Half Marathon Nov. 2010

(dad and i before the race)

In late August of 2010 my dad called me to say that he was coming to Columbia to run in the Governors Cup 1/2 marathon. I decided that I would train and run with him. In Feb. of 2009 and I was suppsed to run in a half marathon with some ladies from church but ended up with a bad sports injury and had to drop out. SO here was my second chance. I began running on a regular basis and looked forward to my LONG runs on Saturdays. My first "long" run was only 4.6 miles but it felt much longer than that. I ran in the afternoon heat and when I mapped out how far I went I thought for sure that it was about 6 miles (because it felt like it) but to my disappointment it was only 4.6. I was a little discouraged but decided to stay with it. I began mapping out my course BEFORE I ran so I know exactly how far I was going. My next run was 5.3, then next one almost 8. I started LOVING it. I looked forward to my time on the road, just me and my music and my thoughts. It was my quiet time. It felt good to feel the wind on my face and my muscles and body working together to make it up the hills and conquer the distance. My final run before the race was 11.3 miles. It felt great and I was READY!
The morning of the race was FREEZING! I think it was 32 degrees. WE all woke up early and drove downtown. We put our lawn chairs and blankets near the finish line where my mom, Justin and the girls would be anxiously awaiting our arrival. Dad and I stretched and went to the bathroom and then made our way to the starting line. 5-4-3-2-1 GO!! and Off we went. The adreneline was pumping and there we were running along side of thousands of people. Dad and I ran together and talked a few times about how we were doing. Around mile 7 he said his legs were feeling heavy and he needed to slow down. I began to slow down with him, but he insisted that I go on by myself at a faster pace. So off I went. When I got the the 11 mile marker I drank my last energy goo and continued on for the last 2 miles. The last mile of the race was a HUGE hill. It was difficult but my anticipation of crossing the finish line helped me push up that hill. There it was...the finish line!! Tons of people, music and a HUGE timer. I crossed the finish line, got my medal and started looking for my family. I found them and then we all waited together for my dad. I ran the race in 2 hours and 4 min. I was happy with my time and I am already looking forward to running another 1/2 marathon in April.
(me almost to the finish line)

(dad and I after the race)

(me and Cocky after the race)