13.1

I did it!!

But I couldn't have done it without these ladies - and Cara (not pictured). Last year Cara cheered on her sister who ran the Hartford Half Marathon and said that she wanted to run it next year - I said, "Me too!" So - a year later here we are!

Tanjua was so supportive, she told me how to treat shin splints, drove me to the race, ran with me until I had to walk, and said she'd egg my house if I wimped out.

Terri also gave me advice on shin splints and helped me believe I could get over it and keep training - then was happy and excited that morning instead of scard and jittery, like I was :). Cara's excitement that morning was soothing for me too - thank you everyone!!!

I finished! I walked a little of each mile (my plan to keep my shins from hurting) and still finished a half an hour ahead of the pace I thought I'd keep.

It was amazing. Good to set a goal and not let it slip away like so many others . . . Gregg and the kids gave me these roses later that day. He was there at the finish line with Kat and Becca - it was sooo good to see them. During the race I had set up a text message to show them where I was on the course. Knowning they knew how fast I was going and when I would finish helped me keep pushing .

My cool shirt that I haven't worn yet - I really want to, but don't really like how it looks on me - vanity, vanity . . .

I was really beat and hurting after, but it felt so good! I hope to run one marathon, once. Only once. Maybe three years from now when Becca is in school all day . . . but for now, I'm happy to have finished this :)!! Can't wait to go back to running only 13-15 miles a week!