My First Half Marathon

“It's Not How Fast You Finish, It's Why.”

I wish I could remember where I saw this quote, but I don't. It was probably in a magazine or on-line somewhere. I love it.

This past Sunday, I ran in the San Diego Rock -N- Roll Half Marathon, my very first.

Why? Five reasons:

1. I turned 41.
2. I was inspired by three of my girlfriends (Kristen, Melissa and DeeDee).
3. I wanted to set a goal and stick to it!
4. To raise money for cancer.
5. I wanted to show my son that “anything is possible” with hard work, determination and remaining positive.

I've never been a long distance runner, that's why this was such a big deal to me. I also haven't set a goal for myself in years. Setting a goal that was out of my comfort zone, working hard towards it, never giving up and then accomplishing it...was an exhilarating experience.

When race day arrived, I was excited. I was ready! I felt blessed that my husband, son and mom dropped me off at the start line and then stayed to cheer me on. I really wasn't sure where exactly I'd see them during the 13.1 mile run as there were about 30,000 runners and thousands of spectators. Both the half marathon and the marathon runners ran at the same time. It was crowded!!

As I was running down the 163 Freeway, about mile 6, I spotted my family on an overpass. As we waved back and forth to each other I noticed my son was beaming...was he proud of me?! ...it's always the other way around! What a great feeling it was to have my family there.

Most of the race seems like a blur now, but I do remember seeing a t-shirt that read, “F*** Cancer!” and then me saying that in my head over and over during mile 8. I want one of those shirts! I remember thinking my knee caps are gonna pop off at mile 9. I remember mile 11 seemed long and mile 12 seemed even longer...I kept thinking, “Is this a hoax? Is there no finish line?” I remember holding back puke several times during mile 12 and what I won't forget is me crossing the finish line a half hour earlier than my goal time!

My son, me and husband

I set a goal to run a half marathon without walking and finishing it in 2 ½ hours. I did it in 2 hours flat, not ever stopping or walking! There are a few times in my life that I have been really proud of myself...this is for sure one of them.

If you haven't set a goal for yourself lately, set one. Set a goal that's outside your comfort zone and accomplish it. It's the best feeling in the world! I promise.

Thanks to all of you who donated money to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and thanks to all of you who supported me along the way. A "shout-out" to my friend DeeDee who also ran the race...her 12th Half Marathon!!! Congrats DeeDee!! And a special thanks to my husband, son and mom who had to wake up at 3am on the day of the race and then practically walk the course just to see me for a brief moment as I ran by....thank you! 

Oh....and a BIG thanks to Doug who served DeeDee and I a delicious cheese burger and margarita for our post run lunch!