13.1... YAY!!! I did it!!!!

After being totally unmotivated and depressed because of my peroneal tendons being inflamed, I really thought that the Salt Lake City Marathon would be totally out of the question and a waste of money. Well, last week I got my groove back and I was able to run a few shorter runs. I knew that the Salt Lake City Marathon was not going to be achievable, but I really felt that I could do the Half Marathon. I am so glad that I was able to recommit myself to doing something. I really enjoy running and it was really cool to be able to participate in it.

I woke up early and David Gillespie (who participated in the full marathon with a hand cycling Team), pick me up a long with Tim Fowler (my running partner that actually ran the full... YAY GO TIM!) We got up to the start and it was SO cold. We met up with Karalee (who was also running the half). Finally it was time to start and off we went. Tim and I stuck together for the first 5ish miles or so and then it was time to split the real runners from the half runners. I gave Tim a big running hug and shed some tears. It was bitter sweet. In one hand I was so excited for Tim and his accomplishment, in the other hand I was totally bummed that I wasn't doing the full. I pulled myself together, since its really hard to run when you are crying. I was in my own little world looking at all the people on the side cheering their family on (reminding me of all the people that have cheered me on in my life and in my training) and listening to my music... THEN "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban came up on my ipod, its a song on Karen's video, then I was a mess again.

At around mile 8 Amy called to see where I was. I couldn't believe I had been running all that time and still was feeling good. A few miles later my mom called to check where I was. Then a mile or so later, Dave called. It was nice to get that push from my family. I knew they were anxiously waiting for me. (as I am sure, when my life's run is done, my family will be waiting to greet me). It felt SO good! Just as I was getting into the Gateway, the guy who won the Full Marathon was coming in. Yeah, he ran twice as fast as me, crazy!

I searched the crowd for my family and then I finally saw those smiling faces, cheering me on. The kids were smiling so big. Their support and my friends support is how I got through this run. It was still mentally challenging and physically challenging. As I ran up the last stretch, I ran as fast as I could. I passed a couple of people at the end :) . I wanted to finish strong, unlike last time :). YAY! I did it!!! I ran 10 minutes faster than my last half marathon, I was so stoked. I don't think I could have done the full with out doing the full training, but in a few short weeks I WILL be doing the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon. I can't wait!

When we arrived at home I was greeted with balloons and a sign, thanks Aim!
After finally sitting and realizing what I had done I cried tears of joy. I know that is silly, but I was so happy with what I had done (and a little sad with what I hadn't done). I was slightly overwhelmed and surprised with my progress. I am so looking forward to the next race.