13.1

Well... I did it!!! I feel like that's the first sentence of a few of these posts, but I guess that's a good thing. Means I've made a few accomplishments!

It all started with "carb-loading" at dinner last night...

We ate at Elizabeth's Pizza. Let me just say, as a pre-run dinner, that was as good as it gets. Maybe the best Alfredo pasta I've ever had. No, I didn't eat the entire plate. Yes, I brought the leftovers home. Can't wait for lunch tomorrow.

Next, we went to Harris Teeter to stock up on breakfast and energy/hydration supplies:

We went to bed around 10, but of course I couldn't fall asleep right away. I read that it was pretty common not to sleep well the night before a race. So of course, 5AM came REAL early. But, we dragged ourselves out of bed, ate breakfast, and got to the start point around 6:15. It was still dark out.

I actually wasn't tired, especially once we got there and saw everyone who was running (turns out it was a total of around 2700 runners). Everyone was excited, and they were playing music over loudspeakers to get us all pumped up. Once we started, we paced ourselves to let all the faster runners ahead of us-- our goal was simply to run the entire time, and we knew we needed to run slower at first to make it through the whole thing.

Here's the route:

The first two miles were down at Wrightsville Beach. As we were between mile 1 and mile 2, we got to run during the sunrise. That was pretty cool.

Jess and I talked most of the time, which made it a lot easier to pass time quickly. By the time we got to mile 5, I honestly couldn't believe we'd been running that long. I also made myself a really great playlist, so having that as an extra motivator was exactly what I needed.

Then, once we got past mile 6, I had to pee SO BAD. There were port-o-potties all along the route, but I really didn't wanna stop. I knew I would have to stop eventually, because there was no way I could run 7 more miles in that state of discomfort. I saw one with no line and made a quick stop. I told Jess to keep running, and I felt so good after that I sprinted for about a half mile to catch up to her. Phew!

By the way- I HIGHLY recommend Sport Beans. They're made by Jelly Belly, and they literally taste exactly like jelly beans. But they're like super beans- with carbs, Vitamin B, C, and electrolytes. I would not have made it without these magic beans!!!! Thank you Jelly Belly!

Here we are at mile 12, almost there!

And finally.... at the Finish Line! It felt great!

It's hard for me to really express how this moment felt. Part of me was relieved to be done, part of me felt like, "Duh, you knew you could do it." I also felt a little emotional, because it was a significant accomplishment for me, and I knew I was doing it in honor of my mom. I knew she would tell me how proud she was of me. I know she was cheering me on.

I wrote this poem about a year and a half ago when I was going through a pretty tough time and running was one of the things I did to get through it and re-build myself. I think it's a good note to end on (although a cheesy one... just call me Sharp Chedda). I feel like it's a good illustration of the relationship I have with running and why this race was not just a physical milestone, but a personal one as well. So... at the risk of feeling like a huge nerd, here it is!

RUN

I begin ready.

Without hesitation or doubt --

though I don't expect it to be easy.

Nonetheless I am prepared.

It's just me.

the wind hits my face

my hair is back

no distractions from what's right in front of me

I am strong.

my heart is strong

my pace is just right

not too fast or slow

just as fast as I want to go

I have the whole world to myself

I like it that way

the only thing I'm certain of

is myself

Each time, I see the beauty around me

with fresh eyes

and it makes me free again.

the best part is halfway

I may be tired,

but I've made it this far.

now I know I'm at least thing strong

strong enough to finish

and though I'm halfway done

there's still that much more to enjoy

What happiness and strength.

it's as close as I've come to flying

I have wings, I just have to use them

I know there are inclines ahead

but they do not discourage me

I have seen hills before.

No hurry.

Just trying is enough

and the sweet, sweet finish

to reflect

to revel in that feeling

to be at peace - burning peace

that extinguishes other unimportant thoughts

my heart pounds

like the rapid rhythm of a drum

I am truly me.

alone with myself

indulged in my own soul

here is peace

here is freedom

here is strength

and bravery

here is love

Never lose me again.