I DID IT! The race is over and I survived!

I finished the half marathon and am alive to tell about it!  I did a little better than I expected, but didn't push myself extremely hard either. Been having problems staying hydrated, and since I can't drink much while running without getting sick, I thought it best to take it easier and be safe. It was an amazing feeling to finish some thing like this! Not sure if I'll do another one, but it's one more under my belt! I have a couple pic's posted now of the race, so take a peek!

Congrats! You look great. And look at that flat stomach.  WOW!

Congrats Lois, that's awesome and had to be a great feeling for you!!!

It was amazing! And, as tired as I was, I am now considering doing a full marathon in May!  Am I nuts?!  YES!!!

Congratulations Lois!!  Way to go.  

I've been thinking about starting to run, but I've never done it, so I'm nervous about starting - since I have bad knees, ankles and back problems, but I think it would be amazing to experience the accomplishment of something like a half marathon.  How did you get started?

I started out walking alot. I eventually was walking long distances and at a good pace. One day I just decided to see how far I could actually run without stopping, and i did over 2 1/4 miles! The love affair was on!  It was hard to stick with it, but once I hit my "runners high" and completely lost track of all time and place, it was the greatest feeling! I don't hit that every time I run, but I try to push myself to that feeling when I am feeling like running is a chore. Then it gives me a whole new outlook!  I actually run better when I have something on my mind because I feel like I can solve the world's problems. I did that while walking as well. Do only what your body will allow you. It isn't worth the injury, but it's also great to strive for more!

Thanks Lois - I'll start walking faster and maybe run one block or two... see how it goes and see where I end up.  I think I would love to experience this "runner's high" everyone talks about.  :o)

Thanks for sharing your experience with me.  I don't have access to a pool, but it sounds great - I'll have to check into the local Y or something else - I don't think the closest gym here has one.

I think I'm going to just start doing it.  I spend a lot of time on Sparkpeople.com as well, I think they have a Couch to 5K program... I'll check it out.

Glad to hear you are doing so well!!

Take care,
Maurie