Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon

I'd trained hard and June 25th rolled around before I knew it, but I was ready.  I flew in late Thursday night.  Friday morning I headed to the expo and saw George walking down the street on his way there.  We went to the expo together and I met many wonderful people associated with the Competitor group, PF Changs, and DetermiNation.  After the expo we did some site seeing, including Pike's Place, the 1st Starbucks, and the Hard Rock Cafe.  I then met an old friend who lives in Seattle for dinner; and called it an early night.  Race morning I found George at the start line and we chatted as we prepared.  A photographer snapped a few pictures of us, later viewing those pictures I realized just how much my training was showing.

We parted ways and headed to our corrals, wishing each other luck.  As the race began I felt good.  I had opted to use my iPod on this race though I hadn't used it for the last few.  As I took in the sites and knocked off the miles I couldn't help but notice how strong I felt.  I even hammed it up a bit for a photographer at the 5K point.

I was a little worried I wouldn't PR, but I suddenly began to realize I could finish in 2:12.  I noticed was overwhelmed as I ran through the memorial for the Wear Blue: Run to Remember group and slowed a bit, but quickly reminded myself of my goal and continued to push forward despite being choked up.  As I ticked off the miles feeling strong I realized just how great I was doing...I burned through 13.1 miles in 2:03:42!!

I headed home and began preparing my workout plan and updating my binder to get me through another 10 weeks!  Next goal race - VA Beach Rock N Roll, next training races - Mad Half (Vermont), Providence Rock N Roll (Rhode Island), and Chicago Rock N Roll (Illinois)...I also added a few more races to my 50 states spread sheet and booked a hotel for the Maui Oceanfront Half in January.  With my current schedule I will have 19 states completed at the end of 2011.  I'm addicted!  If you'd like to follow my training, races, and 50 states progress, stay tuned!  You'll also get my input on the places I travel for the races.  And who knows, maybe you'll find the motivation to lace up or pick up some weights yourself.  You don't have to go crazy to enjoy a good run; and supporting charitable organizations through running will make an impact on you!  You can't run to raise funds and awareness for cancer, spinal injury, the American Heart Association, or many other causes without being touched in some way.