Two Seventeen

I can now mark it off my list: Run a half marathon. Check!
Today my feet and legs carried me 13.1 miles along a very scenic course on the Campion Trail in the Las Colinas / Irving area for the Heels and Hills Half Marathon. After threats of rain earlier in the week, it turned out to be a perfect morning for a jog. Even despite the parking nightmare (they had all 1000+ runners park in a garage with only one entrance) and the not-so-convenient placement of the race chip distribution table (in the parking garage, not near the start line), I could not have picked a better event for my half marathon experience.

After 4 months of training, I was ready for the big day! I ran with my long-time buddy Lauren (who is a much more accomplished runner than I; ie. she's run a full marathon). We ran the entire first 8 miles (no walking) at about a 9:30-minute mile pace -- 1 minute faster than my normal pace and 3 fewer walk breaks than usual -- exhilaration and yet a bit of concern. I did feel completely fine, but then...my right knee decided it had had enough! I forced Lauren to go on ahead while I walked and jogged off and on from mile 9 to 11. Then I figured out that if I kept my right leg mostly straight and rotated my foot out slightly, I could keep "jogging". I had a time goal I did not want to miss. Plus it allowed me to rest my right knee enough so that I could make a big, fast push at the finish line!

Good thing it worked, because I had fans that I couldn't let down!

Look closely (click on image to see it larger) and you'll see Danielle, all comfy and cozy! It was Jeff's ingenious solution for safely maneuvering 2 kids through cars and people!
I finished in a time of 2 hours and 17 minutes, which is a pace of a 10:28 minute mile, right where I thought I would be. That placed me at 302 overall (out of 662) and 12th in my "group" (out of 15) -- which was Mom's of Infants.

I'm so glad I set this goal and accomplished it! It did take many hours to train and prepare. Many, mucho thanks to Jeff for his support and motivation all along the way! Not to mention how nice it was to have him and the girls (and flowers!) at the finish line!
(NOTE: I'm blowing kisses to Naomi. I'm not about to cry!)
And yes, this was definitely a race for women! Placed outside each set of port-o-potties...that is what you think! :)

Answer #1: BOTH knees are now quite sore! Going down stairs is challenging.
Answer #2: No. I have absolutely NO desire or interest in running a full marathon.