I did it! I did it! I really, really did it! I ran my first half marathon. It was tough, but I persevered, and am a stronger person because of it! If anyone doesn't know how long a half marathon is. . . it is exactly 13.1 miles. I know, not exactly 26.2, but it was enough for me. The race began at 7:30 a.m. We were a little cold, and scared, but so were 17,000+ people. The crowds were crazy. We started towards the end of the pack, and got a little frustrated because we couldn't go our normal pace with all the people. But, the crowds spread out, and we got into our zone. I felt really strong until the 3rd hill on mile 8, then I started to feel my legs and knee. I lost track of my trusty running buddies, but could still see them in the midst. Mile 10 comes along, I grab some water, and all of a sudden my calf seizes up into a cramp. Oh no! What can I do? I can barely move! So, I stopped to stretch it. I knew that stopping was a bad idea, because starting again was the hardest part. The last 3.1 miles were a blur. I kept waiting for downhill, and some relief from my agony. Finally, the finish line was in sight. I had a litte kick left thundering through the Memorial Stadium, and onto glory!! My official time was 1:57:31. Not great, but not too bad for a first timer!
Gosh, when is this thing gonna start? It's colder than I thought. Maybe I should stretch.
Just a glimpse of the big crowd.
"Jake, quit taking pictures of my bum!"
Our good friends, Tila and Lori Reynolds. My trusty running comrades, and main motivation behind this.
Jake and I bundled up before the race. I can't believe Jake wouldn't do it with us. What a big wimp!
The race started right by the Seattle Center, by the EMP. Always fun to get a picture with the famous Space Needle in the background. 
9 comments:
Good job, Emily!! I thought of you yesterday morning. Hope you're not too sore today. Congratulations....what a big accomplishment!!
I've been waiting for this post. Way to go. Ready for the marathon??!! I hope your knee is feeling ok today.
Nice Emily! That's is so awesome you did it. You are my hero.
Good job Emily! I wish I had that kind of determination! Nice pictures too. Looks cold :) Hope your knee heals up soon!
Way to go!!
You look great! Maybe you will inspire me to do something like that. But I can't start for awhile. You are my hero!
You've always been my hero! What an inspiration! Love, Mom
I should clarify that you have always been ONE of my heros.
Hurray! You are seriously my hero! That's one thing I don't think I could ever do.
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