Tuesday, November 6, 2012

13.1

What a surreal feeling, to finally have my first half marathon behind me.
After spending the last few months training for it, it's hard to let it fully sink in that it's OVER.



The race itself was hands down one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced, I don't even know how to put it all into words. The first ten miles went by so quickly, I've never had a run feel THAT effortless. The entire stretch of the course there were people cheering us on, with hilarious posters and offering so much encouragement. It just made me so emotional to have complete strangers cheering me on, especially after how hard I had worked to be there. I'm a sentimental nut.. but I really kept getting teared up the whole race.


Around mile 10 is when my knees really started hurting, and at the water station I took my first walking break as I drank my water.. but what a mistake! As much as you think a quick walking break will make your body feel a little better, it makes it hurt so much more to start running again. Once I picked back up I just kept repeating to myself "JUST. KEEP. GOING." over and over. The last few miles seemed to drag... and mile 13 I thought would NEVER end. It seemed like 3 miles instead of one. Finally rounding the corner to see that finish line was so rewarding.


My goal for the race was 2:30.. and my time ended up being 2:28:02 so I was thrilled considering it's my first one! I ran my Nike Running app during the race so I could look at my breakdown for each mile, and my paces for several miles are the same, down to the second. So I was very pleased that I was able to maintain a consistent pace throughout.



 I really can't stress enough how incredible training for a half, and finally completing one can be. I thought it seemed impossible, and I would never be able to tackle it. But I'm telling you right now, it's doable. I could barely run a mile in May without feeling like death, and now I can complete 13.1? It's unreal how much you can push your body and overcome things you never dreamed you were capable of. If it's one of those things you've always wanted to do, I'm telling you now to DO IT. I promise you won't regret it. You will hate running some days, and question yourself over why you put yourself through it, but you will learn to love it on others... and the accomplishment is so rewarding.



The Rock 'n' Roll Savannah half marathon is definitely happening again next year, and I'm so thankful for all of you who sent me emails and information about your training plans. You all helped me tremendously!

15 comments:

mary kate said...

This post is so awesome! Congrats on completing a half marathon. I'm not a great runner, but this post gives me motivation to maybe do one myself.

mary kate said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mary kate said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jordan said...

Congratulations, Leslie! I've always wished I was a runner. This post is definitely a motivation! :)

Michelle said...

Congratulations - super exciting! I'd love to someday run more than a 5K but it's doubtful :)

Abbey said...

Love that finish line picture! This is maybe weird from a "stranger," but I'm really so proud of you! And so excited for you! Congratulations!!!

Also, you may have already shared it, but what training plan did you use? If there's an easy link to a post/website, I'd love to see it!

Mrs.Hammar said...

WAY TO GO LESLIE!!!! Congrats on finishing your first 1/2! Such a great accomplishment! :)

Emily said...

Congratulations!!

Kristin said...

congrats!!! it must have been such a thrill to finish! do you plan on doing any more halfs in the future?

Kristen said...

Congrats girl! That is definitely something worth celebrating! I've wanted to do one, but idk when.

Lexi said...

congrats! i've been wanting to run a half marathon for a while but have been hesitant! looks like a lot of fun!

Elle Hattan said...

Congratulations Hun! That is so amazing :)

Caitlin said...

You are AWESOME! Congratulations!! I ran my first 5K this weekend and was proud and look at you go half a marathon!!!

Tami said...

Congratulations!!! I just did my first half yesterday and I have to agree that the last few miles are TORTURE! I seriously thought it was never going to end. Great job girl!

Portuguese Prepster said...

wow congrats to you! such an awesome accomplishment. It really inspires me that you said you couldn't even run one on May because that's me! This inspires me that I can work my way up too!