PF Chang Half Marathon

I decided to do the PF Chang's 1/2 Marathon this year - this is my picture at the finish line. My husband Tim and I started working out last year and have been working hard trying to get into shape. I know I still have along way to go but loosing 45 pound since my son has been born has been an accomplishment all in itself. I am very lucky to have such an amazing husband and family that have been very supportive thought this entire process. I have never considered myself athletic not in the least (I know some of you are laughing right about now about me and the word athletic in the same sentence), but I have been inspired to try running from one of my dear friends Katharine. She is amazing and a huge inspiration and has accomplished a lot herself with running. Now we just don't giggle about the girlie shoes or a fabulous purse that we bought - but we get to giggle about running shoes too! She has been a great friend and a great supporter of me trying something that is so out of my comfort range! Thank you Katharine!

The race was an adventure to say the least! Thousands and thousands of people corralled to give this 13.1 miles a go! I can tell you that I was feeling very strong at mile 6 so I was thinking no problem, I can do it. Slow but steady wins the race, right?! But something bad happened around mile 8 where I got a wicked pain in my right foot and it stuck with me the rest of the race and slowed me down considerably. At mile 10, I could not run anymore, and at one point I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish the race or not - but I refused to quit and I did finish the race. Over all it was a great experience and I learned a lot about the ½ marathon process and about myself. Even though it was not what I had hoped in terms of my final time, my first goal for my first time was to just finish the race and that was accomplished! Even if I had to hobble across the finish line! :-) I think I have unleashed my inner athlete as I am already looking forward running the ½ marathon next year! Not a bad hobby to take up someone who is about to turn 43! All I can say is look out next year - I will be unstoppable!