It was awesome! I was so scared. I didn't want to post anything about it before hand in case I gave up, jumped into Lake Washington, and swam home but I finished! I ran the whole way. Here's the crazy thing...I think I want to do it again.
There were over 27,000 people at the starting line and the energy was amazing! I ran with my friend Susan. Nothing like having someone with you to make you laugh when you're in pain. This was a first for both of us. We were on the verge of bailing even at 4am when we were on the road to the starting line.
There were so many little things that happened along the course. At one point we were running through the tunnel on I-90. The runners all started making this sound at the same time and it echoed through the tunnel. I can't even explain the sound. It was surreal.The night before, Emily had gone with part of her girl scout troop to a Rainier's game. After the game they all slept on the ball field. Cool, huh? She had a great time. I told her to call her dad when she got home so we'd know she was okay. Well, she called me. While I'm running uphill at mile 9 my phone starts ringing. It was fun talking with her about her night and before I knew it I was at the top of the hill and feeling like Emily helped me do it.
The reason they call this the Rock 'n Roll 1/2 Marathon is because they place bands along the way. I really expected more bands. Or maybe I just expected I would be fast enough to be hearing the bands more frequently. I don't know. And the country band? Really? Not my thing. Just as we ran into Seattle and we could see the Space Needle up ahead there was a band playing, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" which we always sing as "Lucy, Emily, and Miles". It's a family favorite. The timing of that was perfect.
Of course one of my favorite things about the race was seeing my supportive husband (of 17 years tomorrow!) peeking over the crowd and waving to me just before the finish line. Miles and Lucy were there holding up their signs too.
Susan and I stayed together until the very end. I had a goal of finishing under 2:15. My finishing time--2:15:10 . Dang it! Ten seconds! Seriously?!! I'm still happy though. It was worth all five blisters!
7 comments:
You're awesome Heather, congratulations!!
YAY!!! So proud of you!! Is a FULL marathon next? =)
Wow Heather....how can you look that good after running all that way? You and Susan are amazing. Good job Ladies.
I am so impressed. You are becoming quite the runner! And how are you not all nasty and sweaty. Your hair still looks good. Congrats.
GREAT job Heather! I always knew you had it in you. That is awesome that you and Susan were able to run together. It makes for a much better experience. I ran my first marathon with my brother and it was awesome. Well, consider yourself one of those addicted runners. It just keeps getting more and more fun!
GREAT job Heather! I always knew you had it in you. That is awesome that you and Susan were able to run together. It makes for a much better experience. I ran my first marathon with my brother and it was awesome. Well, consider yourself one of those addicted runners. It just keeps getting more and more fun!
Way to go! Congrats, you can conquer anything now!
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