Of course, panic mode set in when I realized I had left my handy dandy Garmin at home so we quickly made a U-turn back to the house so I could get my running companion. Nevertheless, another bump in the road when I found out the race had been moved up 15 minutes due to the rain storm that was fast approaching so I made my way to the front of the line and hit the road running with my corral, #11.
Overall, the first 4 miles of the race were easy–my adrenaline was so high that I couldn’t slow down…plus, with so many spectators standing next to the streets to cheer everyone on, who couldn’t be in a great mood?
My friends and family set up their first cheer site between miles 5 and 6. I was so nervous I wouldn’t hear or see them, but luckily, my Mother, being even louder than I am, was screaming at the top of her lungs so there was no mistaking who she was there for =)
were commenting on her signs and how good they were–hehe
After running through Belmont, I started getting a little bit tired… ugh oh! I whipped out my Sport Beans and took a few to ease the stomach cramps–this worked and after a few {well maybe more than a few} minutes of walking, I was back at it. I have to say, this part of the race was the hardest for me… it felt like I was never going to make it to the last few miles. There were, however, some great spectators/cheerleaders/neighbors giving away wine, beer, coffee, doughnute–yes, I said doughnuts. It was hilarious and encouraging because I knew I was going to spoil myself that afternoon with some majoy recovery food, too =)
Once we started winding back through downtown, I knew we were in the homestretch. That’s when the pain and nausea set in… and though this may be a little bit TMI, I had to make a pit stop at the side of a street and “get rid” of some of that acid juice burning a hole in my stomach– unfortunately, it physically made me sick and all that hydration came back out via the mouth {sorry for the descriptiveness there, but wanting to tell it like it is}. So once I felt better, and yes that helped TREMENDOUSLY, I was nearing mile 11 and I knew the stadium AKA the finish line was nearing… that’s when I got my 142d wind and picked it up again with lightning speed to get this thing DONE!
Of course, at the finish line were my amazing friends and family–which made me the happiest girl in the world! Seeing their faces was the light at the end of a very long tunnel and they said I had the biggest grin on my face.
that was the moment of pure and utter satisfaction…
All in all, for my 1st race, I couldn’t have been more pleased with how I performed. I know some areas I can improve and I know that next time, I will be sticking to H20 rather than the fancy-schmancy Cytomax and I will MOST certainly monitor my pace a lot more closely so I can stay on track and not wear myself out too early.
Looking back, what a wonderful, crazy, tiring, and overall AMAZING day… I checked a big one of my “bucket list” and I know you’re sitting there wondering, “Will she do it again?”… all I can say is this:
Yay! How exciting đ Congratulations. I would love to do one but I think I would probably pass out…
Congrats! I would love to run one someday!
congratulations!! you finished with a great time — i hope i can do a half marathon someday!
Wow, so awesome- I am going to run a half in like 25 weeks!! So nervous!!
Congrats! That is an awesome time for a first half marathon! I hear that is a FUN event and am thinking of doing it next year.
Yay!! You did awesome! What was on your iPod to keep you goin? And what are these beans?
Look at you go, that is so fabulous, congrats to you!!
Congrats again pretty lady!! What a huge accomplishment
Congrats!!!!! That's such a great achievement!! đ
Way to go! I have been looking forward to hearging how your race went. Mine is in three weeks, and I got butterflies in my stomach just reading your story!
Congrats to you for planning to do another one too đ
Congrats! i just finished my first 1/2 this past weekend in the pouring down rain in columbus! i was so nervous for all of your running in nashville a few weeks ago – i was happy that it held off for you!!!!
congratulations!!! that cytomax stuff is awful. i drank it after the half last year. blergh. it made me throw up too but thankfully after the race and not during.
Congratulations! Anyone that can run a marathon is pretty inspiring in my book!
I adore this picture of you waving at the end! đ Way to go, girl. See you next year đ
Congrats!!! That's so great!
WOO HOO! That is awesome!!
yay congratulations!
You did awesome!!!!!! Congrats girl!
What a fantastic job, this is great! I have done half marathons myself so I can definitely relate to the stomach cramps, etc. I just got a Garmin and they are amazing!! I can't wait to use mine for a race in the future. Glad you made it to the end (of course) and what great pictures! Great work. đ
Great job! And great recap! Can't wait for my first Half next weekend!
That's amazing!!!! Congrats on an amazing first race! That Cytomax messes me up too. Blah.
congrats!! I loved your whole recap! I look forward to reading more of your blog đ
Congrats, chica! You should be so incredibly proud of yourself. I did it in 2008 and doubt I will ever do it again – I was sore for three solid days afterward! Major kudos to you, my dear!
Awesome job Tash! I love the photos of your family cheering you on that always helps! I can't imagine what it would be like running that far maybe one day! Good job!
Congrats!! That is so awesome đ What a huge accomplishment! I would love to train and run one someday đ
Awesome post! I'm so proud of you!! Way to go, Natasha!!!
Yay! Congrats!! I'm so happy you loved it and want to do it again! Totally worth all the training, right?
Long time reader, first time commenter. Congratulations on your half marathon! So awesome!
Congrats!! Fabulous job…
Congrats!!!
You are the most darling and gorgeous runner I know!! What a HUGE accomplishment, and I bet you get addicted!!!
Great job! You should be so proud! đ
PS: Is that a cute running skirt I see?
congrats! isn't it an AMAZING feeling? i plan on doing another one after baby fulmer gets here đ such a wonderful accomplishment and something to check off your list!!! congrats again!!!
So so so proud of you!!! Congratulations!!!