I DID IT!!!!! I DID IT!!!!!

I finished my first half-marathon!!

It was so awesome! I'm surprised at how well I did actually. I keep thinking how a few short months ago a 5K was tough for me- and now I completed a 13.1 mile race. For anyone thinking of running or dabbling in smaller races, please take a look at my running history. You'll quickly notice that if I can do this, you definitely can, too!

800 runners.. 10 toilets. We had quite the line!

David and I arrived to the Clearwater Half site around 6:10am. It was freeeeeezing and I was chugging my Pepto Bismol since I still have my stomach bug. I was just so excited.

Since David's dad was running with me, we chatted at the starting line with tips and words of encouragement. And... we were off!

The first 10 minutes of the race was the BEST. A huge group of all different people running through the city to start off 13.1 miles. I had trained for this. I was so ready to take on this challenge. The biggest smile was plastered over my face!

The course went over two big bridges on the way out and we covered the same two bridges on the way back. From the start the race director warned people to not attempt a PR with this tough course, so my running definitely had its inconsitencies.

From the website:

"These courses just might be the most scenic races in Florida, as well as the
most challenging, with demanding ascents over our fixed bridges."

Here's an older picture of the smaller bridge

Here is some info and pictures from the course. Unfortunately, it doesn't show the two huge bridges! But it was beautiful. You're running along beaches and there was water in sight throughout most of it. My favorite was going over that first bridge and looking over Clearwater at sunsrise!

I normally run 3 minutes on, 1 minute off. With the adrenaline of this race I was running 6-10 minutes on, 30 seconds off! Between people on the sides to the wonderful (and comical) other runners, I felt fueled by sources outside me.

David and his mom had quite the time while David's dad and I ran the race. They kept catching up to us throughout the race to take photos and cheer us on. It was too funny having my personal mobile cheering section! David even went out to buy me a bagel after I told him I was hungry around Mile 7!! They were GREAT sports!

Just got to the top of the first bridge!

After a few miles I found some wonderful runners to keep up with. Talking with them while passing many mile markers definitely kept me going faster than I might of anyway. Towards the end our little group ended up picking up the sole straglers that were about ready to give in and walk the rest of the way! Ahh, I love the instant camaraderie between runners. Age, status and history means nothing between runners- everyone seems to have this instant, friendly bond. =)

David's dad Steve running about 30 minutes ahead of me

My knees were really in pain from mile 7, but other than that I felt so good! I couldn't believe it. At one point I ran over 30 (hilly) minutes at a pace of less than 11 minutes and I still felt fine. Other than the last mile, my body (and breathing!!) was very happy. The progress my body has made amazes me.

Running through that finish line I felt so good. I finished with the women I'd run most of the race with. David and his parents were waiting at the finish line with cheers, photos and "You did it!" 's!

This crazy guy ran the whole thing (way ahead of me) with flip-flops, shorts and a stick..!

I did it. I set a crazy goal and made it! Really, though, it was much more than "made it". If you would've told me 6 months ago I would run a half marathon, I would've never taken you seriously. I couldn't even run 2 miles!! Now I successfully conquered 13.1 miles. I feel so good!

Here's to this "almost-runner" joining the ranks of real "runner"! Now I'm looking for my next half!!
I finished 2:46:43 (a 12:43 pace), which isn't too bad considering most of the course was hills and bridges. Good starting number to beat next time!

Thank you to everyone for your support. Really, your words replay in my mind and push me to go farther. They're not just silly comments- you guys meant so much to me accomplishing this.

To celebrate today we headed out to my new favorite restaurant in Ybor City, Acropolis, and then to see Defiance!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

IS ALREADY INSIDE.

The video (and message and song!) definitely pushed me during my workout. Look at all the accomplished people in the video. It is inside them just like it is inside you. Overcome your obstacles and push yourself!