My Half-Marathon!

On October 4, 2009 I ran/walked my very first half-marathon (13.1 miles). It was a very cold rainy day, but it made for some good running. I'm super proud of myself. I ran (jogged) the first 6 miles straight, and then after that, I walked through the water stations and alternated between walking and jogging. It really wasn't so bad. It actually seemed a lot easier than you would think. My run time was 3.20.17. It's not really good at all, but it was my first. I'm sure I'm just going to get better and better.

I was sore the next few days, but like I said before, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I figured it would be much worse because I could feel my calves starting to tighten around mile 11. I'm very happy how my body reacted to it, and it just makes me think that I was made for this or at least endurance type sports. I can't really run fast, but I can run for a very long time.

So, the picture below is of me before the race. I'm all bundled up ready for the run. It's so funny during the race you just see people peeling off their layers. Many people just throw their cloths on the side of the street so they don't get slowed down. Me, I just tied my jacket around my waist, and struck everything else in my pockets. I'm cheap that way I suppose.

This is my favorite picture. This is Nick and Nolan before the race. Nolan doesn't really have a nice warm jacket, so we just zipped him up in Nick's jacket. So cute and cozy. He was good about this for a little bit, and then he wanted to move some more. I guess I can't blame the poor kid.
The video below is of me running through the finish line. I was so happy. There were a lot of people there cheering me on, so it was very invigorating. It ws so nice to have both Nolan and Nick there for me. I love you guys! I have to thank Tiffany, Koen, and Brooklan for coming too. Although I didn't see them there, they did wait for me for quite a while. I'm so glad you all stopped by afterwards. I love you guys!

This is me and my little man after the race! I was soaked through. It never stopped raining. on the bright side, it kept me pretty cool (meaning I didn't get overheated). I think it was better to run in this weather rather than hot summer weather.

So, here are my wonderful running shoes. I will have to get new ones before I run my next marathon though. I did get some pretty bad blisters on the tops of my toes of all places. I even had to pop a blist that sat right underneath my toe a few days later. So weird. I think I will go to a place where they specialize in these kinds of things to get my next pair of shoes. I have no idea what to get or what will work for my type of flat foot.

My next 1/2 marathon will be May 2009 The Great Potatoe 1/2 marathon! I'm super excited to beat my record and do a much better job! Let me know if any of you want to run with me. If I can do it, you all can do it too!