I DID IT!

I completed my first half marathon, two Sunday's ago.  I accomplished two things 1. To complete it and 2. To not be last.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.   The first 10 km actually wasn't too bad.  They had seven cheering stations along the way and it was wonderful to see all the spectators cheering us on especially when the rain came down.  I will get to that in second.   There was over 25,000 runners in the Army Race.  12,000 in the 5km and 13,000 in the half marathon.  All the proceeds went to the ill and injured in the military.  Over $300,000 was raised this year. 

 

I can't remember if I told you about how I signed up for the race? ( If I did skip to the next paragraph.)  One night after reading one of my favorite blogs "That loud Redhead" I went to checkout the Army Race website, to sign  up for the 5 km .  I had just finished reading how she had entered too late for her half marathon.    And of course the same thing happened to me.  5km was SOLD OUT!  They had no 10Km in this race series.  So the next best thing was a HALF MARATHON.  I had told myself I would never run that far of a distance.  But feeling a bit loopy I said why not?  and paid the fee.   I posted it on Facebook for all my friends and family to see!  So there was no turning back.  I am too stubborn!  Did I mention I only had two months to train?  I know, I know I am nuts! 

I think I just lost my marbles lol. I have been in such a rut these past few months. Go big or go home! Once I commit to something I am in. I guess I better start training. Lol #100happydays #day69 #halfmarathon #fitfam #prayforme!

 

 

 

 

Back to the race.  The first half was tough but I was feeling good but once I hit around the 13km  mark It went downhill from there my left hip starting hurting and it started raining, more like pouring to the point my clothes were soaked and weighting me down an extra 5 pounds.  Then my headphones stopped working during the flood but luckily from past races I brought an extra pair and thank god they worked!   I need my music :)   At one point on the left side of the road the faster runners could tell I was struggling and they started cheering me on!  Telling me, I could do it!  You are doing great!  mean while I have another 8km still to go.     By the 15km  mark my hip really started to hurt.  I decided to speed walk the last 6km because I didn't want to injury myself.   By 17km it was all mental I was tired, in pain and just wanted to stop!!  But I kept I telling myself I just did 17 km! I can finish this.     I thought a lot about my grandfather in the last 3km and asked him for the drive to push through.  He was in the navy in World War II and he passed away a couple of years ago and I would like to think I get my disciple and stubbornness from him.    The last km, my hand started to tingle and when I looked down one of my hands was three times the size of my other.  I started to freak out because I was so close to the end.   This women beside me saw that look of horror in my eyes and I explain what was happening she said it was normal and to just raise my hand above my heart level and wave my hand a bit.  I am sure I looked idiotic but I didn't get care.  I just wanted to cross the finish line.     The emotions I went  through when the metal was placed around my neck by someone in the army was a feeling I can't describe it was happy, tired, exhausted and proud all wrapped up into one!  I am happy I completed it. 

 

My time was pretty awful but I never stopped once.    It took me 3 hours and 45 minutes  I burned 2700 calories!  No matter what my time was I finished and no one can take that away from me.  I am a half marathoner :)