The day of the race started perfectly- I got a great night of sleep, waking only a few times to check the time. There was not a cloud in the sky and was around 65 when we started. There were over 30,000 people running this marathon and the energy at the start line was incredible. It was such an amazing feeling to be apart of something so huge. We were giddy waiting for our corral to start.
Over 27 stages of live music helped keep us entertained as we ran and ran and (walked) ran. My buddy, and coach, SBY was encouraging me the entire time. We sang, clapped, cheered other runners, gossiped, anything to distract us from the miles and miles ahead.
Around mile 8 we passed my dashing beau, our friends, and my mom and sister which was awesome to see. After about 1.5 hours of running, the temp really started to rise. By the end of the race, it was around 80 degrees. The heat really affected the runners (including us), who had been training in 55-60 degree heat. People were spraying their garden hoses on the runners to cool us down and we drank water every chance we got.
This is the GLORIOUS finish line. I have never been so happy to see something in my life.
SBY and I finishing strong.....
at this point, my calves were cramped up into tiny little balls of fire.
"Coach"- she looks great. Could have probably done the entire thing again.
And me....
All and all a fantastic experience. I was so overwhelmed with the emotions I felt when I crossed that finishing line. Even though I was cussing SBY and myself for ever committing to do such an idiotic thing around mile 12, I would love to run another half marathon someday. Who's with me?
Go H, go H go!!! So proud-I am glad you posted the pics. I have been wondering how it went!!
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