Okay, I’ve officially been bitten by the “running bug”. I mean, I’ve been running for 9 years, but after my half yesterday I am IN LOVE with racing. Haha, weird, but true. I have 4 big races I’d like to do:

1. Pocomoke Triathlon- June 16

2. Maryland Women’s Sprint Duathlon- August 5

3. Annapolis ten miler- August 26

4. Baltimore Half-Marathon- October 13

Plus mini 5k’s this summer. 

Despite having a less than perfect training period, I ran an EXCELLENT half-marathon. It was probably one of the coolest running experiences I’ve ever had. Let me start at the beginning…

Yesterday Kurt and I volunteered at Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA until 1. Afterwards, we were on our way to the Iron Girl Half-Marathon Expo in Columbia, MD. It took us about 2 hours to get down there, but it was a fun ride. I fell asleep, so it went pretty quickly for me. Luckily, we didn’t run into traffic on 95, which I expected; but it was great that there wasn’t any!

Arriving at the expo, I had the worst butterflies in my stomach. I went to find my number and pick up my packet. Everything went smoothly and I even received a GOODY BAG! We went through the expo, it was small but most wonderful :) I stopped by the Athleta table and received some stuff for my Girls on the Run since I am a coach and they sponsor both the Iron Girl Half-Marathon AND Girls on the Run. My girls are going to LOVE their stuff! I refrained from purchasing anything, but their summer catelogue just came out and I can’t promise that I won’t buy anything.

Joan Benoit Samuelson spoke at the expo yesterday, so Kurt and I hurried over to hear her speech and hopefully meet her! Hearing her speak was amazing and it really calmed my nerves for the half. After she finished, I waited in line and WAS ABLE TO MEET AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST! Oh yes, I felt on top of the world. She also signed my shirt:

Dear Sarah, Good luck in the IG/Columbia half-marathon. May this be the first of many more to come. Joan Benoit Samuelson.

Needless to say, my head was swirling with her excitement. I also had my photo taken with her :) 

Then Kurt and I went to my house and I proceeded to prepare for the half.

We woke up at 4:30 AM. It wasn’t as rough as I thought because I was SO READY to run. We arrived in Columbia by 6:15 and I went to the bathroom a million and one times before the start. Haha. Mom and Kurt were incredibly supportive and watched me start, cheering loudly. 

I started with the 9:00/mile group, but soon broke away because I felt good. Mentally, I knew I had to count down, versus up. I just chipped away at the miles (9 down, 4 to go…10 down, 3 to go…etc…). I felt GREAT up until mile 11. Then everything hit, my legs felt heavy, hip flexors hurt, my knees were giving out and my feet were just BURNING. I stopped for 30 seconds to chew an energy gel and picked it right back up. Everything came into focus when I saw my mom and Kurt waiting about 200 meters from the finish line. I just kicked it into gear and managed to complete my FIRST HALF-MARATHON IN 1:52:40. My pace was 8:36/mile, I finished 14 out of 86 in my age division and 198 out of 1,600 overall. I am so proud of myself, and I’ve FINALLY proven to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. I have overcome my mental hurdle. I’m ready for more. 

I plan on signing up for the Annapolis 10 miler on May 1, as well as the Baltimore Half-Marathon :)