It was so awesome! I’m surprised at how well I did actually. I keep thinking how a few short months ago a 5K was tough for me- and now I completed a 13.1 mile race. For anyone thinking of running or dabbling in smaller races, please take a look at my running history. You’ll quickly notice that if I can do this, you definitely can, too!
800 runners.. 10 toilets. We had quite the line!
Since David’s dad was running with me, we chatted at the starting line with tips and words of encouragement. And… we were off!
The first 10 minutes of the race was the BEST. A huge group of all different people running through the city to start off 13.1 miles. I had trained for this. I was so ready to take on this challenge. The biggest smile was plastered over my face!
The course went over two big bridges on the way out and we covered the same two bridges on the way back. From the start the race director warned people to not attempt a PR with this tough course, so my running definitely had its inconsitencies.
From the website:
“These courses just might be the most scenic races in Florida, as well as the
most challenging, with demanding ascents over our fixed bridges.”
Here’s an older picture of the smaller bridge
Here is some info and pictures from the course. Unfortunately, it doesn’t show the two huge bridges! But it was beautiful. You’re running along beaches and there was water in sight throughout most of it. My favorite was going over that first bridge and looking over Clearwater at sunsrise!
I normally run 3 minutes on, 1 minute off. With the adrenaline of this race I was running 6-10 minutes on, 30 seconds off! Between people on the sides to the wonderful (and comical) other runners, I felt fueled by sources outside me.
Just got to the top of the first bridge!
David’s dad Steve running about 30 minutes ahead of me
I did it. I set a crazy goal and made it! Really, though, it was much more than “made it”. If you would’ve told me 6 months ago I would run a half marathon, I would’ve never taken you seriously. I couldn’t even run 2 miles!! Now I successfully conquered 13.1 miles. I feel so good!
Here’s to this “almost-runner” joining the ranks of real “runner“! Now I’m looking for my next half!!
I finished 2:46:43 (a 12:43 pace), which isn’t too bad considering most of the course was hills and bridges. Good starting number to beat next time!
Thank you to everyone for your support. Really, your words replay in my mind and push me to go farther. They’re not just silly comments- you guys meant so much to me accomplishing this.
To celebrate today we headed out to my new favorite restaurant in Ybor City, Acropolis, and then to see Defiance!
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I’m a little alte on this but CONGRATS on finishing the race! I also saw that you are running the Gasparilla half as well! Caitlin and I are running it and we should meet up in Tampa that weekend! I think Ryan for chasing Daylight its runnign the 5k as well
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