Race Day!

This morning I woke up at 6am for my race! It was definitely an early morning but I was so excited about the race that I wasn't even that tired. The race started at 7:30 so at about 7 my mom and I drove to the start line. The start line was only a few blocks from my apartment so that was definitely nice! We waited around for a little bit and then things were ready to get rolling!

My mom left a couple of minutes before we started and walked a little past the starting point so she could get a picture. Needless to say she didn't really know where I was in the huge crowd of racers so she didn't get a picture. She did drive to the finish line to catch some pictures there where it actually did work!

After that we were off! Everything went swimmingly (oxymoron?) until my shoe came UNTIED! Seriously...I run every day and my shoe NEVER comes untied. So I stopped to tie it and that was that.

I skipped the first water station because I wasn't feeling I needed any...which is a good thing! I grabbed some at the second one, though, and got most of it on my face and chest because I wasn't going to stop running to drink some water!

There was a pretty big hill that we had to run down. It literally was a half mile long so I used it to my advantage and BOOKED it down that hill! Good thing I didn't fall flat on my face. ;)

I got to about mile 5 and was feeling it a little bit. I took a few Ibuprofen before the race and that helped A LOT but my legs were just feeling a little dead. However, I pushed through it and finished strong! I saw the finish line and sprinted to it...and my mom was there to congratulate me when I finished. Seriously, she is the most amazing mom ever.

Pictures!

Love this picture.

I customized my Nike Frees to say 'Carpe Viam' which translates to 'Seize the Road!'

Such a perfect slogan for running shoes. :)

Before the race...it was a little chilly!

Start line!

Almost to the finish and still smiling!

I made it!

Tying my shoe...hmm...reminds a lot of when I had to STOP and tie my shoe during the race...

Tired and sweaty after...but feeling great!



Even though I had to do this race by myself I still had one heck of a time. It is so inspiring to see so many people out running and really encouraging to see all the people on the sides of the WHOLE route cheering for EVERYONE...even people they don't know!

My goal time was to get in in under an hour but my unofficial time was 1:00:13. THIRTEEN seconds...really? I blame the shoe tying. I was still pretty excited about the time though because it makes it about a 9:40/mile pace. I'm definitely not running in races for the speed because I know I am not fast! I just do it for the fun and excitement. I was also super proud of myself because I ran the whole dang thing. Minus having to stop for the untied shoe lace, I never walked. And that, for me, is really an accomplishment.

I hope you all are having a great weekend.

Any upcoming races you are participating in??

With love,

Ali