My First 13.1

This past weekend I ran my first Half Marathon. 

13.1 Miles

No training

The best running buddies

Some Good Tunes

Lots of laughter

Some walking

Crossed the Finish Line with one of my Favorite people; My Mom

And don't forget...Wore Heels (4-5in) the next day

It may not seem like a big thing to many of you all, especially those of you that run. 

This was a really big deal for me. Let me put a few things into perspective

Most runners train for at least 8-12 weeks prior to a Half Marathons. (Unless they're doing them regularly) When looking at training schedules most of them figure that you can run 3 miles and/or 30 minutes straight. 

I could BARELY do either. 

The training schedules had you work up to 10-11 miles and then have you taper down the mileage before race week. That way your body is prepped and ready for race day. You have to make sure you've been hydrating really well in the weeks and days right before the race. You have to have worn your gear for long runs to make sure there is no problems with rubbing in the arms or what not. Mentally you have to be prepared and being mentally prepared comes with knowing that your body can physically do the run on race day. 

There are many more things to think about I am sure. 

I wouldn't know though. 

I Didn't do ANY of it.

Zero.

Nada.

Zip.

 None.

and, I don't suggest it to anyone.

Before running this half marathon the longest distance I have ever run in my entire life was a 10k (6.2miles) back in like 2010? Other than that the most I have run is about 3-4 miles at a time. When I say 3-4 miles at a time, that's not straight up running, that's walking, and running combined for a total of 3-4 miles. 

Pathetic. I know.

Well, when finding out we were moving to Texas for the summer I signed up for the Hospital Hill Half Marathon that is in Kansas City every summer. 

Let me tell you - the name really does have meaning behind it. ;-) I had every intention of training but life happened and training did now. 

So, on Wednesday I drove 10 hours to St. Louis to see my cute new Nephew Kyson Dodds

So precious! 

And you can't forget the silly older Brother Blake! 

After being there for less than 24 hours my mom and I did a caravan for 4 hours back to KS.

We got barely any of sleep that night.

The next day we ran errands and did a ton of  things actually.

We had the best pre-race meal at RA Sushi. Amazing. Love sushi.

We went to bed late.

4:30am - we woke up and got ready and left for the race.

Our Motto for the morning and weekend was "It's a PARTY, not a Race" 

We ran and walked the 13.1 miles. And finished in decent time. Mind you it was my first one, and completely untrained. My mom and her friend just stuck by my side and pushed me through. Our final time was 2:27:35. Not too bad for my first. Anyways, I took some pictures along the way! So, here they are!

Ready to Run. Not really, but that's okay! We pretended

About to pass the Starting line!

More than halfway for our funny Mile 7 picture.
Not sure what that guy in the back is doing but, it's slightly creepy...

Came around the corner and saw mile 10. (I was super struggling at this point)

Finished. Shaky legs. About to pass out. =)

The finish line, I had to have a pic.

Love my momma. She's the best!

All in all, it was a great morning. With a ton of running. It is amazing to me what the body can do. I was extremely proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish. I plan on training for another half marathon soon. This time I will actually train. 

There was an old man that I was by for a few minutes. It was at about mile 10 or 11 when I was really struggling. He had a shirt on that had the scripture 

"I can do All things through Christ which Strengtheneth me." 

What an incredible message and reminder to everyone. 

With that, and a beautiful picture I leave you for now. 

Kansas Sky after the Storms