Cross it off the Bucket List...

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am in no way athletic. I did things like the tennis team in high school and the soccer team in middle school, but I was really, really bad at them. As an adult, if I could avoid sweating in any way, I did.

Then, in January I had a crazy idea to run a half marathon. It was one of those things that was on my bucket list, but always in a nebulous "future" sort of way. I had done a few 5K's at that point (my first last September), and in a haze of champagne on New Year's I decided to sign up for the Run to Remember Half Marathon. Then I told a bunch of people I had signed up. Then my friend Michelle decided to run it with me. Unfortunately, that then meant I couldn't fake an injury or back out.

Training was no fun, but I was excited to actually do the race. Last night, I started to panic somewhat though - what the heck was I thinking trying to run 13.1 miles?? My longest training run had been a few 10-milers, so I would be going 3 miles further than I had ever run. But, all of a sudden I found myself in the corral with Michelle starting off - I was offially insane.

The weather wasn't great for running - about 70 degrees and almost 90% humidity at 8 AM. That slowed us down, but I felt great for the first 6 miles. Miles 7-10 were OK. Then, a little before mile 10 my left knee gave out (I had been having IT band issues with both knees during training). It hurt to run - a LOT. It also hurt to walk. Going downhill was agony. I kind of had to hobble the last few miles. I looked like I was drunk.

But, I did it!!! My goal was to average 10 minute miles and finish in 2 hours, 10 minutes. Due to my knee, a slow start (over 9,000 runners meant we were pretty bottle necked for the first 3 miles), and a quick port-a-potty break we didn't make that goal., but Michelle and I average 10:35 minute miles and finished in 2 hours, 18 minutes! (also, just to note that my GPS running watch says we actually ran almost 13.5 miles, not 13.1...but I guess I am being nit picky).

Here we are running by Mike, Henry, and Michelle's family - we are right at the finish here, so I looks slightly crazed - I was so happy to see Mike and Henry, and that finish line!



And, running to the finish line (under the pedestrian bridge):



After the race - sitting!:







So, now I can say I have run a half-marathin and cross it off my "to-do" list. While I had a great time, I can guarantee you I will never, ever, ever run a full marathon. Now THAT would be crazy!