to see that finish line!
Though Marcia and I did this race together, we went completely at our own pace. She actually ended up finishing six minutes before me. I was so proud of her! My final time was 2:19:06!
Running through the finish line was such an emotional moment, as it always is for me. I couldn't help but think back to last December, when I wasn't able to run a mile without stopping or feeling like I was going to be sick. A half-marathon was always my goal, I just had no idea it would be here so soon! I am so lucky to have such wonderful family, friends and co-workers to support me through this journey.
This race set me on fire, and I can't wait to earn even more medals through my running!
If you ever have the opportunity to run a half-marathon yourself, or any race, I would absolutely recommend it! Crossing that finish line is so empowering!
As always, Have a Sweet Day!
3 comments:
Congratulations!!! I ran my first half in May and it is such a wonderful feeling and experience!! I've got a 2nd one coming up next week that I am looking forward to :) But congrats again, your time is awesome!!
That is SOOO awesome!!!! Congrats on an amazing accomplishment!! Can't wait to join the ranks of the half marathoners :)
Congrats that's so great!
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