Tags
detroit, finish line, fitness, half-marathon, healthy-living, marathon, pr., running, sore muscles
It’s official. I have completed my very first half marathon today! I got a great night sleep and woke up early to have my coffee, breakfast and relax before we had to go. My adrenaline was going the second I got out of bed…I just could not believe the day was here and was just excited to take everything in.
We left early to get to Detroit because there was a Lions game and over 70,000 people expected to be there between the marathon and the game. Luckily we got there in plenty of time and I was able to watch the full marathon runners for awhile and stretch before my start time. I ate a half banana and mini cliff bar and before I knew it the race began! I cannot even explain the energy I felt being surrounded by so many runners. It made me really emotional…if only my everyday long runs could be surrounded by such positive energy. It was a nice brisk 45 degrees that made the entire run enjoyable.
About a half hour before the race began.
Just sang the national anthem and getting ready to start!
I had two goals:
-to run the entire half-marathon without walking
-to finish 2 1/2 hours or under
I am happy to say I accomplished both of them. My ending time was 2:28:27. Seeing and actually crossing the finish line was so exciting. Overall it went great however around the 6th-10th miles my legs were very sore and tight. I am not sure if it is because I am still a beginner but it is something I want to figure out before I do another race. Perhaps my legs are not strong enough yet and it will get better over time and more training.
That about sums up the day. I am already looking forward to my next one and my husband is inspired to train for the Detroit Free Press run next year.