13.1 with my MIL

Back in....uh, I really can't remember, but months ago, Carol was debating whether or not she wanted to sign up for a 1/2 marathon.  I told her if she decided to do it that I would do it with her.  And that is how our little 1/2 marathon journey together began.  Before we knew it September 28th was upon us and it was time to run.  13.1 miles to be exact.  Carol had been pretty diligent about training, but I kind of got off track once we began our kitchen "remodel," so my training-if you can call it that- consisted of three long runs on the three weekends leading up to the race.  Luckily one of those was 11 miles, so I felt a little better knowing I could at least do 11. 

The night before the race I decided just to sleep at Carol's house so I wouldn't have to get up extra early and so I could actually sleep through the night, cause Sawyer still wakes up at 1-2 am and 6 am.  Of course, even without a baby to wake me, I still didn't sleep all that well, but oh well.  Carol and I were up at 7 and out the door just after 7:30 am.  Megan was actually awake at 7:30 am getting a drink so I told her to snap a picture of us before we left. 

 We had to be on the buses by 8:30am and we got there just in time.  As we were walking across the field to where the buses were we could hear someone yelling at people to hurry if they were running the 1/2.  I believe we were on the last bus to load and leave.  I was thinking, "This is the way to do it!  Get here "late" and show up just in time for the race!"  As the bus headed up to the starting point I kept thinking, "When is it going to stop!?"  I joked with Carol and said, "They know we're only doing the 1/2, right?"  Seriously, when you are on that bus and getting further and further away from the finish it boggles your brain when you think about the distance you are about to cover- on foot!  We didn't have to wait too long in the cold before it was time to start.  I decided to put my long sleeve shirt in my drop bag cause I actually felt pretty good.  Great decision.  I did keep my gloves on for 10 miles before tossing them in the trash at an aid station.  (Thanks for the heads-up on that Kelly!)

 When Carol and I trained together we were averaging a 12 minute mile.  I knew I wanted to finish within 2:30 at the very least.  I was a little worried about pushing too hard cause I didn't want to tire and have to walk.  That was another goal.  Not to walk.  For me I think part of the challenge in running a 1/2 is to, you know, run the whole time.  I knew that when I ran alone or on my treadmill I averaged a 10-11 minute mile, so I knew I could do that, but could I do it for 13 miles?  Eventually I just found a pace I felt good about and pushed it a little more here and there- generally when a song came on that I liked :0).  It was probably around mile 5 or 6 that I stopped seeing Carol and figured I was on my own for the remainder of the run.  I must have had a weird pace because I was alone for a lot of it.  I mean, I could see people, but it was like a chunk of people in front of me and a chunk behind me, but none by me.  ANYWAYS, I eventually found myself running anywhere from a 10 minute mile to an 11 minute mile.  And I kind of just made that my goal.  To keep my pace between 10 and 11.  Course by mile 11 it was closer to an 11 min pace.  Except for the homestretch when I bumped it up to 9 something cause I felt awkward running by all the people.  I don't know I just feel kind of weird.  Probably cause I am wondering if my face looks like the way I feel at that moment.   At one point I was hoping I could get in around 2:20, but it ended up being 2:24:14.  Which I was OK with.  Better than 2:30 and that was the absolute longest I wanted it to take!

 I waited at the finish line for Carol to come in and then we stuffed our faces with a Creamie and water.  Once I saw that Carol had gotten 3rd in her division I told her she probably got a medal for that, which she was super excited about.  We headed over to the pavilion where they were handing those out.  So she came home with two medals and was tickled pink. 

 Course on the way home we grabbed some grub and Carol had to get cupcakes since it's double punch month.  Ha ha.  And that is why we run I guess, so we can eat junk and still fit into pants :0).  Plus, I think it's just a cool challenge, and people of all shapes, sizes, and ages were out there, which I think is one of the coolest things about the sport of running.

Overall it was a really fun experience and one I had been thinking about doing since we moved back to Utah from Arizona.  Running has always been my choice of exercise and I am glad I finally did this.  I felt good during the run, and even most of the rest of the day, but Sunday morning when I woke up I could sure feel the pain!  Regardless, Carol and I are both ready to sign up for another now.  I am anxious to beat my time and get in at or under 2:20!