#21 - Run a Half Marathon

This is a big one I am happy to cross off my list.  While I didn't start the year with this as one of my goals, I was happy to add it when I found out Lauren was running.  For a while now, I had been wanting to do a run (like a 5k) as a way to get myself into running.  Like my dad asked me on Saturday "why didn't you just sign up for the 10k?" to which I responded... all or nothing dad, ALL OR NOTHING! :)

I had kept this blog updated with my training (thanks the Kelly for being my training coach and mentor) but as you know, it was difficult to keep up the motivation after my conference and vacation.  Even with all of that, I felt pretty good going into the run.  I had a plan... start slow and work up if I could.  I also knew that I would need to be smart considering the weather that day.

The run started off great, well, except for when they ran out of cups and water.  Personally, I felt okay.  I ran a nice first 6.5 miles.  After that I had to start walking a bit to keep my body feeling okay and to stay on pace with Lauren.  Things were going okay when we hit the 10 mile mark and saw the "black flag".  The black flag was meant to warn of extreme weather (storms, heat, etc.).  The volunteer standing there said that the race had officially ended and that they were no longer keeping time. 

So that was pretty disheartening.  I ended up walking more towards the end so that I wouldn't overdo things.  With a few last runs in, Lauren and I finished just over 3 hours.  My family; mom and dad, MEM, Melissa, Brendan, Justin and Kayla, were all waiting at the finish line to cheer us on.

there we are in the pink!

Official Race time - 3:02:23

sweaty finishers!

 It defintely was longer than I had hoped (my goal was under 2:30) but I felt good running and I finished; which was great. 

The jury is still out on if I will complete another one or not.  Only time will tell. :)