13.1 Miles

I did it!!! I completed a half-marathon (13.1 miles) this weekend. I ran in the 29th annual Huntsville Half-Marathon, which was a very hilly double-loop course. I had 2 goals going into the race: run the entire course without walking, and run it in 2 hours, give or take a few minutes. I failed at one, but accomplished the other. I ran pretty well until about mile 9, and then felt I had to walk to get up one of the hills, and I later walked up 2 other hills. But I still managed to finish in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 20 seconds. I'm now exhausted and very sore, but I do feel good about completing such a long race - at least it's a long race by my standards. :-)

Dawson and I before the race.

Saying goodbye to Dawson before the race.

At the starting line, getting ready to go.

Waving to Randy and Dawson. This is the very beginning of the race, which is why I'm still smiling.

Coming up to the finish line - finally!!

Crossing the finish line and very happy to be done.

Holding the flowers and card that my sweet family gave me as congratulations.