Sunday, November 20, 2011

Half Marathon

Karen and I are in Tennessee this week to visit with our family and to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. I knew with the distractions of family that I would be tempted to slack off on my marathon training. So I was tickled to find the Secret City Half Marathon.

I ran it this morning. 13.1 miles and my unofficial time is 1:55. Today was simply fantastic because my Mom, Dad and Karen all came to root me on.

Here are a ton of pictures!

Sunrise at the start of the course.
race_sunrise

It was 55 degrees which is a perfect temperature for running for me. But it felt quite chilly before we started moving.
race_cold

Waiting to start.
race_start1

And we are off! My family was cheering and waving at the start line.
race_goofball

The race was a loop that we ran twice. So it was easy for everyone to cheer us on as we ran by at the half-way mark. Seeing Karen, Mom and Dad jumping up and down, waving and shouting encouragement to me was priceless. It was a moment I'll treasure forever.
race_halfway1

race_halfway2

And here I am nearing the finish line.
race_finish

They called my name and I threw my hands in the air and whooped it up.
race_finish_armsup

After the race, I was so happy. Here I'm celebrating with my Mom. We were talking about the fact that my first half-mararthon race was held last year around Thankgsiving, and that I ran it in 2:11. I was elated with my new time and shouting out 1:55! with my Mom. I had to hug and kiss everyone. I kissed Karen and my mom...
race_mom1

Here I'm kissing my Dad.
race_dad1

And kissing my medal.
race_kiss

race_kiss_smile

What started out as a long, training run became a personal-best run filled with some awesome moments.
race_finish_wave

5 comments:

Team Us said...

That's AWESOME.
Congratulations

Gia said...

WAY TO GO YOU!!!!

Nicole Elizabeth said...

Yay, have an awesome time in Tennessee and a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Michaela said...

Ohh, I am in tears here. I sooooo understand that feeling and it gives me chills to read your perfect half-marthon event!!!

Can't wait to read more about other sports challenges. :D

Kerry Lynn said...

AH! I don't know how I'm possibly so far behind!! What a wonderful day for you!! Congratulations!