13.1

13.1 miles. A goal that once seemed ridiculous, now accomplished. I completed my first half marathon today. Not only did I finish, but I finished well. 13.1 miles in one hour and fifty seven minutes. Out of 800 some runners I placed 232. I was tenth for women in my age division. 59 out of all of the hundreds of women who participated. Hell yeah.

I cannot explain how good it felt, how good I feel. I set a goal, I pushed my self, I succeeded. I have never experienced anything so empowering. I feel stronger than I have in my life.

The run was nothing to write home about. A flat course through an east bay suburb. There were no cheering crowds, no bands, no fan-fair, but it didn't matter, I was there, with other runners pushing myself and that is all the motivation that I needed.

It really wasn't all that difficult, in fact the 11.26 miles I ran solo a few weeks ago was far more challenging. During the race I was part of something, I was encouraged by those around me and those who would greet me at the finish line.

As I reached mile 12, runners started to pass me, I realized they were sprinting to place earlier, so I picked up my pace too. When I saw the clock was a few minutes under two I found my reserves and pushed harder, a smile on my face, as I saw my husband and children cheering me on. I crossed that finish line and was handed the first metal of my life. I got high-fives and hugs from my family, who got up at sunrise just to support me. The pride I felt in myself, the love I felt from my family made this one of the bests moments of my life.

My mother texted me this morning and said, "never say never." A mother's wisdom. I now know I can do what I set my mind to. And damn straight, I am doing it again!