We did it!

Sunday, October 18, 2009, Jacklynn Walters and I completed our first half marathon in Hays, Kansas! 13.1 miles of the sounds of feet pounding on pavement, deep and shallow breathing, the thud-thud of my heart beat, wind blowing intensely against us, off and on conversation, and at times mindless running. At different times during the run I would realize that I had no idea what I had been thinking about. That sounds a little strange, I'm sure, but that's the truth. It was wonderful.

My time was 2:04:38 which is 9.49 minutes/mile. Jacklynn guessed that we might run it in about 2:10 which is just about a 10 minute mile. This makes sense going off of our long run times. I don't know where I finished overall, or even for my age group. Let me assure everyone that I probably was not in the top 10 in my age group. When I find out I will update.

The last mile I ran by myself. It was probably my favorite mile and not because it was my last. As I ran I saw mile 13 spray painted on the ground and I was overwhelmed with thankfullness. I thanked the Lord for helping me get so far. I also thanked Him that the run was almost over. I almost became emotional as I knew it was coming to an end. I was so close and I was giving it my all. I didn't sprint to the finish, but I definitely picked up the pace. That mile was my fastest mile, and that is probably because it was at the end and I knew I could go ahead and exert my extra energy. After I crossed the finish line I did a little jogging in place. One of the guys who had run asked me how I was still moving. I told him I didn't think I could stop. Not yet at least.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I am going to sign up for another half that will take place on November 22. I hope to finish it around the same time if not a little faster. My good friend Maeret is planning on joining me this time. Jacklynn won't be running this one with me which is a little sad, but completely understandable. The last few long runs we went on her knee would start hurting really bad around mile 7. This happened on Sunday but she didn't stop. She did great! I am very proud of her. Without her I wouldn't have made it this far. She has given me more motivation and encouragement than she knows. Thank you so much my dear friend.

Thank you to Lauren, Jess, Leah, Maason, Matt, Cristina, Cass, and everyone (I apologize if I forgot you) for the special gifts for our first run. I was (am) deeply touched that you all thought about us, wrote us notes, and provided us with goodies. Thank you for supporting me with encouraging words and listening to me talk about running. : )

Race Results from my two 5k's a couple of weeks ago:
Jared Coones: 10.10.09. In my age group (20-24) I finished 5th with a time of 25 min 39 sec. Overall I was 217 out of 3,256 (over half were students from the Olathe schools)
Abby's Run: 10.11.09. In my age group (20-24) I finished 16th with a time of 30 min. 35 sec. Overall I was 331 out of 1,047.

I have not kept up my mileage tracking. If I back track I apologize.

Sunday 09/27 Jacklynn and-10
I think we rested Monday
Tuesday 9/29 Erin and I-1.5
Wednesday 09/30 Jacklyn and I-5
Thursday 10/01 Erin and I-1.5
Friday-Rest
Saturday-Erin and I-1.5
Sunday-Jacklynn and I-11
Monday-Rest
Tuesday-Erin and I-3---I am so proud of my Sis! She seemed to run this 3 miles with ease. She is ready for our races this weekend! After we ran I did some interval training. The intervals felt great, and I realized I should do that more often.
Wednesday-Today-Jacklynn and I are planning to run 5. We have a week and a half until our 1/2 marathon! I am excited!!

A couple of weeks ago my nephew, Cyle, told me he and his mom, Erin, were going to do a memorial run in Olathe for Jared and Jayne Coones. The proceeds from this run go to a number of different organizations to help with cancer research and provide for patients and their families. Here is the link if it is something you want to look in to: http://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org

That is what I am running on Saturday. Sunday Erin, Jacklynn and I are going to do Abby's Run. I am doing this run in memory of precious Zeke. I am emotional just writing this out. I wonder what Sunday morning will bring, but it won't cause me to change my mind. If I cry the whole time I run then that's what I'll do. I imagine there will be a mixture of emotions. I'm sure I will be overwhelmed with feelings of love and loss, among others, from everyone running, walking and those there to support on Sunday morning. So many people being united. 100% of the donations go directly to Viral Myocarditis research (info taken from web page). The link is: http://abbysrun.com

Run Start Times:
Jared Coones- Saturday, October 10-8 am at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe
Abby's Run- Sunday, October 11-8 am at Town Center Plaza 119th and Nall