Last summer I made a goal to run a half marathon after running in the Tour de Carrboro (a three race series: a 4 mile, 8K, and 10K). The first person I told other than Rylan that this was a goal was my mother in law, Jaima. I remember feeling nervous about saying it out loud in case it didn't happen. However after the first Carrboro race, I was hooked. I love having something to work towards, something other than just burning calories, to motivate me. Speed does not interest me as much as the challenge of long distances. I started training for this race specifically at the beginning of the year. We had a few obstacles with snow and sickness and I started to worry I wasn't going to make it. However, when a dear friend passed away much too young, I thought, what if I didn't have a tomorrow to realize my dream? "Carpe Diem", right? So I registered in February and was committed! Registration Fees are not cheap and the only thing I hated worse than the idea of wasting that money was not running the whole way!
So yesterday I did it! 13.1 miles! It was great. Actually the hardest miles were 4 and 5. Miles 1-3 flew by with the excitement of the race. But then I started to feel the effects of a week of insomnia (perfect timing huh...I am sleeping like a baby now!). But by mile 6 I got in a groove and really enjoyed miles 6-11. At the 11 mile marker, I thought " Sure I am tired but only 2 miles left...just take it a mile at a time. No problem." So I ran and ran and kept waiting for the 12th mile marker. Eventually I thought, "this is the longest mile of my life...will it never come?" Then I turned a corner and realized I was a quarter mile from the finish line. What a surprise! I must have missed the marker, but I was thrilled. I ran the whole way! It took me about 2 hours 20 minutes but they haven't posted times yet so I am not exactly sure. So hurray! I accomplished my goal. I feel truly grateful to my Heavenly Father for a healthy body and another day on this earth to set and achieve my goals. Now I just need a new one! Any ideas?
12 comments:
GO Rachael! I'll run the next one with you!
From the pictures, I can't tell if you won the race, but if you finished you did better than me. Congrats! Jaima is racking up the miles on the treadmill though.
What have I been missing??!! I hadn't checked your blog in a while, but boy am I glad I did today!! CONGRATS on your half marathon! Way to go! And I love Riley's haircut (how did you learn to cut hair)? And the photos of Landon's room (the tree is amazing)! Thanks for blogging. It means a lot to me so I can see your beautiful family!
Congratulations on completing the half marathon. What a great goal to accomplish. You've inspired me!
Way to go Rachael,I guess I can't complain about the four miles I try to walk on my treadmill everyday any more!
WOW!! That is Amazing- next stop 1/2 marathon at Disney World with Ty!!!!
Wow. Good JOB! That is impressive. HALF MARATHON?? Geez. I don't know if I'll ever do a race that long, but I admire those who can!!
Wow. Good JOB! That is impressive. HALF MARATHON?? Geez. I don't know if I'll ever do a race that long, but I admire those who can!!
Congratulations! That is so awesome. Way to go!
you are my hero, Rach. Way to go!
Woohoo! You go girl!
Way to go-maybe I should work towards something like that. It would be really good for me. Awesome! You should be proud of yourself.
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