Ran my 1st Half-Marathon this weekend

[Virg]

So, after 6 months of sweating, preparing, & running… I accomplished the goal I set for myself!! I FINISHED MY FIRST HALF MARATHON!!!

 

AND I DID IT IN LESS THAN 3 HOURS. For anyone that run long distances, I know that is quite slow, many would say I probably walked most of it… to that I say, I only walked about 1/3 of it (due to a horrible side stitch).

 

It was part of the Ottawa Race weekend, along with 34 000 other runners, 9000 of which were running the half with me. I ran the 21.2 km (13.1 miles) course that took me between the beautiful province of Quebec and Ontario.

I was fortunate enough to have a great running buddy tag along for the ride. He had previously completed another half marathon in 1hr45. So to him, this run must have been turtle speed. Nonetheless he stayed with me the entire way, through my walking, complaining, moaning, and dare I say it, B*tching!!! But we had a great time – at least I did! He was a great companion, we talked the entire way!

 

The weather was phenomenal a gorgeous 23C outside with a nice wind. The course took us over 2 bridges and some wonderful scenery; past the Canadian Parliament buildings, the Supreme Court of Canada, the fabulous Rideau Canal, the museum of civilizations, National Gallery of Canada. The tulips and lilacs were also in full bloom, so we didn’t even notice that we smelled like B.O.!

 

The finish line came eventually, and I told my buddy to sprint ahead and he took off like a hornet!! We finished with 30seconds apart.

 

I had originally ran the course 2 weeks ago and it took 3hr and 6 minutes. So I was hoping for a sub-3 hour finish. I DID IT IN 2HR54!!!! My medal looks amazing on my wall! And I am definitely looking forward to my next one!!

 

It was a wonderful run!! The type that make you want to encourage everyone to get out there and try the sport!!

 

So set your goal & GET 'ER DONE!!

[Karen]

Congrats! That's awesome. I did a half marathon 4 years ago. It's an amazing feeling when you cross that finish line isn't it? Hope you partied after! Good Job again!!

[azhuskergirl]

That's not slow in my opinion. I can't do that. I'm very proud of you! Congrats!!!!!!

 

[TammyB]

I'm the worst runner known to man. :-) Congrats on your first marathon, you should be VERY proud of yourself.

[Ana]

Congratulations! That's so great! I ran my first 1/2 about 3 weeks ago too, and I loved it so much that I signed up for the full Toronto Marathon in Oct. Its a super amazing feeling!

[ErinB]

Congrats!

 

My goal was to do a half marathon before the wedding, but just couldn't stick to my training schedule.

 

Congrats again on your accomplishment. I konw how hard it is!

[Saraha]

OMG Im so happy for you, I was training for a half marathon and ended up hurting me knee... But I definetly know how tough that is, you should be so proud of yourself for doing that, its a huge accomplishment!

[alex]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been to Ottawa & I just imagined the scenery in my head & that must have helped carry you through the run!! You should be so proud of yourself!!!!!!!

[kellywinter1]

Congrats that is awesome!

[Jen_S]

Congrats that is fab!