Sunday, December 13, 2009

I did it!


Whew...1/2 marathon is complete. Thank you all for your support and prayers...it was truly appreciated!

I wanted to blog tonight so I didn't forget anything that I wanted mention - since this blog is sort of like a journal to me.

Last night I did not sleep well at all- I guess just the nerves and excitement about the race. I probably slept for 3-4 hours total.

We woke at 5:15 and headed to Dallas since parking was expected to be a problem. After navigating American Airlines Center exits, etc. we were parked and ready at 7:10. After using a quick portable potty (fun!)...we did some stretches and fueled up with our gels/sport beans.

We got ready in our corrals - Geoff was A and I was at the back in group E. It wasn't much fun waiting for the race to begin all by my lonesome but it was good for me to get focused!

The race started and 12 minutes later group E was at the starting line. The race begins. The first couple of miles are good, still navigating through the people. The course went through Highland Park so we got to look at some really neat houses. People were everywhere watching and cheering the runners on. My very favorite sign of the day read: "Run like Tiger is chasing you!" (with a pic of Tiger Woods)...made me laugh at least. Lots of people outside in their robes, hanging out, watching the race.

I encountered my first ever barefoot runner. I don't get it, but hey, do what you need to do. I'd hate to have to look at those feet at the end of the race. Up to mile 10 was pretty easy breezy. Felt really good. Then mile ten took us to the Katy Trail where there were less spectators. I really missed the encouragement! Our names are on our bibs- so everyone would yell- "Come on Emily you can do it!"

At mile 12 my arches were killing and I stopped to walk about 50-100 yards, but realized it actually hurt more to walk so started back running. Pretty soon the spectators are back yelling that the finish is around the corner...run, run, run and you can get a banana! Just when I spotted the finish line I took off and completed the race in 2 hours 28 minutes...2 minutes below my goal of 2:30!

Geoff found me immediately- he finished in 1 hour 43 minutes--way to go babe! Then we found my parents and the girls in AAC. They didn't see me finished because the finish line was so congested...but since I had my medal they thought I had won!!

We headed to eat at Hunky's (a hamburger-sandwhich place) in the Bishop Arts District. I thought I would be super hungry but was barely able to eat!

I was so thrilled with how it all went. I did and felt so much better than I thought I would. I am even looking forward to doing another soon!

If you have ever thought about running a race you really should--it's fun!

Hebrews 12:1- my race verse

Geoff finished strong!


Geoff snapped this pic of me right after I finished before I had even spotted him!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Day is Almost Here

White Rock 1/2 is tomorrow. I am extremely nervous and super excited. Looking forward to a fun run. Please pray for me if you think of it at 8 am. Pray for my mind especially that it remain calm and focused.

Big shout out to Jamee who reminded me of my race verse - Hebrews 12:1 ....let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Thanks readers and I will update tomorrow or Monday -- off to drink more water!


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

O-M-G!

Dear 3 blog readers,

My 1/2 marathon is less than 2 weeks away! I am SCARED! Those of you who know me know that I can get a little worked up. Such is the case now. I ran the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas. 8 miles. Went okay--but was definitely happy to see the finish line. But what's running through my head was that in 2 weeks I'd have to be able to keep going for 5 more miles. You know 8+5 = 13!

The Turkey Trot did teach me a few things:
1. Slow down - I started off and stayed too fast trying to keep up with the 37,000 runners. I need to just focus on me!
2. Go potty - right before race, not fun to run while needing a potty break
3. Hydrate often - I got water at the 3 stops but will need to carry a hydration bottle with me to hydrate as often as need be.
4. It's okay to walk - I did not stop during the Trot but it will not be the end of the world if I need to stop and walk a few times during the race.

I have a bruised ankle from the Trot so I am nursing that so I can continue my training. Keep me in your prayers so I will not have a nervous breakdown leading up to December 13th.

Hope to update you again before the big race, if not I WILL after:)