How do I even start this post?

Today is the Monday after my first half marathon (Red Baron Half Marathon in Corning, NY) and I feel pretty freakin’ invincible. I’ve been a happy victim of a runner’s high before but racer’s high is even more powerful.

For the past 10 weeks I’ve been running 20-30 miles a week, hitting the gym and paying close attention to the fuel I eat in order to be prepared for yesterday. It wasn’t always easy but it was so worth it.

Yesterday couldn’t have been a better first half marathon experience, especially for a “green” racer such as myself. (I’ve only done two 5k’s and a 5 mile race before).

The weather was chilly, a little overcast but sun was peaking out. The course was slightly challenging especially towards the beginning but ended on a downhill then a flat. We were allowed to listen to our tunes and I must have fueled right because besides the normal jitters from nerves I really felt great the entire ride.

My final time was 2 hours and 2 minutes. I was really pleased because my goal was under 2:10! Plus I have something realistic to work with for my next 1/2.

I think the biggest thing was having an incredible cheerleader: Nellie. I can’t thank this girl enough and I’m beyond blessed to have my sister/partner in crime/best friend so close to me, and so willing to drive me an hour away, cheer me on for two more hours and drive me home. At one point when I saw her on the side of the road I ran in for a quick hug and it definitely helped push me through. And even though she’s hundreds of miles away, my mom’s support through training and well wishes definitely made me feel well-loved.

Just for fun here are some of the things I thought about for those 2 hours:

• “they said rolling hills but there is NOTHING rolling about THAT hill” <biggest hill of the course
• “shuffle is killing it right now on the playlist – all the good songs when I need them most”
• “powerade has never tasted so good”<at the water stations
• *may have built my perfect froyo sundae a couple times* <too bad I’m goin vegan…
• “If Forrest Gump can do it….”
• “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, oh wait that’s not quite right”
• “One foot in front of the other. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat”

Hope everyone had a great Hallo-weekend. Mine was one for the books.

Your Turn:

• Have you had any races or events this fall? How’d it go?
• Are you training for anything exciting or have you tried any new activities recently?

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