Half marathon

I did it!!!! After all of the let downs and moments of disappointment, I finally completed my first half marathon. No, it's not the full 26 miles as I had originally hoped... but I made it half way there, and with all the set backs I've experienced lately, those 13 odd miles felt like a huge accomplishment.

Getting ready to leave for the race

Leading up to the race my knee had felt great. I was finally able to start training again and was running about 20 miles a week. So, with some positive thinking I decided to sign up for the half marathon in the City to Surf race. City to Surf is put on each year by Chevron and is a huge event for Perth. Literally thousands of people show up to run the 4k, 12k, half marathon or full marathon.

I was a little apprehensive about signing up, having flash backs from walking nearly half of the HBF run for a reason 14K. But I decided I would just go for it and hope for the best. Tuesday I went running and my stupid IT band decided to flare up again, with only a few days before the big race. I knew I would have to rest it until race day or else I wouldn't be crossing the finish line.

I went to see the remedial massage therapist... who tried to loosen up my IT band (ouch!!). Then did lots of stretching using this tube roller thing, which freaking kills. It's like taking a rolling pin to your legs and pushing as hard as you can... basically a way of ironing out all those tight muscles. I even had my IT band taped by Rock Tape. Not sure how the tape works.. but even if it was a placebo effect, I thought it was worth a try.
We got to the start of the race at around 7:45. The race started at 8:30. I did lots of stretching and said many silent prayers that my knee would hold up for the race.
I got to run with one of my best mates, Mel Robinson. :) She has been my training buddy and also recently over came a hip fracture... all due to running. Yes, running is hard on your body, but it is awesome and one of the best feelings in the world.

The race course was soooo hilly. Lots of steep climbs! Poor Mel got sick at about 4 miles and forced me to go on without her as she hung back a ways. It was hard leaving my wing woman behind. :( I had been taking it easy up until then, hoping that my knee would cooperate. Once I got to about mile 5 I decided I might as well give it all i've got and not hold back! So from then on I booked it, running a pace of 7 min 30 seconds a mile and was able to stay at about 8 minutes 30 seconds a mile on the steep up hill climbs... putting my heart 100% into crossing that finish line. I would rather cross the finish line limping knowing I gave it my all rather than take it easy.

Tired and sweaty at the finish line!

I crossed the finish line at 2 hours and 7 minutes without stopping (except for a few brief stops to shoot back some H2O). Wow what an amazing feeling. Words cannot express how I felt in that moment. It was an amazing feeling having Brandon cheering for me at the finish line... He has been so supportive and has really helped encourage me to complete me goal. I even got a little choked up reaching the finish line!

After the race I got a complementary massage at the Barrick tent. Thanks Barrick!

And then met up with Mel. What a gal.. She is my hero. Despite feeling horribly ill, she finished the race! That's my girl. Proud of you Mel. :)

It was an amazing day!!!! After all the hard work, sweat and tears put into running... I finally did it! and I can't wait to do it again... and hopefully soon, run the full marathon! Call me crazy, but I love it! I am so grateful for my health. I know I have been blessed. I have definitely learned a thing or two about patience and perseverance over these past 6 months. :)

crossing the finish line!