The Half Marathon...
It's true... I finished my first half marathon yesterday in Saddleback! I was very blessed and encouraged by my running group and Will. Granted, I'm not a fast runner (at ALL!) (my average mile is 13:38 minutes), but I finished! Since my longest run was up to 9 miles, I ran 10 miles (mostly) and walked the last 3. It took me 2:59:57 to complete the course. My group said that it was one of the most strenuous courses they've done because of the hills. They really take a toll, not only on you physically, but also mentally.
Will picked me up at 5:30 a.m. and we drove down to the end, busing it back to the start line. I was stressed by the crowds and the anxiety of the distance ahead. When I found the group, I felt better. We were among friends. The course started out circling the Laguna Hills Mall and then out onto the streets and the trails. [We spent a lot of time zig-zagging around a Mormon ward. I thought that was interesting too.] I discovered that I actually like Gatorade. I always thought it tasted horrible, but something happens when you're out there in the sun and needing a boost...
Will ran with me the first mile and then, because he runs faster, he took off (his average mile took 8:52). He told me later that the rest of my running group saw him as he past and they exclaimed, "You left her behind?!" I was seriously fine with it. I just kept moving... and I expected only to finish, not that anyone would stick with me. I also made a few friends in the back along the way. It's funny how a community is built during the strain. People that can really sympathize with you...
When I rounded out to the end, I saw the running group members again. I think they waited for a while because they all looked rested... One really sweet lady (Kitty), came along side me and pushed me to run again. I went full force through the finish line. They handed me water and congratulated me. Seriously, it's like a family. They are so kind!
After our run and showers, Will and I went to two BBQs. I was so happy to eat!! We went to my boss' house first and enjoyed their company. Then, we went to the Singles Ward BBQ that the missionaries invited me to last week. That was an experience! My favorite part was when the leader asked me if I was in school and when he pushed where I would be going, his eyes grew. I wouldn't have mentioned Talbot otherwise... The other part that I found fascinating, but could understand, was that as soon as we walked in the door, all eyes glared at us. They wanted to know if we were "fresh meat". It was uncomfortable. One guy even went so far as to skip over Will (even though Will was in front of him) and introduce himself to me first. He asked all kinds of questions, centering mostly on whether we were together. Once he determined that, he left the table. So hilarious! The dog was even a snob! She refused to be petted unless you handed her food.
Today will be a slow day, hopefully. No running until Wednesday at the very earliest, and slow and light at that! I'm tired... But, I have to keep moving.
Thanks for asking Deb.
Will picked me up at 5:30 a.m. and we drove down to the end, busing it back to the start line. I was stressed by the crowds and the anxiety of the distance ahead. When I found the group, I felt better. We were among friends. The course started out circling the Laguna Hills Mall and then out onto the streets and the trails. [We spent a lot of time zig-zagging around a Mormon ward. I thought that was interesting too.] I discovered that I actually like Gatorade. I always thought it tasted horrible, but something happens when you're out there in the sun and needing a boost...
Will ran with me the first mile and then, because he runs faster, he took off (his average mile took 8:52). He told me later that the rest of my running group saw him as he past and they exclaimed, "You left her behind?!" I was seriously fine with it. I just kept moving... and I expected only to finish, not that anyone would stick with me. I also made a few friends in the back along the way. It's funny how a community is built during the strain. People that can really sympathize with you...
When I rounded out to the end, I saw the running group members again. I think they waited for a while because they all looked rested... One really sweet lady (Kitty), came along side me and pushed me to run again. I went full force through the finish line. They handed me water and congratulated me. Seriously, it's like a family. They are so kind!
After our run and showers, Will and I went to two BBQs. I was so happy to eat!! We went to my boss' house first and enjoyed their company. Then, we went to the Singles Ward BBQ that the missionaries invited me to last week. That was an experience! My favorite part was when the leader asked me if I was in school and when he pushed where I would be going, his eyes grew. I wouldn't have mentioned Talbot otherwise... The other part that I found fascinating, but could understand, was that as soon as we walked in the door, all eyes glared at us. They wanted to know if we were "fresh meat". It was uncomfortable. One guy even went so far as to skip over Will (even though Will was in front of him) and introduce himself to me first. He asked all kinds of questions, centering mostly on whether we were together. Once he determined that, he left the table. So hilarious! The dog was even a snob! She refused to be petted unless you handed her food.
Today will be a slow day, hopefully. No running until Wednesday at the very earliest, and slow and light at that! I'm tired... But, I have to keep moving.
Thanks for asking Deb.
posted by Life is a Marathon at
11:07 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home