After over a year of running 5K races, I ran my first half marathon this past Saturday, May 2, 2015. I’m not sure why I jumped from a 5K to a half marathon, but it was the first ever half marathon in our hometown, and I really wanted to be part of it. Running the ‘Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon’ was an absolutely amazing time. I ran it with a close friend of mine, and we had a ball.
The route was absolutely breathtaking, starting and finishing in downtown Waynesville, NC, but winding up and down the Blue Ridge mountains in the middle. We were determined to run the entire 13.1 miles so we could say, “We ran a half marathon,” and we did it! We honestly still can’t believe we did. Crossing that finish line was such a fantastic feeling. Anyone who has ran one knows what I mean.
My husband and two boys were at the finish line. Seeing their faces was awesome. They barely made it because I told my husband it would take me much longer than it actually did so he had taken the boys out to breakfast and literally got to the finish line five minutes before my friend and I crossed. But they made it and I’m so happy they did. It made the day even more special to have them be a part of it. It was truly a day I will remember forever.
My Time: 2 hours 23 min
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