13.1

I did it! I know ya'll had no doubts but I was beyond nervous!

 

The day before was one of the longest of my life. Normally I love long days but I was just ready to run and get it done!

It turned out to be the coldest Thanksgiving in 100 years. 22 degrees at start time. I was with my neighbor so we sat in the car for a bit but once we got out there it was the coldest I can ever remember being. I had on multiple layers and hand warmers in my gloves (and my bra) and was still frozen. It may have been a good thing because I felt nothing for the first 3 miles. Not my toes, fingers, legs, arms - nuttin. By the 4th mile the feeling started coming back into my toes and I was really in the groove. 

My husband and neighbor were there to cheer us on at about the 6.5 mile mark so I was able to shed  another layer and keep on keepin' on. The miles were ticking by really fast and I was still feeling awesome.

Somewhere around 8 miles I think?

At about the 11.5 mile mark, just as I was crossing the interstate and coming back into downtown, I had a mini anxiety attack and thought I was going to have to stop to walk. I just got a little tingly and a little dizzy so I called upon my mad yoga skills and did some deep breathing which made it go away in less than a minute.  It was probably caused by not breathing well and maybe a little vertigo from being up above the interstate under all those big buildings!

After that it was a breeze despite one really big hill at 12.5 (which is cruel!!) I finished strong and happy in 2:24:15. I cannot even begin to describe the joy and pride I felt running 13 miles through the streets of my city. I'm STILL smiling :)

The best part about running a half marathon on Thanksgiving day is the Thanksgiving part that awaits after the race...

It was an amazing evening, surrounded by love and laughter with my best friends in the world.  I have so much to be thankful for!

The photos from last years 5k are difficult for me to look at and I had a little bit of a hard time posting them. I can't really remember that girl - even though it was only a year ago - but I haven't lost respect for her and never will.

 I owe you a 10 month update but it was just too long to add to this post. Look for it tomorrow or Wednesday!