City to the Sea!

What is it about race day mornings that are so exciting?  I didn't even run, and I was way pumped to be there.  Tons of people about to achieve something great.  Families and friends cheering and showing their support.  You can just feel the excitement, nerves, and adrenaline in the air.  I'm telling you, it's contagious.

My favorite part of races (besides the finish) is the start.  When everyone is piled behind the start line, jumping in place, doing a last minute stretch, taking that one last deep breath.  When there's like a minute till race time, and everyone is screaming and cheering and clapping.  And then, the take off....

When Lealah and I met up with you guys again at the 5 miles marker, you guys looked great!  You all looked like you could easily take on another 8 miles.  There were smiles are your faces, all still showing energy and enthusiasm.  This was what you had been training for, and it showed.

First to come through was Holly and her main man.

Then Jess and Erin...

Megan...

Cassandra...

And Cheryl.

Here Michelle comes....

And there Michelle goes.

Before I could even prepare for Drea coming, she was going!

Go Amy!

We were so excited to see Monse (I hope I spelled that right) and Jess come through.

Lealah, our dedicated cheerleader rolled up her poster and used it as a megaphone to cheer them in.

And my favorite part of this picture, is the look on that guys face as he was running by.

I tried so hard to get everyone's pictures as they came through the finish line.  Unfortunately, I didn't get everyone's.  I know some of you are probably going to be embarrassed by your post race appearance, but I figure the pictures are small enough that you can't see details.  So don't hate me!  =)  You all look pretty good for for racing 13 miles during a scorcher!

I'm gonna tell you guys the truth.  Even before I encountered this injury, I was really hesitant about training for a half marathon.  The idea alone scared the crap out of me.  It wasn't just the fact that I would be running 13.1 miles, but from San Luis to Shell Beach.  I mean, sometimes the drive alone seems really far!

Today, you all inspired me.  Like Lealah always says "Running is 10% physical, and 90% mental." I've come to totally believe the statement.  I was freaking out about this half marathon months ago.  The commitment to train seemed way out of my league.  I just did not feel ready.  Then I got injured and didn't have a choice.  I wasn't gonna be able to do it, like it or not, ready or not.

I am so proud of each and everyone of you.  You trained hard.  You believed in yourselves.  You overcame those voices in your head questioning your ability.  You are now amongst the (I believe) less than 2% of people who can say they ran and completed a half marathon.  

Congratulations!

"The miracle isn't that I finished.  The miracle is that I had the courage to start."

-John Bingham, running speaker and writer