Halloween Half Marathon

What an experience! I could have never imagined running let alone do a half marathon (before I was 32). We arrived at the University Mall parking lot super early. Then sun wasn't even up. We wanted to get there early so we could get on a good bus and have time to stretch and get comfortable. I couldn't sleep the night before of course. I was so excited, nervous and just happy that I was seeing a goal come to fruition.
I was wanted to dress up but at the same time I didn't really want to run 13.1 miles in a costume. I made a big bow and had on my new pink running shirt and I put my rainbow running socks on with of course my new running shoes. I don't know if I had a specific costume but I was looking funky with my crazy hair and get up.

My neighbor Stephanie ran in the race with me. Along with my co-worker Becky. We were having a great time leading up to the race sitting in the "heated" tent and watching all the people participating in the race that were dressed up. Once the sun came up I don't know if I was still really excited for the whole thing. But I was up in the mountains and the only way down was in an ambulance or running down.
We took our last potty break until the end of the race and lined up at the starting line. That is the last time I saw Becky and some other friends of mine. The race had begun. I was so excited I was crying tears as Jay-Z was singing "Run this Town" I couldn't help it the emotions wouldn't stop. I felt like I was doing good and keeping a good pace. I was excited for the first water stop since I wasn't packing water. I got there and my heart sunk the water was all gone. I popped another piece of gum in my mouth to help with being thirsty. It seemed to work. There was a video guy along the route so I tried not to look so dorky. When the Canyon trail met up with the road I saw Stephanie. I could barely hear her but I was happy to see her. We crossed the road and then we were on the Provo River Trail. It was beautiful with all the leaves changing and seeing all the things that people were striping off. Tutus, gloves, hats, even a Captain America costume.
By mile 5 something didn't seem right with my foot. It was hurting way to bad. I was starting to feel tired, worn out and discouraged because of my foot. Pearl Jam lead the charge to keep going with "Just Breathe". That song helped me get through the next few miles when I saw my kids running along side the trail and Mike was filming me run. Just the sight of them helped me so much. They were at mile 8 and ran until the water stop. I felt like I could actually do this marathon and make it. My time wasn't what I really wanted at the moment but my family gave me the boost I needed. They were saying we will see you at the finish line.
Oh the finish line I couldn't wait. It was taking to long to get there. Now with a hurt foot and body just yelling at me for the punishment I was putting it through. I did make it to the finish line. I made it there in 2 hours and 56 minutes. My high goal was 2:30 and my low goal was 3 hours. It looks like I did it. There were also people after me so I felt good I wasn't last.
After stretching and taking off my socks to see what was causing all the pain. It was revealed that I had a 5 inch blister on the bottom of my foot. Mike thinks I got it from wearing two pairs of socks. No wonder my foot was screaming at me. It felt good to finish the race to see my husband and children at the end. To get a medal saying I was a half marathoner. Mike asked me "Do you want to do it again?" I said "YES!!!" I hope that by next Halloween I will be in better shape and that I will have trained alot to have a better time. This race is definitely something I want to do every Halloween.