Was a bit nervous during the beginning. Having only ever done a 10K distance prior to this, I wasn't 100% sure I could do the distance. (Again, there's my mental block issues I need to work on. I *can* do anything!!) Anyway, I started out happy and strong. Took my first gel around mile 5, no GI issues which was good. Mile 5 began a long winding uphill that I thought would never end. There was a drumline at the top though which kept an awesome beat and between it and the crowds cheering, I somehow made it to the top. Crowds cheering are the bomb!!! Steady rolling roads to about the 9-10 mile mark, where there was a horrible straight uphill. Took second gel there and began my ascent. Felt much better walking it, conserving my energy, and felt I couldn't have run it any faster. Made it to the top around mile 10, and it was mostly downhill from there to the finish. Finally started seeing space blanket draped people around mile 12.5 which made me VERY happy. Knew the finish was oh-so-close. Picked up the pace a bit due to excitement. Finished strong (at least it felt strong) with a huge smile on my face and a tear in my eye. To have accomplished this race was a huge feat for me and my self-esteem will definitely reap the benefits!!

Not a dang thing!!!!!!!!!!!

Walked to get my medal, my space blanket, and powerade and banana. Walked back to the hotel to get the kids so we could cheer DH in on his 26.2.


Mental block, insufficient base, not following my training plan well due to a sprained ankle halfway through the training...


Very well organized race. Lots of cool stuff at the expo. Food was great. Live bands were a huge hit. Will definitely be back next year!!