The Nantucket Life: Runner's High

Freezing before the race

In Corral 19...way back there!

Almost to the start line

Alright, I'm hooked! :) I had so much fun today running 13.1 miles in my first half marathon! I ran the 2013 St. Louis Rock and Roll Marathon in downtown St. Louis. The weather was freezing, which I wasn't quite prepared for. I get hot easily and thought I would be fine in my tank. When I realized it wasn't going to warm up past 32 degrees at 10am, I grabbed a long sleeve running top too. It worked out and I shed that layer at the 4 mile mark. I felt really good the entire time. At around mile 5, 8 and 10 I was bothered by my ankle, but I tried to shrug that away mentally. That worked pretty well, because I felt great coming in at mile 12 and 13.

My goal was to run the whole time, and I did it! I really underestimated myself, since I thought I would finish in about 3 hours and instead I completed in 2 and a half hours. YEA! Next time (yes, there will be a next time!) I hope to beat my time and sprint in the last half mile or so (instead of the last 20 yards). I am really excited about this new passion and hope to run more half marathons in the future, which I think is a great sign as to how the race went.

I also realized how many people were there for me and cheering me on and praying for me. That meant so much!! Especially Tom, who got up early, drove me down and managed to follow me with the camera!