The Texas Half Marathon

We did it! The half was this weekend and everyone completed and reached their goals! It was a gorgeous day, and the race was in a beautiful area. It went around a lake in Dallas with amazing views. There were more hills than I expected, but not too bad.

Before the race. From top left: Brooke Brooks, Melissa Craner, Michelle Stansel, Me, Sam, Nicole, and her friend Shelley.

I know, nice run by shot! When we got to the race, I tried to start up my garmin and it wouldn't start. I had charged the battery at the hotel the night before, but apparently that outlet didn't work. I was so upset. What if I didn't make my time? Now I wouldn't know what pace I was on. So that was a challenge. But during the race there were people that I would be by for several miles, so I would ask them what pace we were holding. It was always under my goal, so I knew I was doing okay. When I would get tired, I would just remember how disappointed I would be if I didn't make it under 2 hours just by a minute or two, and since I didn't know... and I had to keep pushing.

Sam, Nicole, and my running partner Melissa all finished together at the end. The kids came out and ran the last few yards with them. To add insult to injury, it was straight up hill to the finish line!

Done! My time was 1:56:24. I had made my goal, and had a few minutes to spare. I felt pretty good about that. It was tough though. The race started to feel long about mile 9. By mile 11 I was sure I couldn't go anymore. It was all mental from there... I just kept telling myself "you are not walking with only 2 miles left!" I was watching for that mile 12 sign that never seemed to come.

All the runners! Me, Sam, my running partners, Nicole, her friend Shelly, and Shelly's friend.

Mom and dad came to cheer us on and to be with the kids. We were thankful they did. Its always nice to have somebody to watch for along the trail, and to be there when you finish.