Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2:53:01

That's how long it took - and I own every second of it. I finished.

This was a really cool graphic showing my pace and speed for the race. It puts it into some perspective. Despite some challenges, I still did well. 4.5 mph is really good for me.

Now for a quick run down...

I thought I was going to be nervous - you know the usually not sleep well the night before wake up with tons of anxiety. But that didn't happen. I slept great; probably 7 hours worth of quality sleep, and I was able to eat when I woke up. My traditional bagel with PB and Snickers marathon bar. I also drank some G2. Met Rod in the elevator on the way down. It was a nice ride to the race - stood in line for the port-a-potty (gross, but had to do it!). Then we get in the start line. We got packed in like sardines was more like it! While we were waiting we learned there were two really awesome events taking place that day - ok, three if you count this being my first half! There were two guys racing it out to break the world record for fastest marathon while pushing a baby stroller with a child. AND Sean from this season's biggest loser running his first marathon!!!!!! WOOOO!!!! I ran with a Biggest Loser competitor. How cool is that?

At the gun we slowly made our way to the starting line. It actually wasn't too crowded once we got moving. The first few hills weren't that bad and we had beautiful homes to look at through the first 5.5 miles or so. Our "cheerleaders" first saw us around that time - I spotted Dad first in his Longhorns sweatshirt! It was the uplift I needed to keep me moving at that point. The next three miles or so after that weren't too bad. I knew mile 8 was going to be a doozy because I had checked out the elevation map - probably not a good thing, but I did and so whatever. Rod ran off and left me somewhere between 6 and 7 to find a restroom with strict (very strict) orders to keep going and not slow down! I did well, and he didn't even bring me a cheeseburger. It was also somewhere around this time that they were playing "Whoa, you're halfway there..." which was very appropriate since I was at that point halfway.

We walked the hill of mile 8 - very glad for that and then I did what I could to keep truckin' along. Coming up to mile 9 I heard a pace setter for a marathon group say it was the last hill before the small one at the finish. This was very encouraging to me! There was a photo op at mile 10 and I threw my hands up spread wide to show I made it to 10. It was somewhere between 10 and 11 that Rod kept asking me to just give it 10% more. I was trying - hard - to push myself (something I'm not always great at). I thought I was doing awesome until some guy cheering from the side saw me and was like "Way to go walkers!!!" Rod about lost it - it was by far the funniest moment of the entire race. I really don't know how me made it through the next few steps without falling over.

It was about that point that we saw our "cheerleaders" again. They were excited for us and mom was walking along side saying I was almost there - "2 more miles and you'll have done it girly - your first half marathon! You can do it!" So we pushed along and trudged. Rod promised we could walk after we made the turn around - if only that thing hadn't been so far away!!! We made the turn at mile 12 and probably 12.1 I realized something wasn't right. I didn't feel right - everything was too clear - I couldn't catch my breath - and I thought I might pass out. Wouldn't that have been great (totally sarcastic) - I could SEE the finish and was struggling to make it? Sheesh - so I told Rod, we slowed WAAAAAAAAAY down to a snail's pace - I drank some G2, chewed some sports beans, and after a bit felt ready to go again. I think in all the excitement I probably started to panic a bit, which didn't help the breathing or pulse rate or any of that at all!!! I guarantee that moment made me realize that I was going to own that last mile 100%.

We rounded the corner again and saw the 13 mile mark. Only .1 to go - Rod started yelling to everyone that I was a first timer - "First timer coming into the finish - let's hear it!" (He's always been an crowd pleaser!) Then I saw "our" cheerleaders again. I ran by and slapped Noah, B, and Jeremy's hands - then saw Rod waiting on me. We held hands and basically sprinted to the finish. It was awesome to hear our names and know that I had done it. And well, sorry to say it, but I didn't cry! Haha! I was just glad it was over and glad I had done it.

We got our medals, took a finisher photo, and found everyone. We ate pizza and got out of town. I slept pretty much the whole way home and munched on a cheeseburger.

So - that's pretty much the race re-cap. More to come on final thoughts later. I figure this is long enough for now! Still all smiles, so glad I did it, and so blessed that Rod was right there with me.

And that's that!

I finished. I'm home. I'm so glad I did it!

It was such an experience - one I won't start to talk all about in the blog, yet. Keep up for a few days and I'll post in pieces, otherwise it might not all fit on one screen!

A few things though - I have to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers through this whole endeavor. It was quite a challenge, but I know it was much better because of all of you.

Jeremy - For always asking me how my training runs went and never once getting sick of hearing all about my excitement/concerns, thank you. You truly are one of God's gifts to me and I am so grateful for that. I guess I also have you to thank for getting me on this track. Can't believe it was about a year ago when you said, "Let's go for a run". :) Love you!

Rod - I truly wouldn't have done as well without you. Thank you a million times over for sticking with me through this whole thing. I still could have used that sausage McGriddle from the McD's you stopped at, but I guess I'll forgive you. Until the next time - "Go Walkers!" Ha! The memories we continue to make!

My Smith Boys - You faces at miles 6, 10, and the finish kept me motivated. You guys are such a joy, and were there right when I needed you! I'm so glad that you could all be a part of this experience with me.

