HM RR...

I'm learning the new lingo...it's so fun!

The half marathon...so much to say I'm not sure where to even begin! I guess the "pasta" dinner the night before would be a good place. Well this "pasta" dinner was...well...pasta-less! They ran out. Nice going. My dinner before the biggest event of my life consisted of salad and a bread stick. Way to start things off! They actually did bring in more as we were leaving though - good timing.

We returned to our hotel after our "pasta" dinner and chit chatted - I think Lisa was trying to get me to stop thinking about the race, in order to relieve some anxiety...but I think I just babbled her ear off for 3 hours about random crap - oh well. What are friends for, right? We fell asleep around 9:30 or so. I proceeded to wake up every hour, on the hour in panic thinking I was late. At 2am I realized (thank the Lord!) that we never set an alarm. Not that I guess it was needed with me not really sleeping...but I had a flashback to a Seinfeld episode. I set the alarm and kept on napping/panicking. FINALLY at 4:45 I woke up to the alarm and started off the day. I was so nervous that just the thought of food made me want to hurl. I forced down a bagel with peanut butter and sipped my gatorade. We left the hotel at 6:15 and drove out to Lambeau Field. We finally arrived at 6:50 (3 miles later) and rushed to the starting line. As soon as I was standing in the midst of thousands of people...suprisingly, my anxiety went away. I choked back some tears during the National Anthem and awaited the start. I was actually really calm and collected as we started running. I was just amazed at all the people standing on the sides of the roads cheering. It was amazing. I had to hold back tears the entire race...it was overwhelming. At the 2 mile mark, Lisa realized she needed a porta pottie and stat. Fortunately, there was one a half mile later...but unfortunately for me...I felt like I couldn't stop a soon. She told me to go ahead and not wait if I felt comfortable...so I did. I ran the remainder of the race "alone". I did meet quite a few interesting people that made the race fly by. Two older gentlemen were running their 48th marathon. They said their favorite was the one they did last year in Hawaii....I mentally put that on the list of things to do before I die.

The miles seemed to fly past me until the 8th mile. I started to worry about having enough energy to finish...and stressing over the fact that I had never gone more than 11 miles. I really should have done the 13 first so that I would have mentally been prepared. I walked up a hill (about 1 minute or so) and then went back to running. It was around this time that I had GU, which I had never had before. It was gross. I felt like throwing up after I downed it. I kept trying to be positive and telling myself it was fuel, the energy that I needed to finish..but couldn't help but feel it rising in my throat. The entire time I was running I felt like I was being passed by EVERYONE. I completely expected that if I turned around, there would be no one there...that I was going to be the last one to finish. At the 10 mile mark there was a line on both sides of the road for about a half mile of screaming/cheering/smiling people cheering me on...it was MUCH needed. I yelled thank you and felt my pace pick up. When I turned the corner at 11 miles - it was straight into the wind and it got frigid cold..yikes! I plowed through but could feel myself thinking negatively. At the 12 mile mark the HM and FM's split. I thanked God that I wasn't running the full thing! I kept charging on. FINALLY I saw Lambeau in the distance. I walked a few steps, knowing that I would rather walk now than in front of a crowd of people. As soon as I approached Lambeau I saw my husband, sister in-law and a friend of mine. Not sure how, but my pace picked up and it felt like I could run forever. I ran inside Lambeau field...running through the tunnel and out on to the field was AWESOME! The stands were filled with spectators and their cheering kept me going. I ran around the field and then outside again to the finish line. I wasn't sure how far I had to go but when I turned a corner, all the sudden the finish line was right there. I sprinted (or so I thought...I think I was actually going turtle pace) through and WAS DONE!! I DID IT! I have never in my life felt such pride, accomplishment, and happiness at one time. It was amazing. I didn't make my goal of 2 hours and actually missed it by 16 minutes..darn! I in no way feel bad about it though. I know I gave it everything I had and am fully happy with myself and how I did. It wasn't easy...but it's over and I feel great about it.

My body on the other hand...hates me. I have NEVER felt so stiff, sore, and down right OLD in my life. I'm OK with it...for the most part because I'm proud of what I did...but I'm sitting at work and almost cried about an hour ago because it hurts so much. I've been hobbling down the hallways and cringe everytime I need to sit, stand, or move in general. I took some advil a bit ago and it's a tiny bit better...and I made an appointment for a massage in an hour. One of the best parts of this though...is not only the sense of accomplishment..but it's the support of everyone around me. I've had so many people - even those I hardly know tell me how proud of me they are. Thanks to all my fellow bloggers too - and my sister!! for all the support too....makes me feel like part of another family. : )

Next goal...the FULL marathon. YIKES!! :D We are all crazy!