Half-marathon.....check!

Of the thousands of people that read this riveting blog (ha!), some of you may remember the post about my running life and that I was training for my first half-marathon. Well, this past weekend was D-Day!  And I honestly could not have been more proud of myself.  I know that is probably a really selfish thing to say, but it's the honest truth.  One of my dearest friends, that I run with, and my husband were my support group for the day and I couldn't have appreciated it more!  They totally kept me calm and my mind off things before the race started.  I also had a few friends that were running the race and were so happy to experience it with them. 

About the race................my normal running route includes a couple of hills/incline, but not anything like the race.  I was really surprised at the fact that when we got to the 6th mile marker it really only felt like we had just started the race; however, once we got to the 12th mile I didn't feel the same way.  There was so much going on and lots of people (you have to remember I run with 4 other women, not 2700 other people) that I think I was having sensory overload and didn't realize how long we had been running.  Needless to say, I loved it no matter how hard it was and will definitely be running another half.

Here are a few pictures from the day!!

My sweet friend Sharon came with me to support and keep me from getting nervous/anxious!  She was a huge help! Love her!

My dearest hubby has been with me all the way!  He was wonderful through the training process and long runs that took up tons of time on the weekends.  I am not sure who was more proud me or him!  He has pretty much told everyone he has come in contact with since Saturday.  

 My friends Kate and her husband Paul ran with me.  Kate was my instructor this summer during my internship at the hospital.  

 My sweet hubby succeeded! His only job was to get a picture of me actually running.  This was at the finish.  If you can't tell I am struggling just a little, but finished in 2 hours and 13 minutes!

 A few of my running buddies came to support and their daughters made signs for me!  Too sweet!

The running crew after the race!  Kevin is on the left and even though it may not look like it, there is a medal and number under that sweatshirt.  Kevin's wife is one of my dearest friends and was unable to make it to the race, but I know she was supporting from home!  

I had such a good time even though it was a long race.  So glad to have that under my belt and ready for the next one!