I ran a half marathon today

_Amy_Budd

I ran a half marathon today. The whole thing. I've only ever completed a 10K race before, and I only got up to 7 miles in my training for this event before the summer heat and life's happy distractions derailed my training schedule. So I was definitely not conditioned for this, but I decided to participate and do my best, and probably walk a good deal of it.

At the start, I thought I'd run the first 5K or so, and then switch to run/walk intervals. Once I finished that distance, I decided to go a little further and shoot for 5 miles running. Then half the race. Then I thought I'd aim to best my previous longest run of 7 miles. Then I figured it would be awesome if I could run 10 miles. And then... I just decided that I was going for the whole damn thing.

My knee started to ache a bit around mile 5, and by mile 10 it was truly painful. But by then I was too close to give up, so I used the long-sleeved underarmour shirt that was tied around my waist as a knee brace, tied around my leg at the knee for some makeshift Macgyver'd support. And through sheer will and determination, I gritted my teeth and kept going, ignoring the pain as best as I could, and counting off the remaining miles.

When I came around the last curve and saw the finish line, I was surprised by how emotional I became. I started crying, and that's how the photographer snapped my image as I crossed the line - arms raised in triumph, my shirt wrapped around my knee, and tears on my cheeks. As soon as I'm able to order the photo, I'll post it here.

13.1 miles. Wow.

I guess I really *can* do anything I set my mind to.

schmenge55

Congratulations!! What a great accomplishment for you!!

ChasingKatie

Congrats! Way to push through!

SueGremlin

Wow. If any story is inspirational, yours is.

YOU. ARE. AWESOME!

Thank you for sharing this and please do post that photo. I bet it's amazing.

This is the kind of thing that I read when I joined and it made me feel like I was able to get my body back. If it weren't for this sort of story, I wouldn't have. So I thank you!

aj11016

You are just AMAZING!!!!!

mpmama2re

that is great! so happy for you!!

Gwooh

Thinking about doing one in April...its been a few months since I have put shoes on! lol.

brittnymorrison

Great job!!!!! Remember your success when your having rough days, we tend to remember all the bad stuff we do so make sure you log that good feeling and keep it for rainy days.

lorettaasmith

I get emotional just reading about it! Way to go! What determination! You *can* do anything you put your mind to....

TropicalFlowerz

,....good 4 uuuu!!!!,u must be sooo happy!!!!

awilmeri

So so awesome!