Just Run.

In the car, right before the race, slightly terrified.

Today I made personal history. I ran the St. George Half Marathon-13.1 miles; 5 miles farther than I’ve ever run before in my life! I got injured twice in training and got a lovely muscle spasm in my neck the day before the race. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to finish, but once I beat miles 2-5 (which are consistently the most challenging for me), all I felt was sheer determination. My goal was 2:20 so I started with the pacer but quickly moved ahead as I found my rhythm. I felt varying degrees of pain throughout the race, but once I reached the halfway point I knew there was no turning back and I had the mental and emotional strength to overcome my lack of physical stamina. Seriously, I think racing has to be something like %60 mental!

My pace stayed consistent for most of the race and as usual, I blasted up the hills because I LOVE them, and struggled with descents because my knees HATE them! One of my favorite parts of the race was reaching the top of the biggest hill. I felt so strong and healthy and a little emotional as I was approaching the marker that would tell me I had run farther than ever before. The cutest part of the race was high-fiving little kids out watching with their parents, and then passing a little old couple; he stood under the protection of the garage (did I mention it was raining? Lots.), and she was at the edge of the driveway cheering us on at the top of her voice! Adorable.

The course was absolutely beautiful! St. George has it’s own year-round beauty, but the red rock in overcast, rainy weather, is positively inspiring! We crossed the Virgin River and rounded the Bloomington Hills Golf Course. Most of my races have now been in the rain and I couldn’t ask for better weather! I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s actually sunny!

As usual, I struggled with my concept of how far I was running. Thank goodness they marked every mile or I would have gotten very frustrated. This did work in my favor at the end, however. I knew we were close. Several runners had doubled back and were cheering us on. I saw the convention center in the distance, and my body was telling me it was just about done! I passed a grassy lawn and spied the two girls about my age that I’d been playing chicken with for a couple of miles. I was desperate to pass them but didn’t know if I had time. I decided to just run my race and not worry too much. I rounded a bend and saw the finish line ahead. I neared a metal ramp with a volunteer warning me to watch my step. 


As I leapt off the curb it was like a firecracker blew through my body. I think I surprised the volunteer because he jumped a little and then started cheering loudly. I pounded 50 yards and started looking for Josh. He didn’t expect me for another 10 minutes so he looked startled but so excited! His face was the last push I needed. He started running beside me through the crowd and I flew past those girls and threw my heart across the finish line at 2:13:43! I almost ran right into the volunteer who had to cut the timing chip off my shoes and then I bolted through the food line and into Josh’s arms. I wept as he lifted me off my feet and felt a rush and a high that I’ve never before experienced.

Now as I lie propped, iced, and elevated on my inlaws couch in New Harmony, my body is in open rebellion and I am exhausted, but so incredibly proud of my accomplishment and so very, very grateful for my body, mind, spirit and husband. After the way he has encouraged, inspired, and kicked my butt out the door through training, and cared for me today, he has my vote for hubby of the year! What a wonderful experience! I can’t wait for my next one!