We used the shuttle service to go to the expo. Everything was working well. We had our game plan for the morning. We left plenty of time for the transport, or sober thought. We headed to the shuttle service by 5 am. They said all runners needed to be on a shuttle but 5:30am. We didn't actually get on the bus until 5:30 or 5:35. Our friend who was running the full was staying beachside and they had tons of people waiting and not a single shuttle!
By the time we got to the runners area, let's just say chaos was going on. We didn't end up in the correct corral, my feet were frozen, but we had glove warmer inserts! The race started and we were off.
My little feet were so cold they felt like blocks of ice hitting the ground for the 1st half mile. They gave some good advice to hold on to your top layer on this extremely cold morning in case the wind was really strong on the beach. While I was running along at a nice and sustainable pace, here comes my friend Pam! They had all kinds of transportation issues but made it. I got to hug her while running and she was off with her running buddy for the Full marathon. She did amazing and is such an inspiration to so many of us!
The spectators along the course were great, very supportive. The causeway wasn't bad on the way out. The beach run wasn't bad for me, different but not bad. I missed the wind picking up there.
Turn around, headed back. They did a great job with water and Gu stops. We hit the on ramp for the causeway, the last 3-4 miles, and here comes the 1st place marathoner. He was flying! We cheered him on as he went by.
Then we started climbing the tall causeway. By this time I fell in with a Galloway pace group. The wind was blowing so hard I had to keep my head down so I wouldn't lose my Tuff Girl visor by NeverQuit. I was praying the entire time that the wind would die down and that my girls would have strong legs for this climb and wind.
Headed down the off ramp and getting ready to take the last half mile I started getting a bit emotional. I was so excited to actually be finishing my first half marathon, I was moved by the purpose of the run. So many folks running were obviously impacted by breast cancer, loved ones, survivors, friends.
The finish went well, I found my family and friends freezing. Talked to a lady who flew here from LA to run with her nephew in honor of her sister who survived breast cancer. Met back up with Amber and then the real chill set in. I couldn't stop shaking!
Great experience overall. The Princess half marathon is in two weeks. My sports massage is tomorrow.
Guess what.....I ran 13.1 miles today and I ran it well! I'm still a bit giddy!
SO PROUD OF YOU! LOVE YOU LOTS!
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