Triumphant Finish!
By Saturday evening, I had become pretty nervous about the race day. I knew I could do it, after all I have completed a full marathon before, but this time was different. Eventhough it was a half marathon, 13.1 miles, my goal was not only to finish, but in under 3 hours. In addition I am running about half of the distance now, which is more challenging than walking.
After arriving at the race site and I found Nancy and her son, our honored hero. I was also excited to see Candance running the race since she had battled a leg injury this season and was unsure at one point whether she could run or not.
The weather was beautiful and the course was flat and well marked. The course followed the While Rock creek trails through parks and wooded areas. I kept a close eye on my watch and timed every mile. I was amazed to find that I was just over a 13 minute mile for the first 3 miles! I began to slow down a bit after mile 9, but just kept talking to myself and watching the time. I would watch someone ahead of me whose pace I knew was in my goal range, and I would keep up or catch up with them. This strategy worked really well.
I ran most of the last 3 miles, because I knew I had to make up a few minutes. Plus, I didn't feel the muscle aches until I started walking, so it was easier to run!
I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 5 minutes. This is about a 14.2 minute mile, a huge accomplishment since my training pace had been 15-16. Troy was waiting there for me at the finish, snapping my picture, and then helping me limp to the water station!
Overall this has been a great season. I have met so many great people on the team who are also working hard toward their goals. My final fundraising total for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is $914.24. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!
After arriving at the race site and I found Nancy and her son, our honored hero. I was also excited to see Candance running the race since she had battled a leg injury this season and was unsure at one point whether she could run or not.
The weather was beautiful and the course was flat and well marked. The course followed the While Rock creek trails through parks and wooded areas. I kept a close eye on my watch and timed every mile. I was amazed to find that I was just over a 13 minute mile for the first 3 miles! I began to slow down a bit after mile 9, but just kept talking to myself and watching the time. I would watch someone ahead of me whose pace I knew was in my goal range, and I would keep up or catch up with them. This strategy worked really well.
I ran most of the last 3 miles, because I knew I had to make up a few minutes. Plus, I didn't feel the muscle aches until I started walking, so it was easier to run!
I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 5 minutes. This is about a 14.2 minute mile, a huge accomplishment since my training pace had been 15-16. Troy was waiting there for me at the finish, snapping my picture, and then helping me limp to the water station!
Overall this has been a great season. I have met so many great people on the team who are also working hard toward their goals. My final fundraising total for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is $914.24. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!
posted by Sandra at
6:50 PM
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