On March 6, 2010 I ran my first (and not last) half marathon in Albany Georgia. The night before the race I drove 3 hours to my hotel and tried to enjoy a night alone and early bedtime. My mind wouldn't shut off to sleep....I was anxious, excited, happy,determined....so many feelings. Did the usual things....set the clothes,shoes,number....ect. out onto the bed and took a picture. This was a first for me and I was holding onto every minute as if it would disappear before it sunk in. Finally sleep arrived.
The next morning went smoothly 5am. up to eat. Laid back down for a bit. Then I was off with a grin that looked pasted on. On my way to the race I turned on my ipod to find a good uplifting tune to motivate me...and there it was U2 'Beautiful day'....I was blasting this the whole ride to the race.
When I got there it was 27 degrees....UGH! But not even the cold could wipe the silly grin from my face. The line up at the starting line felt awesome! The gun went off and in an instant I was running with hundreds of people who are in love with something much bigger than ourselves.
As I ran I couldn't believe I was doing it. Accomplishing the goal I had set, trained (ran my a$$ off literally), and sweated for the previous 4 months for.
The smell of Crispy Creme donuts was in the air the second and third miles. The whole time I was running my Garmin 305 was a constant companion telling me to speed up most of the run. The best part was it kept my time so that half-way through when nature was calling I knew how long it took me and could mentally subtract it for my own piece of mind. I ran 13.1 miles in 2:22 technically...but with the 3 minute 10 second stop 2:19. I am happy with my time. But had to laugh at mile 13 I was passed by the full marathon winner. HAHA! That is just a ridiculous speed....awesome....but ridiculous. (smile) Planning another half in October and a full next year. Running is my new habit.....Hard habit to break.
