[half] Marathon Monday

So, yesterday was the day. I completed a half marathon!

Sadie & I after the run.

It's amazing that a few short months ago I could barely run a mile and yesterday I ran 13.1 of them!

Sadie and I were getting a post-run pedicure today and her pedicurist started asking us questions about how often and how far we run. She said she's been thinking about running but needed to start walking first. I briefly told her about my progression from non-runner up until the half marathon yesterday, and she seemed pretty enthusiastic about giving it a try. I hope to see her on the memorial trail loop soon! Let me tell you - if I can do it, you can do it!

We woke up bright dark and early (waaay to early in Sadie's usual time zone) and started getting ready for the run. Even then, I don't think I had fully processed what I was in for that day. Some of you may know that I have heard many horror stories about running in Austin. "I ran a 5k there once and almost died!" avid runners would tell me. It was a little intimidating, but luckily I would soon find out that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated.

Crossing Lady Bird Lake at mile 8.5

We ran throughout Austin and surprisingly stayed with the marathoners until nearly the very end of the half marathon course where we (thankfully) broke off to stop running. There were local bands playing along the route and tons of people holding signs and cheering everyone on. Casey made some signs too, my favorites of which were, "run like you stole something" and "your feet hurt because you're kicking so much butt!" A huge Team Livestrong group (the team I registered with) was offering some much needed encouragement and high-five time at about mile 9.

Tip of the day: If you live in a town with some sort of running event, go down and cheer the runners on for a bit. They will really appreciate it. The more ridiculous you are, the more appreciated you will be. If you actually live along the course and decide to sit and watch, please make a sign, play some music or do something.

In front of the Capitol on our way to the starting line.

It definitely wasn't easy. Familiar pains struck and new ones appeared, but  I did it with Sadie's encouragement and the support of my friends and family. We crossed the finish line 2 hours and 37 minutes after we started running. I raised $775 for the Livestrong foundation and might have started a new habit. Believe it or not, half marathon number two is on April 1st. (whaat?!)

So stay tuned folks - There are more half marathon Mondays to come! And a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has made generous donations, encouraged and supported me along the way!

Huffin' for Hooters! Many of the people we dedicated
our run to have battled breast cancer.

We ran with just a few other people...

Casey & his awesome signs!