See Betsy Run

Today I ran my first Half-Marathon and I have lived to tell the tale.

I will now proceed to tell the tale.

It began last night.  Actually, it began several months ago with Operation: Get in Shape Girl.  But for the purposes of this story, it began last night.  I was nervous and did not have much of an appetite, but of course one must eat the night before a big race.  My carb of choice was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on homemade whole wheat bread.  Mmmm-- and so comforting too.  Then a dear friend brought me her delicious brownies.  I don't care if she does make them from a mix-- they are my most favorite brownies ever.

Then I went to bed at a very reasonable hour hoping for a peaceful, restful night's sleep.  It was not to be.  Even though my running mentor (Hi, Aimee) sent me a very encouraging text before bed telling me not to worry, I was worried.  She said, "You have done your training, trust your body."--I was worried.  Besides my anxiety, the evening was interrupted by Cannon's and George's poor sleep, the smoke alarm beeping and now for WAY TMI (sorry)-- I received a visit from Aunt Flo.  Can you believe what crummy timing?  I shed a few tears in the night and struggled to get back to sleep.

But morning did come and my body felt pretty okay.  Not great, but pretty okay.
The children's parting words this morning: "Don't die, Mom!"  I think there was some actual concern that a half-marathon might kill me.

Abe took me over to see me off and then he returned with the kids in plenty of time for my triumphant return.  Assuming I did return.

Ooh, action-packed!  We were there early enough for a little photo shoot.  This was momentous for me-- it must be documented.

I was very happy to be number 414.  How did they know I like the number 4?  I've always liked the number 4.

I haven't normally run with sun glasses, but their was lots of strong wind in the forecast, so I was prepared.  I liked them, so I think I'll wear them from now on.

It was fun to start the race with a couple of friends from the neighborhood.  Notice I said "start" with them.  I never actually ran with them and was no where near finishing with them.

 

Abe felt we needed a picture with my running belt.  You know how much I love pictures that show off my ample tushy:)

And we're off!  

Well, I'm not off quite yet.  I am very near the back of the pack since it would not be good for my race psyche to begin by getting passed by 400 people.

 Okay, now we're off.  See how happy we all are?  We didn't stay that happy for the whole 13.1 miles.

The wind was rather oppressive at times and I had to make 2 potty stops.  My tummy wasn't feeling great for much of the race-- you ladies can understand why that is.  But, my legs and feet felt great and I felt that my training had prepared me well for the race.  Once I got to mile 9 I knew I was good to go.

And I did it!  With the exception of my potty breaks and one ugly hill, I ran the entire way.  The last mile I was motivated by the hopes of seeing all my people at the finish line cheering for me.  As I neared the finish line I took out my ear phones and could hear Abe cheering well before I could see him.  That made me so happy.

The girls ran in with me, but I was not going to let them beat me!  Sorry, tootsies, it was my moment of glory. 

Yep.  2 hour and 45 minute glory.  I wasn't exactly Speedy Gonzales, but I was pleased.  2 1/2 hours would have been great.  3 hours would have been disappointing.  2 hours and 45 minutes was "just right."

It was a good day and when the race was all over I got to go home to my family and lay around listening to the Good Word from General Conference.  

Hmm.  Now what shall I do next?  Did someone say "MARATHON"?  

I'm not ready to think about that yet. 

At least not today:)