I DID IT!!!!!! I'm only half crazy!
Friday after picking Mason up from school, my dad and I headed towards New Braunfels, TX for the race. I still needed to pick up my registration packet and had to be at U-RUN before they closed. Thankfully, we made it into town around 6:30pm. I texted my friend Ashley, whose team I would be running for and they arrived right at the same time. It was so great to finally meet each other after all these years. We visited for a little bit and then split in different directions to head to our hotels and have dinner.
My goal was to get to bed at an early hour. After laying out all of my clothes and getting everything set up for the morning, I was finally laying in bed around 9pm. That night I had the strangest dreams and did wake up a couple of times to check the clock. Overall, I slept pretty well until my alarm went off at 4:30am.
My plan was to eat a light early breakfast to fuel my run. I brought my Orowheat Sandwich Thins, organic peanut butter, and a few bananas. This is how I start out all of my long runs, so I knew my body would be used to it and I wouldn't have to worry about an upset stomach.
We arrived to the race around 6:15am, but it was rather cold. The weather forecast kept changing all week up until Friday morning. Thankfully, the rain had past but it left behind frosty temperatures and extreme winds. At race time it was 43 degree and the winds were 15 mph.
This is Ashley and I before the race started. They delayed the race a little bit because the sun still hadn't risen. The roads we would be running are not lit. After the full marathoners took off, it was time for the half to start around 7:15am.
My dad prayed over us and then we lined up. Ashley and I ran together for the first mile, but I didn't want to slow her down. We were told that there would be hills the first 3 miles and then the last 3 miles. However, I believe there was maybe a mile and a half that didn't have any hills, so that meant that most of the entire race had hills. I have been to the area a ton of times to go tubing with my family and friends over the years, but have never noticed the hills, probably because I was in the car. It was extremely hill and windy, which mentally and physically was a big challenge for me.
By mile 2, my chest was burning from breathing in the cold air. Thankfully, it passed at 2.5 miles. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging the entire race. That is one of the reasons I love running so much. No matter how fast or slow you are, you are still a runner and everyone cheers you on.
There were several times I wanted to stop and take pictures because the scenery was just beautiful and I loved passing over the Guadalupe River a couple of times. I was doing pretty well until mile 9. I noticed both of my calves were starting to cramp near the back of my knees. I tried to walk for a second, but that made it worse, so I just kept running, but a little bit slower. If I was running the cramping wasn't as bad.
I called my dad when I hit the last mile marker, so he could get ready at the finish line to take pictures. As I rounded the last .1 mile stretch, runners who had already finished were lining up and cheering on everyone that was still coming in. It seriously gives you such a burst of energy.
I teared up crossing the finish line. It was the hardest thing I have I have ever done, but so worth it. I finished at 3:11:21. I wasn't running for time, but next race I will be. I can only get better from here.
Ashley's son Noah and daughter Landry made this sign for us to cheer us on. They were precious!
Finishers of our very first Half Marathon and still smiling. I'm so thankful that I was able to run this race with Ashley and support her family as they plan to adopt internationally. I seriously love this girl!
After showering and getting cleaned up, my dad and I headed to lunch before leaving to head back to Katy. We stopped in Gruene at The Gristmill for lunch. It is one of my favorite restaurants and is historic to the area. We drove back to Katy so I could make it back for Mason's last football game. I'm so glad I was able to see him play one last time this season and cheer his team on to be undefeated the entire season.
I came home and was told to go through the front door, instead of the garage. I walked into the house to find these signs that Adam and the kids made for me. I seriously love my family and I'm so thankful for their support and encouragement. They are the best!
