Long Beach Half Marathon

Hello,

 I am proud to say I participated in and finished my first 1/2 marathon.  I spent most of this year running and training to cross that finish line and what an amazing experience!  Just wow!!!  I was honestly in tears at the finish because I never imagined myself doing such an event. I had made up my mind that running a half marathon was dream and something bigger than I was capable of achieving.  Running this race was on my bucket list for a long time...I would always start training and then let some short term fun goal effect my long term desire.  This year I set out to run that race and nothing was going to stand in my way.....not even myself! 

The actual race day was the final piece in my puzzle, I truthfully learned so much about myself & my body during the past 9 months of training.

•  I learned how to use this body to become stronger - not only physically but mentally.  
•  I learned how to overcome weakness and rely on my resources, friend & family. 
•  I learned who my true friends were - they were there every second cheering me on and        providing me with endless support when I wanted to quit. 
•  I learned there was a such thing as proper nutrition and hydration.
•  I learned I can do anything I set my mind to and most important, I learned to never give up! 

On race morning, I woke up ate my oatmeal with almond butter...got dressed (taped up the knees) gulped some water and headed to the start line with Gu in hand.  Up until this point, my race experience was a few "Turkey Trots" and a few 10k races.  I had no idea what to expect....I was a bit late due to traffic, parking ect but managed to still be there on time.  My plan was to start in "wave 2" with an expected finish of 2:15-2:30 however, by the time I used the outhouse (gross) and headed to my spot...wave 2 was in progress.  I was hoping for wave 3 but too far past the cut off, so I ended up running in wave 4 (slow group) which gave me a really slow start for the first 2 miles.  The start of the run was great...the energy and the crowd was amazing (25,000 people)....I rode that high for the first 5 miles...I remember thinking this is going to be a breeze if the whole race continues this way.  I was still feeling pretty good until mile 10 and then I had to rely on mental power to pull through to the finish.  So many people came out to show support, they dressed up in costumes while handing out high fives & goodies. They danced, they waved banners, they cheered and they gave their all to keep us pushing forward - the human spirit and overall experience will forever live in my mind.  I was so moved by all the support it was unbelievable. 

I crossed that finish line at 2:26....and I am proud to say I have already signed up for another race, my next half is February 1, 2015!  Here is to setting goals and going out there to chase them!  

Stay awesome!