My First (and NOT Last) Half- Marathon

My fitness routine & diet have changed GREATLY since I began seriously exercising in 2007. 

I typically run 3 days a week. This really became the case when my friend Amanda convinced me to sign up for a half-marathon in Austin in February. I would run short distances (~3.1 miles) Tuesday & Thursday mornings and Saturdays became my long run mornings. I added one mile per week and got up to 11 miles before take it easy the Saturday before the race. 

Oh my lord... that was the most fun running experience! If you like to run, I encourage you to try the Live Strong Austin Half Marathon (or Full Marathon!) There was a band along almost every mile & hundreds of people cheering along the route. I only walked when I would drink water to take my Gu gel & at this HUGE hill around mile 12. 

WHEE!!

I think my pace was about 11:45/ mile!! I'll have to check my MapMyRun app, but I know it was right under 12. I remember our hotel was about 2 miles away (my mom & sister were there to cheer me on!) and with traffic so crazy, we couldn't get a cab or the hotel shuttle to come get us. So, here I am, dead tired having to walk an additional 2 miles after running 13.1! I think it actually helped; I wasn't too sore the next couple days. The best part after was EATING. In the car on the way home, I pigged out on pizza, funyuns & starbursts. Fuck any diet, this bitch was STARVING.