The Pursuit Of Happiness: 2.63
I ran the Baltimore Half Marathon today, and it was awesome!! I met up with my friend Rachel and we ran the entire race together, which was great because we both pushed each other to do the best we could. It was so much fun being able to run with someone I knew and who ran pretty much the same speed as me, it made the run that much easier and better. I almost got a PR which I was stoked about considering my main goal, coming off an injury, was just running the entire race without flaring up the injury too much. But, I also passed all three tiers of my other goal, a time goal. I wanted to run the half marathon in under 2:30, if I was feeling good under 2:15, and if I was feeling great under 2:10. I finished 2:06:48! Way under my biggest goal, and I felt great as I was crossing the finish line.
There were so many people cheering throughout the course with goodies - food and drinks - music, high fives, and my favorite, fabulous signs. I though the best sign of the day was one that read "could you BE running anymore miles" (or something similar), a play off of Chandler, from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I'm a sucker for anything based off F.R.I.E.N.D.S. My friend Jeff V. came out to cheer and it felt so wonderful hearing him cheer me on around mile 11.5; I've never had someone specifically cheering my name, for me, on the course. It gave me an extra burst of energy at the end. I smiled big, waved, and gave him two big thumbs up as I passed. And excitedly, Brenden was there to watch me cross the finish line and shower me with pride and love after the race. He was such an amazing support the entire day, driving me there and keeping me company before the race and as we moved into our corrals, and then at the end as I waddled home.
Brenden said I actually crossed the finish line with a real smile on my face, unlike the last one where I was only smiling because I knew they were taking photos, but I really looked like I wanted to hurt someone because I was in so much pain. The race was fairly hilly, but the hills weren't terrible and we kept a good pace throughout, even having negative splits. I have never felt this good after (or happy about) finishing a half marathon. It was great and I know I am on the right track.
After the race we went to Grilled Cheese and Co. which I have been wanting to try for, like, a year! I gorged myself on a fabulous grilled cheese. Then we made our way to my cousin Marcy's where we congratulated, and celebrated, her Bat Mitzvah (that took place during the race). Brenden and I ended the day resting with Chuck, popcorn, and hot chocolates while relaxing on the couch. Fabulous, it was just fabulous and I can't stop smiling in my head! :)
0 comments: