11/17/2012
SUPRISE!!!!! I know I only told a handful of people about today, but I am running in my first half marathon today, the Santa Chase in Mattoon! A million emotions are running through my head, I am nervous, anxious, scared, and excited! I decided to wear all Pink today! My signature color! =)
With only two long runs under my belt, an 8 and 10 mile run, over the last two weeks and my foot finally recovering I was not sure how well this was going to go. My plan was to just be able to finish, even if I had to walk some of the race, to gain some experience with long running.
Before the race, I met up with Christy, Lane, Carl, and Bob for some pre-race photos and words of encouragement. I felt mentally prepared to keep a steady pace and to be proud of myself no matter how the race finished.
The Santa Chase began with the half marathon runners starting at 12:55 at the train station in Mattoon. We ran down Broadway Avenue as all of the anxious people waiting for candy from the parade cheered us on! The run was pretty boring with running out on the bike trail out 7 miles and back. I was feeling pretty strong for the first 4 miles, my friend Katarina passed me before the first mile, I knew then I was never going to be able to pass her! ;-) I kept a pace of 8:20-8:30 for the first 7 miles, after the turn around I was feeling pretty tight and sore and slowed down considerably to about a 9 min pace. I took an energy goo at mile 6 and 10 right before water stations, which I SWEAR saved my life! At about mile 9 I ended up passing Katarina, because she was having knee/ankle issues, which I know how frustrating that is. =( 
By this time I was counting down, 4.1 miles, 3.1 miles, 2.1 miles, and FINALLY 1 more mile! I made it back inside Mattoon and on the black top of the bike trail. I could see in the far distance everyone waiting for me to cross the finish line! I pushed it, pushed it, and pushed it until I finally crossed the finish after 1 hour and 55 minutes!!!!!!! I surpassed ALL of my goals!!!!!!!! I was able to finish under 2 hours, I ran the ENTIRE 13.1 miles without stopping, and I even placed 3rd in the 20-29 female division, sorry Katy! =( I was so proud and in so much pain, I was chugging water and crying at the same time! Ryan and all of my friends came up to great me with smiles and BIG hugs! It was one of the best feelings in the world in my 23 years! At this point, I can't imagine running that race twice, running for 4 hours, but I look forward to all the training this winter. After completing this, I now know, if I have the drive, I can push myself to do ANYTHING!
We finished the evening off with dinner and I had a margarita at Stadium Grill! Some much earned and deserved calorie intake for me!!! On the way home to Champaign, we stopped by Lindsay and Josh's house to celebrate Gavin's 4th birthday! What an amazing day! Thank you Lord for being with me today and giving us beautiful weather!!!
PINK <3 ACHIEVING GOALS
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