half marathon in Santa Barbara

You would think after running a half marathon once before that it wouldn't be such a big deal but I still managed to work up some nerves the day before the big run. I knew that I would finish, I just was scared something wouldn't go right like maybe I might forget to pack socks or eat something the day before that wasn't right. It's funny how sensitive you have to be towards those things like running in clothes you've previously trained in, eating right so that your body works the way you want it to or just drinking enough water the week before. I was nervous that everything wouldn't go as planned-- scared that 10 weeks of training might turn into one big unfortunate event.

me at mile 7

With a rough 5.5 hours of sleep under my belt due to a late arrival in Santa Barbara, I left my sleeping family in the hotel and walked to the starting line. I ate my breakfast I had planned out for the last week and even wore an extra hair tie just in case mine were to break (that would be devastating!). Really, I had gone over everything at least 3 times. It was freeeeeezing in the morning and I was ready to get my blood warmed up! I started the run, trying to keep up with my dear friend Kate. Miles 1-3 were hard, in any run they always are for me. It takes me at least 2 miles to get into my zone. Mile 4 was great and I started to get more energy and less nerves... Until bozo boy from behind me decided to clip my foot causing my body to fly forward and luckily catching myself before I crash landed onto my face. I turned back with a glare and bozo boy said sorry. Mile 5 and 6 I was feeling like super woman. Mile 7 I realized I was making great time and even sent a text to Cameron. Mile 8 was good, but mile 9 was tiring. And then, mile 10. The dreaded mile, the mile that was uphill that had my calves hurting and my mind questioning if I should walk the hill... No, never stop running, that was my goal. The last bit was me battling with my mind to keep up my pace and push hard. I seriously played Beyonce's "Countdown" 15 times because I knew if I ran on the beat it would keep me at a 6.0 on the treadmill. A mile left and there was my husband and my little boy waving to me and cheering me on! Krew had the biggest smile on his face and yelled, "Go mommy!!"! The last stretch seemed like forever and how grateful I was to see that finish line!
I found out I had knocked 15 minutes off my last time and was extremely happy with my time!

In the end, I realized that the race was a big deal but the amount of miles I had completed in training over the last 10 weeks was the huge fete I had managed to finish.

It felt awesome, it felt great. But I did tell Cameron two things: don't ever expect me to do a full marathon and I don't know if I'll ever get that time again on a half. :) just so we're clear.

And the rest of the day was spent eating out with my wonderful friends and shopping. I was so much fun training long distance with Kate and Natalie. And my dear friend Angela came down to see me! On the drive home I told Cameron that being in Santa Barbara with friends and my family and just having a wonderful time seriously felt like my birthday (minus running 13 miles). :)