Today’s half marathon was by far the best race I have ever ran, EVER! Let’s start from the beginning. Alarm went off at 6am (late for me)  I got dressed and started to prepare for the big race.

Here are a few fuels I always take on race day.

Recoverite, for after the race. It helps get all the proper nutrients into your body quickly so your legs don’t cramp up! I swear by this stuff.

A Hammer Gel, which I normally take ever 6-7 miles, but I didn’t end up using it.

Plus Heed. I put one scoop in my water bottle and drink it throughout my run. It helps keep me from getting any cramps and keeps me fully hydrated. I love Hammer products because they are natural!

I also always pack a POST RACE BAG. I have my warm up suit, flip flops, a towel, t-shirt, underwear and a sports bra. I HATE being cold after a race and sweat always does that to me.

An hour before the race I had a cup of Joe and a Bagel thin with PB and Nanner.

Hubby dropped me off at the finished line and then took off on his bike to be my number one FAN!

I have never worn this outfit for a race. I thought I would give my grey tank top and my favorite running skirt a break and try something new. Both the top and skirt are by Danskin, super comfy and cute!

I got to the race just in time before I knew it they were yelling…

On your marks…Get set…GO!!!!

The first couple miles were flat and beautiful. I loved running though the historic district and seeing all the Victorian Homes that I love so much! My body felt really good and I was staying a little under 8:00 min miles, right where I wanted to be. My goal was to run a 1:45, 8 min pace total.

Matt’s boss and wife Heather ran their first 1/2 marathon together, so fun!!! They did great!

And look who is the cutest pregnant lady ever Mrs. Danielle the BFF! She walked the 10k with her mom. Better watch out she might be on the cover of Pregnant and Fit!

At mile 5 we started the climbing. One thing that makes this course rather difficult is the incline. At mile 5 it starts to go up and doesn’t come down until around 8 and a half.

Before I knew it my Garmin said 8 1/2 miles!!! I was over half way there and was feeling really good. No physical pain and not tummy problems!! My feet were actually pretty comfortable too, thanks to my new socks from Marshall’s!

At mile 9 I knew I had a shot in getting into first place, so I thought if I was going to do it, now was the time. There were only 4 girls ahead of me and I could tell the hills were killing them. I knew the course very well, because I have done it for training runs several times. So if I could pick it up on the hills and use the down hill to my advantage, I knew I might have a chance at coming in as the first girl.

Wow, in this picture I look like an ANIMAL!!

Coming around the corner at mile 10 (my Garmin was off; it said mile 11). I thought I was at mile 11 and only had two more to go!!!

There is nothing like being confused in a race!

Went with what the course said and maintained my pace until I hit mile 12 then picked it up!

The last mile was brutal, but no pain no gain!!!  I had passed every girl and everyone was telling me “Your the first girl, go, go, go!” Hubby rode up next to me and told me that the girl behind me was about 20 seconds back. PRESSURE! I hate running against pressure, I don’t know how the Olympians do it!

I knew that I was too close to give up now. I had to keep up my speed and win! I turned up my music (SUPERCHIC{k}’s GIRL POWER) and went for it!

Run like a GIRL!!! When I saw the crowd and the finish line, I got all choked up and got the goose bumps. I was going to do it, I was going to win a half marathon…WOW!!!

I crossed that finish line standing tall (sadly no front picture everyone was in the way). It felt great to be done, but better to have WON!

Number one Women Finisher!! As you can see it was rather warm today,  but thank goodness I was prepared. Nothing like being a sweaty beast after a race 🙂

Split times:

Mile 1: 7:36
Mile 2: 7:27
Mile 3: 7:48
Mile 4: 7:46
Mile 5: 7:57
Mile 6: 7:54
Mile 7: 8:13 (HUGE HILL)
Mile 8: 6:28 (WOW)
Mile 9: 7:10
Mlle 10: 6:54
Mile 11: 6:49
Mile 12: 7:28
Mile 13.1: 7:32

Finishing time: 1:38:19 !!!! AMAZING! If I can do it, so can you!

All the track time has really paid off!!!

As soon as I was finished I filled up my water bottle with my Recoverite. I also grabbed some oranges to snack on. I was a little disappointed they didn’t have bananas.

We waited about an hour and a half until the Awards Ceremony. I just HAD to get up on that stage 🙂 I got two metals, one for being the overall winner and the other for coming first in my age group! I also one a $200 gift certificate to a local Jeweler :)  It felt great to be up there.

By the way the Spibelt is wonderful! I couldn’t even tell it was on me. It stayed tight to my body and didn’t move an inch. I need to add this to my shop!

After the race Hubby and I hit up Denny’s for a big breakfast! I ordered the Egg Burrito with Turkey Bacon and Avocado, plus hash browns 🙂 It tasted amazing of course.

Hubby being the sweet husband that he is, made me an appointment for an hour massage after breakfast. It felt so great, I fell asleep for most of it.

What a fantastic morning! Thank you to everyone that sent out encouragement, it really pushed me through the entire race. Knowing that you were all out there cheering me on!!!