My first big race!

I am excited to tell everyone that I ran the G'town half marathon this past Sunday! I can't begin to tell you how sore I am. I think I pushed it a little too hard. This race was unbelievable. The weather was perfect for running and I had a big support group come out to watch and cheer me on. Now I realize how important it is to have people you know at races to help you along the way. These cheers gave me a burst of energy everytime I heard them! The ironic thing is that my wife was late! I told her that my goal was 2 hrs and so when I crossed the finish line at 1:52, she wasn't there yet. Oh well, that is Michelle for ya. I want to say thank you to Hal, JP, Anne Marie, the Snake, my Dad and Mom, and the Squatting Bear for supporting me during the race! Patrick, I can't believe you asked me you run the trails with you about 5 months ago for the first time and on Sunday I ran 13 miles! You have created a monster.
I started off very nervous and it helped tremendously to see Anne Marie and Patrick before the race! I was so nervous that I had to take a slam just before the race for the 2nd time! The line was so long, I didn't think I was going to make it. People moved quick and I got in and out quick enough to get to the starting line. I would have liked to stretch more but oh well. For the first two miles, I didn't feel all that great. My muscle to the left of my shin bone on my left leg was throbbing for some reason. Luckily, it went away at about mile 3. I found a girl that was going along at a good pace and stayed behind her for 4 miles until she got a cramp and had to pull to the side. This is never good to see in a race, it makes your mind start getting negative thoughts. Luckily, three guys from the Thunder racing team ran up at a good pace so I stayed with them for the next 4 miles. The next thing I knew, I was at mile 7 and needed a boost. Perfect timing. Anne Marie, Patrick, and the Snake were across the street yelling for me and I turned it on from then on. My last 2 miles were scarry because my left calf was starting to twinge and I was worried that I might cramp up. Then I saw my parents and knew that a little cramp couldn't stop me. I got that out of my head and turned the Ipod up and finished strong to the awaiting group of friends. I even blew kisses to the crowd to put the icing on the cake. Awesome race, awesome day!
I am also very excited to announce that my running buddies, Poole and Drew, finished the race in 1:38 and 1:33 respectively. I could be off a little on their times but I think that is what they told me. Do something!

See you all on the trails!