First Bearathon in the Books!

     I DID IT. Yesterday, I ran a half marathon. It was hard and challenging, but nothing my body could not handle. It was cool seeing how much all the training and effort put in paid off. I also am blown away by what my body can do and although I am beyond sore, I am extremely grateful for it. 

    Yesterday was an early morning wake-up because the race started at 7 a.m. and I needed to get ready, stretch, and make sure I was all ready to go. Thankfully, I slept well and felt refreshed for the big day. Walking up to the start line was nerve-racking because I had no idea what to expect. Participating in a race, outside of middle school cross-country, was new to me and it was an experience I will always remember. The weather was ideal and I am thankful I ran in Waco during most of my training so I was used to all the weather elements that could happen.

    Miles one through three seemed like a breeze and felt like a warm-up. It definitely helped running with someone as well as having so many runners in front of, next to, and behind me. I think I was on an adrenaline high for the first few miles. After that, miles four through seven were the toughest. That is where most of the hills were and right when I thought the hills stopped, they just kept going. I loved the downhills because I felt like I was The Flash but it was quite the opposite when it came to the uphills.

    Then miles eight through ten were not too terrible. Besides a quick bathroom break, my mindset was to just get to mile eleven because that is where we crossed back over to McLane Stadium and I knew that route like the back of my hand. We did not stop during miles eleven through thirteen and even decided to spring out that last .1 of the race. 

    Overall, it was a rewarding experience and something I will never forget. I believe anyone can run a half marathon if you put your mind to it and execute a good training plan. Over the next couple of weeks I will review post-race recovery as well as training do's and don'ts. So until then, lace up your shoes and go for a run!