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13.1

by Megan

I did it! I ran a half-marathon! And I am still feeling it!

We drove up to Utah on Friday, and it took us 12 hours to get to Logan. There was also a time change which set us back an hour, so we got to packet pick-up just as they were getting ready to close up.

We stayed over that night at our friend’s house, who was also running the race in the morning. She and I left at about 5am to head over to the finish line, where we got on a bus to go to the starting line, which was several miles up a canyon.

It was freezing! Okay not literally, but it was around 50 degrees, and I have been running 100 degree weather. Once the sun came up and we started running, the cooler temperature was wonderful! It was probably about 75 degrees at the end. There was almost a constant breeze which was just perfect.

My friend is a faster runner, so she started further up in the queue, and I headed to the back. The first 7 miles were running down the canyon, so it was mostly downhill. There were several times when I felt good enough to push harder and pass people. As it was, I was already beating my training pace by about 4 minutes (per mile). Obviously I need to push myself harder when I’m doing my training runs!

That’s me in the pink!

I had planned on stopping at the last three water stations (out of four), but I felt good enough to run through the first two. Then, around mile 7, Daniel was waiting with the kids in the stroller to wave and cheer me on. It was fun to see them, and a lady who was running behind me said, “Oh how cute!” She, or a different lady, told Daniel he was “a good man.”

After I went by, they got in the car and were waiting for me again around mile 9, and then at the finish line.

Waiting for mom to go by and being silly!

At the last two water stations, I did grab a drink, but I did it without stopping. I know that isn’t the smartest way to drink a cup of water, but after running 9 miles, I was not about to stop during the last 4!

I was worried about finishing within their time limits, but after the first two miles, I knew I would make it. I did, and I completed the race running the whole time, which was another goal. Turns out there were plenty of people who came in after the race was supposed to officially be over. So I wasn’t last, which is always a good thing!

I like this one because you can see people behind me!

After I crossed the finish line and got my medal, I limped over to a grassy spot and basically just fell over. My legs wouldn’t bend very well, so I don’t know if I’d call it sitting. As early as mile 2, my hip flexors were killing me, and they ached all through the race. Now I know where I need to stretch extra good before running! My feet started hurting near the end, but not as much as I thought they would. And my back didn’t give me any trouble (thanks Daniel, for the back massage the night before)! And I only had a little chafing, where my iPhone holder was on my arm.

They gave away some prizes (including two treadmills) after the race, but we didn’t win anything. I thought for sure I was going to win a treadmill, because the announcer said “Mmmandy…” I think he just mispronounced my name. Oh well!

After the awards, we went back and I showered, and then we headed out to Salt Lake City. We didn’t have a lot of time to spare, so we just walked around Temple Square and the Visitors’ Center.

Salt Lake Temple
Best attempt at a family photo!

We also let the kids play in the splash pad at the mall!

Around 6pm, we headed over to Cents of Style HQ, where I got to meet Courtney (the owner) and her family, and buy a few things! Then Daniel drove us about four hours to Beaver, Utah, where we spent the night, and then on Sunday we drove the rest of the way home.

Great to be back here in 102 degree Arizona! Thanks to all of you who have shown me support for this race! It was a good experience. I really want to run a full marathon, but at about mile 13, all I could think was, “I can’t imagine only being halfway done at this point!” Maybe someday…

Thanks for reading!

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19 comments

Anni August 28, 2012 - 7:39am

Hello :)

Stopping by from the GFC blog hop today! Hope you are haveing a great week so far.

I´m a new follower!

Smooches from Germany,
Anni // http://grapefruitprincess.blogspot.com

Reply
Laura August 28, 2012 - 9:57am

Congratulations! That is quite an accomplishment! Kids are adorable!

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Ashlee Christopher August 28, 2012 - 4:15pm

Excited to be your newest follower with GFC!

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menopausal mama August 28, 2012 - 1:51pm

Congrats to you for making it! Wish I had your energy! Found you through The GFC blog hop. I am now following you via GFC and would be very grateful if you could visit and follow back the same way. Thank you for sharing!

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Rachel August 28, 2012 - 3:50pm

Wow! A half marathon is hardcore…I can’t even run a mile without having to walk so that sounds really amazing to me!

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Evani Gatsby August 28, 2012 - 7:14pm

YAY! I can’t believe you did it, I mean I can because you worked so hard but I can’t imagine running for that long! Congratulations! I was in Utah just last month and took pictures in virtually the same places as you, that’s really cool. Anyways, CONGRATS!

Evani

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Nicole August 28, 2012 - 7:27pm

that is incredible! congratulations!!
treasuretromp@gmail.com

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THE mom August 28, 2012 - 8:20pm

That’s so awesome! My one goal for the year is to complete at least a 5k. congratulations!!!!
I’m your newest follower from the GFC blog hop…Thanks for co hosting!!!

Nicole
http://theboyslockerroom.blogspot.com

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Megan B.B. August 28, 2012 - 9:13pm

Go you! That’s so amazing! My goal is a 5k by next year. It must feel amazing to know you’ve accomplished so much of your goal. :)
Megan @ thememoirsofmegan.com

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Elyse August 29, 2012 - 1:03am

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are amazing for training in this heat! After we have our #3’s we should totally run a race together! Way to go – you are the woman!

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Brooke @ Covered in Grace August 29, 2012 - 4:21am

Girl you rock!! I am so proud of you!! Congrats!! And thanks for linking up!!

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Kari August 29, 2012 - 3:55am

Rock on with your bad self!!! That is amazing!! My goal is to do a 5K this October…I’m a little nervous. :-/ Just started following you – found your blog through GFC!

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