Finished

 

After a number of weeks of long runs and pushing the stroller race day finally came. It was a gorgeous day and perfect temperature. We started out from our house early and got a decent parking spot not too far from the start/finish. Of course we had been walking around and waiting fro awhile when I discovered that I had left my sun glasses back in the car. And because I have an amazing husband he walked back and got them for me!

The 1/2 marathon started at 6:45 and we lined up in corral M with everyone else. I wasn’t too nervous and more doubting and wondering why I had signed up to do the race in the first place. But before I knew it we were off and running.

I always start out too fast and this was no different (at least I’m consistent). Between mile 2 and 3 we got to run through the zoo which was a ton of fun. There weren’t a ton of animals out, but I did see some monkeys and elephants. I even stopped to take a photo of one of the elephants out enjoying her early breakfast.

The next number of miles went smoothly, even with a bathroom stop thrown in at mile 6. My legs started to cramp a little around mile 7, but shortly after that we got to run through a fire station and so I again stopped and took photos of the trucks and the station. I knew my little guys would love to see the fire trucks and to know that real firemen were out cheering us on.

Mile 9 was real rough. It always is. My legs cramped up pretty bad and I ended up in a run/walk pattern. I’d run until my legs hurt so bad that I couldn’t run and then I’d walk a block or two and then I’d take off running again. I ended up doing that for most of the last part of the race. My walk wasn’t real slow according to my husband, he said he’d barely get caught up to me walking and then I’d take off running again and leave him in the dust. Oh well. 

By Mile 12 I was ready to be done. The park came into view not too far past the mile marker and I knew we were close. I was still doing my run/walk/limp thing, but I did what I could and attempted to finish strong. We actually finished with the time that we were hoping for. It was a good race and I was super proud of how we did. Given that I work crazy hours and have two little monkeys, we did what we could and I’m proud of that. Now if my legs would just let me walk again…..