It is still a little hard for me to believe that I completed my FIRST HALF MARATHON! Just 5 1/2 short months ago I had never run more than a mile before in my life...seriously...and today I ran 13.1!
Yes, it may have taken me longer than a lot of people, but I did it!...and I didn't come in last...so I am happy with that. It took me about 2:40--that's a rough estimate because in all the excitement I forgot to look at the clock when I crossed the line, and then I forgot to turn my stopwatch off until after I got through the secure zone, but I am pretty sure it was close to 2:40 (official times will come in soon and I will let you know).
As far as my fundraising, I ended up raising $2,500! My minimum with Team in Training was $1,700, my initial personal goal was $2,000. I reached my initial goal with a little over a month remaining before the race so I set a second goal of $2,500, which I met exactly!
The Rocky Mountain Chapter of Team in Training raised $216,000 (almost a quarter of $1 million--and donations are still coming in) all in support of finding a cure for bone and blood cancers as well as supporting patient services.
I seriously cannot thank everyone who supported me through this journey enough!
To all of my wonderful and generous sponsors/donors, this would not have been possible without you. You have no idea how many people's lives you and your generosity have and will affect, and how many lives will be prolonged because of your support.
To all of my friends on facebook who commented on my run updates, liked a status, etc. you provided me with more inspiration and motivation than you probably realize. Many of you I haven't talked to or seen in years, and it was so nice to see your encouraging thoughts after each training session! :]
To all of my teammates and coaches who I have trained with, thank you for your constant motivation while running as well as sharing your stories, mission moments, and reasons for commitment to the cause---especially Laurie! Laurie, thank you SO MUCH for your support all season, it has meant so much to me!
To my weekly running buddy, Michelle, thank you for making me get my butt out of bed bright and early to run (even if it was still dark out and we were running by moonlight lol)...and for meeting me at the finish line today!
To Moma, who flew to Denver from Alabama to watch me run...and cooked healthy, delicious things for me all week...and met me at the finish line with a hug and a smile, muchos gracias!! I love you! :]
This was truly a life changing experience, and if you are reading this thinking "I could never run a half/full marathon," you can! Because if can do it after never having run before in my life, then you can too!
As promised in my fundraising letter, since I reached my fundraising goal before race day, I will be cutting my hair this week for
Locks of Love! It's going to be SHORT...eek!! Pictures to come!
So what now? Well, I will definitely be running another half! Possibly either the Vegas Rock 'n' Roll half in December or the Disney Princess half in February! We shall see!
Thanks again!
Go Team!
