THe LB Half Recap - Monica P's version!

I did it!

The days leading up to the half marathon were pretty exciting, I was dying to get out and run and instead tried to gets lots of rest, lots of water, and lots of protein. By completely cutting out every last carb in my diet last week, I lost 5.6 pounds!  I only ate carbs were the day before and even then I couldn't keep them down.  I also got to have dinner with the very lovely Liz R. and her hubby.  Thanks Liz, I had so much fun I hope you're feeling better today!

It was a chilly morning at the starting line when Kim and I began the race together. I think we only ran together for a few minutes before I told her "don't worry about me, run your own race"

I tried to conserve my energy and ran the first few miles at about 70% of my full effort. Just like that I hit mile six and couldn't believe it had gone by so fast. I even had time to goof off and take a few pictures.

Then out of no where, there were these CRAZY WEIRD PEOPLE screaming my name and making all sorts of noise.  It was Kirsten, Kevin, Liz R. (with her arm in a sling) cheering for me.  THANK YOU!!!! That meant so much to me, and gave me a boost to keep on running.

 I approached mile seven and I remembered Disneyland, this was the same point where I began to have problems with my toes. I really wanted to finish today's race without any problems. No blisters, no cramps, no injuries...I just wanted an official finish time.

I'm still disappointed with my results as Disneyland's Half Marathon, I wanted vindication. Still felt as though I had not really completed a half marathon. I had no official recorded finish time, I walked the last threee miles....it was not what I wanted it to be. Today was my chance to prove it to myself: That I could do a half marathon, that I was a runner, that I had it in me to complete 13.1 miles.

While running down Ocean Blvd at miles 11 and 12 I realized that I was closing in on the finish line. My legs were tired, I couldn't keep my water bottle full...I have no idea how much water I drank, It was a lot! Other than being tired I was fine.

I turned the corner on to Shoreline Drive and the finish line came into view. It was only a year ago I was entering 5k walks and now here I was running down Shoreline Drive with 13.1 miles behind me. My eyes began to tear up a bit. I couldn't believe I had made it.

Finish time: 3 hours, 37 minutes.

Alright Monica!!  Congratulations on your vindication =)  You are so my hero!!

Ms Shell

Monica,
Your recall of the LB Marathon brought tears to my eyes!  Congrats on your finish. 
Lola

I was wondering when you were going to put your recap up.  Excellent job, Monica!  You have been vindicated.

Kim

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!! You Rock, girl!!!!!

One question: If someone told you that you would become a runner 3 years ago, what would you have said to them??

HUGS
JOY

                YOU ROCK!!!!   You are such an inspiration honey!!! Doesn't make me want to run, mind you, but it is sooooo great to hear what our new lives can do for us and you are quite the example!!!! You deserve to be very proud, congrats!!!
bigg huggs, Becky

Great run Monica!! What a difference between Disney and Long Beach. It just goes to show there nothing you can't do if your willing to put in the hard work!!

Enjoy your victory!!!

You really inspire me!  Keep up the great work.

Thank you, that is the cutest avatar ever!!!

I think you are pretty cute too!!