Finish Line

I completed my first 1/2 marathon! Who knew 13.1 miles could be so fun?! There I am just after 'the hill' (which in my opinion was not hard at all). It was the perfect weather for running, mid 40s, overcast and a very light breeze. The weather, the amazing crowd in Lincoln that comes out to cheer for 10,000 runners at 7 am, and my many supporters (preschool students, parents, friends, wonderful husband) helped me to run my best long run pace yet!

I completed the marathon in 2 hours, 14 minutes and 20 seconds. That's an average pace of 10:16 min/mile, about 30 seconds better than my 13 mile long run during training. I was super nervous that my IT band pain was going to cause me to have to walk due to horrible knee pain, but alas I ran the whole thing and beat my 2 1/2 hour goal! Can you tell I am super pumped about it! :)

 

Here I am after the race, with my finisher medal. :) I was very cold once I crossed the finish line in Memorial Stadium to receive this lovely medal. And walking was a major challenge! If it weren't for the blisters on my feet I would have kept running, it hurt that bad! I must say, I have MAJOR RESPECT for those individuals that do full marathons! 26.2 miles, wow!!! I am hooked though. I think I might do a half marathon this September and I plan to run the half marathon again next year. :)

 

And here is a snap shot of a wrapped up, finished quilt for a shower that was at the end of April. This quilt was finished in time for baby Gabe's shower, unlike the quilt I am working on right now. I had to make a few small gifts for mom-to-be Jess and her baby girl to present at her baby shower yesterday. I promise my next blog post will be photos of a quilt. Perhaps the one wrapped up above. :)