13.1

My car now has a new addition: a 13.1 magnet. I competed in and finished the Nashville Half Marathon yesterday in 2:07:47 (below my goal of 2:10 but above my less realistic ideal goal of 2:00). I had been training a lot for the race doing both long runs and strength training on hills and felt prepared for the half. Caleb and I had even run 13.2 miles one week to train. However, I was not prepared for the heat or the amount of hills in the Nashville course. By the time I crossed the start line at 7:28am, the temperature hovered around 78 degrees. By the time I crossed the finish line, the temperature was up to 86 degrees. Add the heat in with some uphill climbs and you have yourself a recipe for a world of hurt.

As I ran, I saw a few signs that said, "you have to put up with the rain to get a rainbow" and "pain is temporary, marathon pride is forever" and I tried to keep these in mind as I struggled to get through the course (especially Mile 11-13). But I'm proud of myself for completing the course and for not throwing in the towel. I'm also proud of Will, Laine, Caleb, Dawn, Christy, and her mom for all finishing the race as well. It was great to experience my first half with them!

I texted my uncle Alan to let him know about my results in my first half marathon and he responded by noting how I said my "first" therefore implying there would be more to come. I'm not running out the door to sign up for my next half and I definitely don't plan to run the Nashville one again but I'd be up for another half in another fun destination...Seattle? San Diego? Virginia Beach? We shall see.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to giving my legs a much needed rest!

Cheers.