My first 1/2 Marathon!!!!

 I ran the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville last weekend.  It was awesome, awesome, awesome.  The weeks of training absolutley paid off.  I finished in 2:49.  It was hilly and I didn't die!!!  :-)   I have finally figured out that I really love running after mile 3 or 4.  The first few miles just suck.  

As for the 1/2.  It was exceptionally well run.  The coralls with clearly marked.  The pacers were super friendly and were at the pre run expo to make sure you got to meet them.  The weather was spectacular.  I thought is was going to be cooler than it was and chose to wear a hat which I do not normally do this time of year.  I usually go with a visor or just sunglasses when it is warm.  I got super hot at mile 13 and thought my face was going to explode.  I ended it up taking the hat off and finished up feeling much better.  The last mile was tough but I loved every second of it.  My running buddy was fantastic. We talked the entire time.  She really brought me through it at the end.  My legs were toast when we finally crossed the finish line, but after stretching they felt fine.   The after events were on a big grassy area where we listened to bluegrass and literally just sprawled out in the grass.  The best part was while laying there I lifted my head up and look at Ranae ( my running buddy) and said "Hey, Ranae, I am a runnner!!!"   I have never looked at myself that way, but I do now.  I feel amazing.  I am getting back to running slowly and feel strong.  The next scheduled 1/2 is the day before my birthday on Dec 1st.  St Jude 1/2 and full in Memphis.  Super cool, becuse my son and hubs are going to run the 5K and be waiting for me at the finish line.  :-)   All and all, a super experience, follow by a fantastic night out on the town with the hubs in Nashville!!!

 Congratulations.  Sounds like it was an empowering experience.

Ive been waiting for this :)   Your training sure did pay off - congrats on finishing!

I'm LOLing at the "love running after mile 3-4" - those were my EXACT thoughts yesterday. The first 3 miles - I hate it...it takes me a good 20 minutes to settle into a comfortable pace and start breathing. I have such anxiety when I begin.. but when it's over with, I actually enjoy the experience.

But then the last mile or 2 - i usually start hating those :)

 Congrats!  Of all the distances, half marathons are my favorite!  I definitely feel you about taking a while to get into it - I usually claim that I hate the first mile, and right now I can barely run more than a mile so it's a little rough - but I can't wait to get my endurance up so I can feel that rush of finishing a big race!  Thanks for the inspiration!

 

awesome!! I am hoping to be able to add a half to my goal list for next year.... way into next year lol