I got on the bus with Allie this morning at 4 am I love her! We just click. Had a warm up run with her and Jen. Also with Kassie :)
It was truly heart breaking for me to let a handful of Women go out and pass me in the first 5 miles. Just as I was starting to let my confidence slide, I reminded myself that I was not there to prove anything. I was just here to run the half and finish without getting re injured. I think this is the first time I have neg split a race? Maybe I am wrong... I can't remember. Any way. That's what I did. From miles 10-13 I passed up 4 of the women. I felt really good the whole time. I wasn't tired at any point. It was kind of amazing to see what it feels like to actually finish a longer distance feeling more strong. There was a girl on my heels that last mile. I could hear and sense her right on my shoulder, trying with all her might to get back passed me. Somehow I was able to hold her off. After drinking water, eating a smoothie and walking around with my husband, I decided to run back up the course to find Rachelle. It was something I really wanted to do. I am so glad now that I did. It was kind of an emotional experience for me. I found her at 24.5 with her sister Amber who was riding a bike. Her Sister was talking to her. Reminding her of all the harder things she has done than run this marathon. Sorry, I guess I am emotional but tears started stinging my eyes as I remembered all the truly hard things I have gone through. They became the driving force for me 4 years ago to find more speed and endurance and fire in my running. They were what drove me to finally run a marathon. Those things call out our courage and our strength. I just tried to keep Rachelle's legs moving and reminding her to control her breathing. I had plenty of pep left in my legs to speed her up if needed. So awesome to see her cross the line at around a 2:59. Made my day! Congrats Rachelle! And now it's onto building up more miles and endurance. I have lost some. I need to get it back.
| 