Mom and Dad - You've always told me I could do anything, and I've always believed you - mostly because you always believed in me. Thanks for your words of encouragement and never failing love. I'm the luckiest gal to be able to call you my parents.

Amber - For getting everyone to the miles to cheer us on, and for starting this whole thing - thank you. Next time we'll leave Rod as head cheerleader! (And don't let them give you a hard time - the "crusty" food was good.)

To everyone else - family, friends, co-workers - thank you. You all played such an important role in this experience. My "girls" praying for my leg, thank you. Natalie for reminding me I'm crazy to teach dance, run, work, and live a "regular" life, haha! Dawn and Jessica for those so inspiring marathon videos - they always took away any doubt. And everyone else. Just because I didn't mention your name does NOT mean you were any less important.

Ok - more to come tomorrow. Pictures and possibly a video link, soon! Now for a little RRTI (rest, recover, tylenol and ice!).

The Last Run

So - that was it - my last run before race day. It was only 2 miles - amazing how easy that seems now. I'll be running almost 7 times that much on Sunday! From now until then, it's rest, rest, rest, good sleep Saturday, and a great mindset Sunday morning. I'm ready for it.

I really don't know what all to say. I'm just ready for it to be here! Jeremy asked if I was going to go after 26.2 next. I seriously doubt it, but I won't say never - especially since I never imagined I would have tried for 13.1! I don't know what I'm going to do next. Run the Jingle Bell run in December, maybe the Texarkana or LR Half. I'll have to decide which one to go for. Definitely just keep running - and I guess see where my feet take me!

I'm ready for this - mentally and physically. I know my body is ready and my mindset good. I just hope I don't get too nervous/anxious! I've got to be able to eat Sunday!!! Ha!

I'm sure I'll post again before race day. Until then, I'll take all the words of encouragment/support/prayers/whatever you want to dish out. Just e-mail me or post a comment (remember you've got to click on the title for the comment box to show up. Until the next time...

As if...

As if it couldn't be any MORE official, I got the final confirmation in my e-mail box today! WOO HOO! This is getting me even more pumped up. Regardless - I know my enthusiasm will carry me through the finish line. Rock on! (And yes - I just said that. Ha!)

And, this is probably totally crazy to say, but I LOVE MY NUMBER!!! It's all odd numbers which are my faves. It's like the number was made just for me. The only thing better would have been a 627... So maybe this one is the second best. :)

This morning was 4 miles. The sun isn't out today, so treadmill it was. You all know how much I dread the treadmill, but it wasn't too bad. I haven't had to run on it in a while, and 4 miles is easy breezy now. I finished the 4 without any problems, so that's great news.

On my way into work this morning I was listening to the radio looking at the beautiful mountains realizing how far I've come. I was also thinking about these obstacles that have come in my way - sore leg/knee last week, a bit of a sore throat, lots of "stuff" and little time - and God has taken care of it all. I know he's going to kick this sore throat to the curb and get me to Tulsa - and across the finish line.

I am so blessed to have my brother running with me. He claims he's staying beside me through the whole thing, but regardless of if he does or doesn't, this really is because of him. Watching him run halfs and fulls - hearing the crowds cheer everyone on - seeing the excitement on each face as they cross the finish. Just knowing I'm going to be a part of that - I truly can't wait!

Getting closer!!!!

The countdown has seriously begun now. I am so ready for Sunday to get here. I'm really pumped up about it all.

Yesterday was 10 miles. Overall, just not a good day to run for me. It happens. I ran 7, iced my knee for a couple hours, then ran the last 3. It was hot. Blah! I really don't like running when it's warm, or later into the day. Both of which I guess work for me considering the race begins at 7:30 and supposed to be in the 50s. That, to me, sounds like a perfect running environment!

Not a lot else going on around here. Just working, staying busy and counting down the days. I really am so ready for it. Wow... to think I started with a countdown of like 70 days or something and here I am at 6!!!

Closer

It's getting closer to the big day!!! I'm really getting excited about it. I was thinking I need to get to a store and figure out what I'm going to wear. I need layers in case it gets really warm. Mostly I just think I need a shirt. I'm just about covered everywhere else.

This morning was 5 miles, and it went very well. I don't know how long it took or anything though - unfortunately. I did something to my watch. I thought I was resetting the pedometer, but apparently reset the time. It now says it's like 3 AM on a Tuesday! Anyway, this week I've run the complete half over three days. Tuesday - 5 miles, Wednesday - 3 miles, Today - 5 miles. That's just unbelievable. I truly am in awe about it. I'll be running 9 on Sunday. I can do it, and I'm actually looking forward to it. Of course, I really need to be thinking about what I should do next. I need to decide and get it on a calendar. Having something to work towards is the best/only way to keep it going. Bub's talked to me about some different things. Mostly I just need to decide if I want to continue on with halfs or not. Hmmm....

We had dinner with the family for Josh's birthday last night. Jacob was having ear problems, poor thing. He kept wanting to just color, which we did through the whole meal. I love my boys. And I can't wait to meet Everett! He'll be here in less than three months. Wow. Just crazy.

Happy Thursday!