New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon--Oct. 29, 2011

October 29, 2011 came and with it came the New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon (and my mom's birthday--Happy Birthday, Mom!). I look back at these pictures now and almost can't believe I really did this. I set out with a goal and I accomplished it! I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be able to run 13.1 miles. I have mentioned before that I never enjoyed running, but the last two years have been a change of tune for me and I've finally stuck with it to some degree. :) In August I started training and I'll be honest, I had good weeks and bad, I doubted myself, thought I was crazy, wanted to hide under my covers on the morning of a long run, but in the end, I did it! And it felt amazing! My goal was to just finish, to run without walking and finish...I definitely wasn't going for an amazing time. I knew I hadn't been training long enough to work up my speed too much. I was just concerned about endurance. I was very nervous going in to it, not knowing what to expect, but it honestly couldn't have gone better. Once I passed mile 12 and knew I only had one more to go, it was like a new wind in my sails and it was great knowing I was so close. And to see the finish line in my sight once I was getting close, it actually kind of made me get emotional. I just couldn't' believe I had actually done this! Such a great feeling! And now, looking at the pictures again, makes me think I'm crazy enough to want to do another one. Hmmmm.... :)

I gotta say, I was pretty proud of myself. I don't say that very often, but this is one time I will say it. I was pretty proud to wear that medal when I finished and my race bib is hanging on my fridge, reminding me that I actually can accomplish anything I put my mind to!

And I won't even try to describe how it felt to see these two guys and Garrett standing right across the finish line waiting for me. They were cheering me on and I was so thrilled to see them!