Running a marathon is something that I have wanted to do for a LONG time. The end of last summer my friend Lisa, who I've known since 8th grade, asked me if I would be up for the challenge with her. Freak yeah! So we started our official training in January and 16 weeks, and some ups and downs later was race day. We decided to run The Avenue of the Giants Marathon outside of Eureka, California. It was close enough to home to drive and small enough of a race to make it a great first experience. The race is along an old highway through the redwood forest. Beautiful! As far as the race itself went, I loved it. The first half I was running off adrenaline. I was having so much fun. It makes me think that I could really get into half marathons. The second half seemed a bit longer to me, but it was still so fun. I ended up finishing in a blistering 5 hours and 15 mins. Not really fast at all, but I did it. I was right about the middle of the pack when all was said and done which I felt good about for my first effort. All in all, I am so happy with the experience and I look forward to doing it all again some time. I'm not sure when that next one will be but I plan on running other smaller races like 10K's and half marathons as often as I can. I am so thankful to by good buddy Lisa for getting this whole thing started. Our chats during the Saturday morning long runs will be greatly missed!
8 comments:
Great pics! I think it's so awesome that you were able to do this. I'll run a 1/2 marathon with you! Let's pick a race!
yay finally some pictures!
jess that is soooo awesome! what an accomplishment. i'd like to say i want to run a marathon one day, but when i heard you lose toe nails n stuff, i might be a little less inclined (hello i LOVE peds). but way to go! it keeps me motivated to hear others running!
Rae, I too and heard about the loosing toe nail thing but that did not happen to me or my friend Lisa. It is all about the right shoes. So don't let that stop you:)
You lose toenails? What?! I never heard that. Although I can see why. Way to go! I could never do that, I'm definitely not a runner.
Bryan- So do we have to see those movies in order to vote on them? I'm totally excited for one coming out in December! Yahoo!
SO COOL! I so badly want to run a marathon. My hubby and my dad has even run them! Thanks for the inspiration Jess!
Wow - I am sooooooooo impressed - I think a mini traithlong would be awesome, mostly because I culd bike and swim way easier than run anything over a mile - I hate to run. It is pretty amazing, and i'm super proud of you for accomplishing your goal. You go girl.
Karee
Hi Jess! Nice post and pics, you summed up the experience very well. I miss the Saturday am runs too!! Lisa
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