The most amazing race

Today was an amazing day. I participated in my first 1/2 Marathon with my dear friend, Jenn. That's 13.1 miles, people! She encouraged me to go for it and I DID! We've been training for months now, and I knew I would be able to finish. But practice is not the same as actually doing the race. The start was so exciting. There's this crush of people, all bouncing up and down from nerves and to keep warm. (This is the PNW, people!) At 8am, we took off. Jenn and I ran the first mile before taking our first walking break. We pushed ourselves hard (OK, well I was pushed hard) and I did more running today than I have in any practice so far. But, it was fine. And FUN! The race was in the city of Tacoma, about 30 mins south of my home. There were some great old houses to see, a beautiful run along the waterfront, and lots of fun volunteers cheering us on. I flirted with some cute cops and smiled at everyone coming back towards us on the trail. We ran down the hills, flailing our arms like goofballs. There were some really pretty parks and some tough uphill moments. In the end, we sprinted to the finish line trying to beat each other's time! My loving husband, my children, our friend Michele, and my parents were all there to watch me cross the finish line. My offical time was 3:13:25. I felt on top of the world and ready to sign up for my next race. What a RUSH!