Today I ran my first half marathon.

Wow!  I started the day taking the bus down to the Seattle Center.  The bus was full of runners and I kept thinking 'these are my people!'  Silly I know, but so fun to share something so positive with such a huge group.
People were friendly and chatty while we waited our turn to start.  I talked with a woman, Gail, who in her 70s has done 15 half marathons with several more planned for this year!  And the ever so sweet Melinda and Melissa in their purple tutus!  They really helped calm my nerves and before too long coral 30 was off and running through downtown Seattle.  One of my co-workers came to cheer me on (which was so amazing!) and before I knew it we were out of the city headed south.  I had a pretty crazy side cramp from miles 2.5 to 3.5 - in all of my training I haven't had any cramps!  It kind of made for a rough start but the side stitch finally went away after a bit of water and gatoraide.
Miles 4 through 11 I loved!  The weather was beautiful, the scenery amazing, I didn't have any blisters, and couldn't have asked for a better run.  I took in almost a full pack of strawberry cliff shot blocks and drank water at every station.  I took pictures, a little movie, I just had a great time!  That is until we hit the viaduct.  That is were things went downhill oh so very quickly.
Now don't get me wrong, running along the viaduct was beautiful, but it was like the concrete had been worn away and the remaining rocks in the road KILLED my feet.  I was in so much pain I felt like I was going to be sick.  Everyone was walking around me, miles 12 and 13 were brutal!  I jogged as much as I could, but it wasn't as much as I would have liked, especially coming from miles 10 and 11 which were amazing!
Anyway, I talked myself through finishing, got my metal (!!!) and had my picture taken.  At this point I was really wishing David had been able to be there, because finding my way out of the Seattle Center was just overwhelming, I was so very tired.  But thankfully once out a bus came right away and I could sit down.  I don't know that I have ever been so happy to sit down in my whole life.  :)
All and all running the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon was an amazing experience!  Thank you Seattle for not raining on us, I am forever grateful!  (Lol... and yes, it started *pouring* as soon as I walked in the door!)

Race countdown!

Have I mentioned how excited I am?

Feeling better :)

I have just decided that the half marathon is going to be emotional, and that I just need to go with the flow a bit. 
My ear is feeling better.  I have discovered that strawberry cliff shot blocks are super yummy fantastic.  And I bought some running socks which are meant to prevent blisters.  These things relieve my fears greatly... and really make me want to sign up for another half marathon I found in July!  lol.... no, I promised myself that I would get through this one first, but now that I have cut out some of the worries I am starting to get excited!

Taper!

I don't know that I am feeling super race ready or confident, but all of the months of training are quickly coming to a close. Two weeks to race day!

The last of my long runs are done, I ran 9 miles around Greenlake on Saturday, and 3.5 around Ballatd on Sunday ... but, truthfully, after just 9 miles I was beyond exhausted and that scares the crap out of me. I know I can walk forever. I know I can hike almost as far, hell three months ago I was hiking some serious Peruvian mountainsides. But *run* 13.1? I'm shaking in my boots sneakers.

I need to remember to take in more calories, but now is too late in the game to practice this... Lol... good grief! I feel like I need new socks, I have been getting blisters, I need more sharkies, I need to figure out clothes and bus schedules, my ear is totally hurting, the Dr. said that it is probably just stress! Lol.... the fear/nerves may be silly, but I can't seem to shake them! I really want to rock this, I want to be proud of the accomplishment. I will be by myself on that day, I asked my family to come, but they couldn't make it, and my boyfriend is working, no one to take me to the starting line and hold my extra clothes, take my picture, or cheer me on with wacky signs, this is just about me.

Yikes.

Healthy goal setting

I follow ... well a lot of blogs on facebook, and recently added Nerd Fitness (what can I say, I really like the lego action figures!).  Todays post on building healthy habits hit home so I am checking in on my goals for the year.
My goals this year mainly revolve around getting healthy and FINALLY reaching a healthy weight.  But as the year has progressed I have found myself refocusing a bit -
I have mentioned my desire to lose another 40 pounds.  I have been making time for exercise and finding things I really WANT to do.  Not just talking about, doing!  Running (races are fun!), and hiking (Zion at the end of September!) top my list and I have been making time for one or both each weekend.  I have also been taking about 15 minutes or so each evening to do some sit-ups, push-ups, a few minutes to work on balance and flexability.
I want to be able to take a fancy hiking picture in wheel pose and in tree pose!  I want to work on my balance and flexability.
Something I am proud of, is that these goals really relate to what I want, what I think would be a cool accomplishment, these are not goals imposed by outside influences.  Well, the yoga poses while hiking started in Machu Picchu, so maybe Heather has a bit to do with those.  :)
I have also changed the name of my savings account to 'Christy's Travel the World Fund' and am seeing the the balance grow.  :)

Race for the cure 5k

Yesterday we hiked up a mountain, David's first hike with me and .... well,  we got to the top just in time for a downpour!!!  Lol.... I could only laugh, I so wanted him to fall in love with hiking just like I have, but Rattlesnake Ledge let me down!  Lol....

Anyway, this was another weekend of hiking and racing, today I ran
the Race for the Cure 5k - and was pretty happy with my time!
Location: Seattle, WA
Overall place: 263 out of 353

Time: 36:44

Pace: 11:50

All and all I loved this race, and felt like it was really well supported.  They had the streets closed off for us, and there were tons of people cheering along the sidelines!

I ran this one for my Mom (who is an amazing survivor!!!), and for myself, every mile makes me healthier!  But I have to tell you, running along and seeing all of the girls 'running for Mommy' was really moving. 

This race challenged me, but I made it without crying!  :)