We did it!

This past Sunday I finished my first half marathon. It's funny I've been training for it so long now, that I can't remember when I wasn't in training mode. But it's done and I surpassed my spoken goal and even accomplished my secret "I hope I can really do this goal". I ran the whole thing.

I honestly think the hike with Che at Devil's den the week before is what allowed me to push that edge and finish where I wanted. It built new muscles and showed me I'm stronger mentally than I believed before. It's interesting to me how much running is truly a mental exercise. At the Tulsa Run I completed 9 miles and I was so ready to be done when I saw that finish line. But at this race I looked down and noticed I was almost to 12 miles before I hit a wall. I kept playing a little game with myself along the way telling myself I was going for 26.2 so when I got to 13 I was really only half way done. I don't know if it worked or not. But I made it and that's what matters. I am so grateful to my friends Courtney and Claudia for training with me on so many lunches and becoming great friends along the way.i believe those connections are what gave me the strength and accountability to make the goal as well.

The other thing I've noticed and appreciate about the sport is how encouraging runners are to each other. Out on the races we cheer each other on.We smile, joke and help each other to the finish. It has created an inner cheerleader that I find I am using more and more often in all kinds of situations. On the big hike with Che I found myself saying aloud "we can do this." "We're gonna kill this mile" "let's do this". And when I'm having a hard day at work or with the boys, the same voice is showing up. It's a welcome replacement to the critical slave driver I've had for so many years.

So now I'm pondering whether I'm ready to make the plunge and go for the full marathon. My heart and spirit say "yes!!!" And my body is saying "hmmm... Maybe" All I know is that I was a little sad when the marathoners took off on their own path at the race on Sunday. We had shared the road the first 13.1 and when I was pulling in to the finish they still had the same distance to go again. I watched them go.. Shouted a few good lucks and told myself that would be me soon.