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!

10 comments:

Michelle said...

So, so proud of you! Sounds like it went very well! Were you running by yourself? If so, that is even more awesome. Wanna run the Big D in April? I am thinking of training for that one!!!

Tammy Myers said...

Congrats to both of you. That is a great accomplishment. Glad to hear it all went well. I would guess that you may be a little stiff and sore tomorrow but that will pass. You have a very Merry Christmas and a great new year.

Love

Tammy

Sonia @ My Sweet Monkey said...

Holy Cow Emily!!! Congratulations on finishing under your goal time!! You deserve more than bananas!!

Lisa said...

Em...you did it!!!!!!! I am so encouraged. I really want to run in the Hood to Coast Race with jason's family in Oregan. it starts on mt hood and then we finish at he coast...its a relay and think it spans over a couple of days...you will have to let me know how you trained. Way to go girl!!!

Rachel and Ian Kirkland said...

you are amazing!!! my hero!!! :)

mommaof3 said...

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!

Mary said...

Way to go Emily! Be honest: did you hear Roland's voice in your head pushing you toward the finish line? Ha. So proud of you!

Jenny Seymore said...

Way to go!! I know how worried you were about your big race! Again, anytime you want to teach me that will power and self determination...I'm game!! :P

Sam and Courtney said...

Congrats!!!

The Wests said...

Whoo hoo! y'ALL look so official in your running gear.