The La Port by the Bay Half Marathon – I did it!! It’s
official I finished my second half marathon and I somehow survived! The bridge
series as a whole was a great experience – it was different, it was a
challenge, it was steep, it was hot, it was cold and it was rainy! Would I do
it again? Somehow I think I might :)
Leading up to the day of “the race” we prepared for the
worst weather, the day before the lows were in the 40’s and we knew there was a
chance for rain – I can deal with cold weather running and I can deal with
running in the rain – I just wasn’t sure If I was ready to deal with both at
the same time!! Thankfully we woke up and the temps were in the low 60’s with
the chance of rain – I can deal with that. We got to the start early and
hung around looking out over the bay, it was nice and peaceful. Reflecting on
the series as a whole and what’s happen over the past three months, I can tell
you that I couldn’t have asked for a better group of gals to run with :)
The start: opening ceremonies are always nice I am thankful
that we live in a country/state/city and are part of something were singing the
National Anthem and saying a prayer before we go out is always the norm. The
night before in La Port there was a tragic accident were lives were lost and we
had the opportunity to hold a moment of silence in honor of them. I love
that I am a part of something that is bigger than little ole’ me – I love being
a runner.
Mile 1 & 2 – Easy, a little humid but the
temperature felt just right and I started off strong. In all the other bridge
runs by mile 2 we were getting to the bridge… Mile 2, no bridge. For the first
time I didn’t look over course map like a crazy person, I guess I should have!
Being that this was an out and back route, I was kept guessing the first few
miles!
Mile 3 & 4 – mile 3 was deceiving I could see the bridge
in the distance I thought for sure we were headed right for it…until everyone
started turning!! Ahhhh! Where are we going now? **okay here is a small disclaimer for what I am about to write – I am a
girl and I have catty like feelings
from time to time… just saying** in mile two I noticed a girl that was running
ahead of me – she was fit and trim and pretty, she was running with her long
flowing hair down, running tights, cute shoes and sports bra. Ahem. By mile
three she would pull off to the side hold her side, gasp for breath and then
take off running past me (us) and then pull off to the side again. She started
pulling her hair up in a ponytail and a guy that was running with her making
sure she was alright. Then she would take off full speed ahead passing me
again. In mile four I passed her as she pulled over again to fix her hair and
saw her again at the finish as hse crossed abobut 20 minutes after I finished. Somehow the
girlie in me felt as though all is right in the world- I train to run most people
see me and can’t believe that I can run 13.1 miles oh but I can and I will. The
rest of mile four had an extra pep in my step even when we came to the feeder
road that went down (underpass) and back up before we even got on the bridge!
Mile 5 & 6- Up and adam runners finally we are moving up
in the run. By now I found my pack, the girls that were around me would end up
keeping me on track the rest of the way. Around this time two things happened –the
mega runners were now headed back to the finish and running past us down the
bridge and this guy went flying past us pushing a jogging stroller. Yes he did.
I was in the middle of two girls at the time, one pulled her head phones out
and dropped her jaw. “I don’t know how I feel about that” she said – the other
said “ Where is my dad when I need him?!” me “ Best stroller ride ever!” – then it
started raining. You can read his story here. ((Awesome))
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| All Smiles! |
Mile 7 & 8 – Heading down the bridge there was a cold
breeze and more rain but it was downhill and I got to see Alma headed back to
the finish! HIGH FIVE! Whoop-Whoop!! In
mile eight there was a water station and I got a chance to see Jim Abney and
Dustin Abney! A quick hug and I was at the turning point of the race then I saw
Guada!! Another Whoop-Whoop!! Right at the end of mile 8 I saw Clari!
High-Five! AHHHHHH!! Keep going!!! – I knew
I was headed straight for the uphill climb again but after seeing my peeps I was
ready for it! I love knowing I am not alone out there <3 o:p="">
Mile 9 & 10- Straight up we go, this bridge was tough,
there was a gradual climb and then it just boom has a steep climb, at this
point I give a shout out to my girls at the gym (Fit4Her) the muscle here was
not running muscle it was from the squats and lunges I do indoors and off the
track. I started power walking for the steepest part and I was booking it – it felt
like lunges straight up! It got me to the top and again downhill we go baby!
Mile 11 & 12- Off the bridge and my pack was right there
within just a few strides and in my head I know one thing – less than 3 miles
to go. I knock out more than that three times a week every week. It’s time to
wrap this thing up.
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| We did it!! |
Mile 13.1 – I came up to one of the girls that had been with
me the whole time, she was walking – Me: “Come on!! We are almost there!!” Her:
“I’m coming, I’ll be right behind you” Me: “Yeah you will -COME ON!!” A few minutes went by and I slowed to a fast
walk I told myself just catch my breath and run it till the end and there she
was next to me. HER: “We are almost there!!” I nodded…took a breath ME: “Are
you ready?” Her: “Let’s do it” – and we did. Highfives, hugs, medals, and a big
thank you to her for pushing me and a thank you from her for doing the same. Have
I ever told you I heart runners?? Because I do, we know one thing – the struggle
is real but worth every step.
Four of us ran the race that day, if you ask each one of us
to recap for you, you would hear four different stories – Alma had a great run
finished in record time beating her previous ½. Guada felt this one was a tough
one on the second time up she wanted to throw in the towel (the beer at the end
always makes it up to her though!!). Clari had it toughest of all, hurting her
knee towards the end of the run, she is recovering now and awaiting the green
light from the Dr. so she can do her 3rd half in December. Bottom
line – we love the run.
26.2 – we have our eyes on you… coming soon! LOL!!!!!
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