13.1

I have been working since this summer training for my first (and last, I might add!) half marathon! I really wasn't sure if I could do it, which is why I am just now even talking about it on my blog. It's a pride thing. I had a fear I would start the training and then just give up. It was going to take a LOT of time, a LOT of motivation and a LOT of getting this body ready to run a long distance. I just didn't want to have to come back and tell everyone that I had quit. I hate that word and was not about to commit my time, money, health and just give up after a few weeks. So - I laced up my shoes and told myself to get out there and do it. This Sunday, November 7th, I did it. My bib was pinned, my timing chip was attached to my shoe and mentally, I was ready to run! I have to give major points to my incredible husband. Not only did he encourage me as I trained, but the night before the race, he surprised me with an IPod Nano and then loaded it with a couple of hours of songs that would get me through. He even timed some of the songs to play when he thought I would need the most encouragement....right at the starting line (BU's Rise Up played as I ran across the starting line!), halfway, last three miles, last mile, etc. I am not kidding when I say this is what got me to the finish line. That and the fact that he came and found me on the last mile and RAN WITH ME to the finish. He spent that mile telling me how proud he was of me and would not let me give up and walk to the finish. Like I said...he was just amazing and I couldn't have done it without him!

These flowers arrived the day before the race. Our dear friends, Jennifer and Andrew, sent them to cheer me on! Coming from two incredible runners, it meant so much!

The kids made signs the night before. Reagan was sure I was going to win first place and I think, from the skeleton Landon drew on his poster, he thought I might die before it was all said and done.

Here I am around mile 5. (Sorry...none of these pictures are too pretty! Yikes!) I was feeling great!

By mile seven, my hip (that has been bothering me for the last month) gave out on me. I was H.U.R.T.I.N.G! Once again, I would not let myself quit. I didn't care if I spent the rest of my life limping, I was going to cross that finish line! I slowed down a bit and tried to focus on anything but the excruciating pain in my lower half!

Mile 12....ready to punch someone! This is where Brad joined me!

We did it! Britt is a great friend of mine that also ran the race. She is what I would call a real "runner" and did an awesome job! She finished in a little under 2 hours! Incredible!

My #1 Fan!

Mr. Bitton and Mrs. Michelle came to cheer me on as well!

Doc and Mimi sent this cookie bouquet! They were out of town and so sad to not be at the race. Notice the middle bear is missing! He sure was yummy!

Even though I didn't do as well as I had hoped (think I averaged about a 10 min mile...don't know my exact time yet) , I am so thankful I was able to finish the race. It really was something I had told myself I wanted to accomplish in my lifetime and I am glad to say it has been done. I really don't think I will ever run one again (If you could see me hobbling around right now, you would agree!) but I would love to keep up the running and maybe stick with 5 and 10Ks. Thank you to all of my family and friends that were such supporters and encouragers! Love you all!