I have always wanted to run a marathon and on Saturday, August 22nd I ran the Mesa Falls Half Marathon in Ashton, Idaho!
I can't tell you how amazing it feels! It feels amazing to accomplish something I've always wanted to do.
The race was amazing too. Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy but I honestly enjoyed it. I didn't expect to experience that emotion. I expected to be nervous and anxious and exhausted. Some of the reasons why I enjoyed it is because the scenery was so gorgeous, I ran well and was so happy with my time, and I loved the atmosphere of the race (people of all ages, shapes and sizes were running and regardless everyone was encouraging and cheering each other on.)
I ran it in 2 hours and 13 minutes. I was shooting for 2 and 1/2 but knew I could do better than that so 2:15 on the high hopeful scale. And I even did better than that! In my age group (25-29) I was 10th (out of 30.)
The course was really nice. The first 4 miles we ran on a forest trail right along a river, so gorgeous! Then mile 5 started some hills which were finished by mile 7 (they were just rolling hills after that.) People starting walking and dropping off at the hills. I powered right through them. I have been running hills all summer due to the location of our house so I felt well trained. I was passing people like crazy and that gave me lots of confidence. I won't lie it felt awesome to pass someone! I kept a steady pace after that. It got really hot though so I ran through every sprinkler I could at the water breaks.
When I was finished it was definitely a natural high. What a great experience! I can see how it can get addicting. I've got my next race planed for October 10th in Fruitland (its only 35 minutes away, can't pass that up!)
Pre-Race
Mile 6 (it was awesome to see Kurt mid-race cheering. I ran over and gave him a high five! ;)
Crossing the finish line 2 hours and 13 minutes later
New running friend I met - Jody Atkinson from Idaho Falls. We ran together the first 5 miles.
Elliot's sister, Laura (who ran a full - you're amazing!)
I need to give a HUGE shout out to my wonderful and amazing husband. He has been so incredibly supportive. Not only for the race but all summer long as I woke up in the dark to go run. He didn't complain and always helped me find time to run. I loved the look of pride and admiration when I finished the race. I loved that he was proud of me for accomplishing this. I know I couldn't have done this without his support and encouragement. Thank you for helping me accomplish my dreams, Kurt. I LOVE YOU!
The half was a test to see if I wanted to try a full. The answer is YES! I'm going to run it before my 30th birthday! Goal on.
To finish off the trip we did a session in the Rexburg temple with Traci and Elliot. It was our first time to see or be in the temple, so gorgeous! It was a perfect ending to our quick trip. (Big thanks to Cindy for watching the kids for us. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!)
8 comments:
HOORAY!!! I am proud of you. What marathon are you going to run, have you decided yet? I hope the fireside went well last night.
great job on the run Rachel. I'm so proud of you. my goal is to run a half marathon too. I can do without the full 26.2 though ;). Also, how fun it was to go to the rexburg temple. Crazy how much has changed there.
good for you!
Way to go! You rock!
Awesome time, Rachel! I love that you are sharing your goals here- it motivates me to write down my own goals :)
YOU'RE THE BOMB!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!
I don't know why (well maybe it's being 7 months pregnant) but this makes me cry. You are such an inspiration to me! Learning to play the violin, running half marathons, having an adorable family. You're all things I want to be! I can't wait to start training for a half marathon too but I'll be lucky if I get my half in before I turn 30. Good work and keep up the amazing-ness!
Go Rachel! What a great job! You're amazing! And cute too!
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