Running My First Half Marathon!

Last weekend, I ran my very first half marathon! It felt great! I've never thought of myself as a runner. When I started running two years ago, I could not make it to the end of our street. Little by little, I've added distance and speed. I'm still slow, but I truly love running. It's been good for me.

During the Charlotte Half Marathon,  I learned...

When you run a race in cold weather, runners will start peeling clothes off as they get warm. The guy in front of me started the race in many, many layers and gradually stripped down to his running shorts and shoes by mile 5.

You may be so amused by the stripping guy in front of you, that you trip over an orange traffic cone in the middle of the road.

But don't worry...you can still suddenly jump 10 feet over a dead squirrel in your path. Barely missed that one!

Runners around you will continue to mention how 30 degree weather is just perfect for a half marathon.

Spectators will come out of their cozy homes to cheer you on. We were greeted by dogs dressed as princesses, serenaded by trumpeters, and entertained by circus folk!

The silver paper blanket the volunteers give you as you cross the finish line may seem like a fashion faux pas, but trust me...you will be thankful for it's warmth!

When you see your smiling family at the finish line, the 13.1 miles you just ran become unimportant. All you want to do is get out of the crowd and hug the ones you love most in this world.

And finally, It's good to remember which parking garage you parked in at 6:45 in the morning. :)

Are any of you runners? I would love to hear about your races!