...and still smiling at the finish line!
I can't believe that I did this, sorry if I sound way too impressed with myself, but it's true! It was an awesome life experience, hopefully not a "once in a lifetime" experience, but you only have your first once! I had set three goals: 1) FINISH!!!! (have to earn that "finisher's only" sweatshirt!) 2) finish in under 2 and a half hours, and 3) to run the whole way. I didn't quite meet #3, I walked about a 1/4 of a mile on the hill (in all fairness, my walking was the same speed as my running at that point, but it was technically walking). But, I finished in 2:20 (much better than I expected) so that made up for the walking! The last 2 miles I was on my own (Jaynee was a few minutes ahead and Amy a few behind) and that was the longest and hardest part of the run. Since we weren't allowed to run with headphones, I was left to my own head. I kept on reciting the 3rd verse from "How Firm a Foundation" (see Elaine Dalton's talk in the May 2008 Ensign to understand why; I "just happened" to read this talk the night before the race and it totally inspired me!) I'm so glad that I did this with Jaynee and Amy, you girls are awesome and I would never have had the guts to sign up for this or run it by myself! Thanks for all of the support and encouragement! And thanks to my wonderful husband who made posters and drove ahead of us and was there to offer encouragement when I needed it the most. Also, thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the boys that morning and bringing them to cheer me on at the finish line. The last mile all I could think about was seeing my family at the end, it kept me going! Many people have asked if I'll do it again, I think I will, maybe not that particular course (too many hills) and definately not next week! We'll see what the spring brings!
8 comments:
You are so amazing! You've inspired me to think about something like this. I suppose if you thought you couldn't do it and did, then maybe I can to. Thanks for sharing your fun experience!
That's awesome! Way to set a goal and see it through to the finish. Most definetly inspiring!
You Rock! My Mom told me that you finished and it was excellent to hear that you did better than you hoped. The long hours, days, early mornings of training pay off. Congrats on the run. Next goal? You know, Seattle is hosting it's first annual Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in June (it is a Saturday race). These are parties because they have bands ever 1 mile on the course. If you want to do a marathon it will be an excellent event. By the way, you look great - Bard
You are AWESOME!!! Good job! That is so cool that you made it under your goal time! You go girl!
Ricki
Hooray for Chari!!
you rock! looks like fun, wish i could run around too! lol
Hey Chari, it's Sh'Nell. I just found your blog through a few different people. I didn't know you were into running! I just did my 2nd 1/2 marathon on Sep 27. You're awesome!!! I'm addicted to running. Still not sure if I'll ever do a full marathon though. The half is quite enough.
Good for you! Very inspiring! And you look great!
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