Half Marathon

Sunday September 14th, 2014

My alarm went off at 6:30 but I was already up. I was pretty nervous. This was going to be the longest run of my life yet. It was mostly cloudy and cool but as we got closer to leaving the sun began to peak out some more. We didn't exactly know where we were going so it was good we left early. We got to the athletics club with plenty of time. Lauren and Jackie headed to Koroit while Chris and I waited for the bus to take us to the starting line. Most of the people that were running the race were training for the Melbourne Marathon. Chris and I on the other hand we just doing it to say we did it. He was not feeling very good though because of his head cold. Eventually, we got on the bus and headed to the center of Koroit. We picked up our numbers and we got ready to go. 

Lauren was creeping on us...

Before the race

 And we are off

6km in...

Selfie time

Jacinta waiting at the finish line

 Jackie aka Mom for the day

Anthony modelling

 Almost there!

Relief!

My goal time was under 2 hours but I was so happy to just finish. I was right on pace for the first 13km but then it got really hot. I was so happy to finish! I have been a sprinter most of my life so this was way out of my comfort zone.

Even after everything, it was a beautiful run. We ran through the wetlands and sand dunes. I learned that is wasn't so much a physical battle, it was a mental battle. 

 Exhausted

Chris ended up finishing after me because he was having so much trouble breathing. It was great that he was able to finish!

After picture

We were greeted with beer at the finish line but both of us opted for water. We got some oranges and our goodie bags before we headed down to the ocean. The water was so FREEZING! It felt terrible and great at the same time. We stayed in for about 20 minutes. Other runners were in there too. Then it was time for home. We took some pictures with our awesome shirts that we made. 

And the great signs!

Celebratory beer... a little American treat Blue Moon

 

After showering and drinking even more water. I took a cat nap. I wasn't hungry until we went to town for lunch. It was just Lauren, Jackie, Chris, and I but it was the perfect celebration! I had to work on a group project as soon as I got back. We got it done just in time for me to head over to the Croft's for dinner. Ben made steak and mashed potatoes. Bettina made a cake. It was everything I could want after a big run. The rest of the evening was just relaxing and watching a movie. 

It was a fun experience. I don't know if I will ever run another half marathon again but I am glad I did it!