Halloween Half

Saturday, I ran my last race for the year. I was stoked, pumped, excited, freezing and feeling good. This was my second half marathon. I was looking forward to beating my time. Last year, I just wanted to finish the race but this year was different. I knew the race course, I was in better shape and was hoping to beat my time. 

I did all of that. I am 20 pounds lighter than I was last year. I am in better shape and my time was 2:31:06. 

My sister in law ran the race with me this year as well. Some of the ladies from her neighborhood did the race as well. We all carpooled down to Provo in the wee hours of the morning. When we got there we stood in line for over an hour in the cold, windy weather. When we finally got on the bus our bodies were tense from standing in the cold for so long. There were 3600 people running in this race this year. Many people were dressed up in various costumes. That is the best part of this race, checking out every one's awesome costumes. 

The race started at 9:00am, 3600 people headed down the winding Provo Canyon road. Of the girls that rode with us to the race, her name is Mae, it was her first race and half marathon. We stayed by each other the whole time. It was great motivation to run next to someone. I liked that it pushed me to keep going instead of trying to walk. I didn't want to let her down. Two and half hours later we finished. 

I love what racing does to me. I love that I can say I ran a half marathon, I'm a runner, an athlete. I feel accomplished. 

At the finish line my children, sister, sister in law and husband were all waiting for me and cheering me on. The sight of seeing them brought tears to my eyes. I could see how they were happy for me. I can't wait to run this race again next year. I know I will do even better!