I Did It!!

I completed a dream of mine three weeks ago--I ran in my first half marathon! I've always been a bit intrigued by runners. Their endurance, strength and perseverance has been inspiring to me. In junior high and high school I enjoyed running in track, but I never considered myself a "runner". In elementary school, I remember running races at recess and competing against the boys in sprinting competitions in the field. I almost always won. I was nick named by my father, "long legs", which always struck me as "odd" and "embarrassing"...but it is true...I was one of the taller students in class and I do have long legs.

Anyway, I started training for this half marathon in January. I ran my first 8k with a dear friend of mine, Kara, in The Shamrock Run in downtown Portland, benefitting Doernbecher Children's Hospital back in March. I finished my first half marathon on May 30th. I ran with my sister in law, Karen. I was so thankful for her encouragement to me during the race. It was grueling toward the end, especially the last three miles. My left knee was giving me some real pain, but I pushed through and was able to finish. The sense of accomplishment was surreal as I crossed the finish line, and they called out "Heidi Thomas of Wood Village, Oregon"...it was *seriously* cool. I was amazed at how many people do run marathons--this race in particular was in Couer D' Alene, Idaho. (I still don't know if I spelled that right...) Oh, and in case you were wondering, a half marathon is 13.1 miles. Yep, that's a long way! ;) I actually find myself tracking 13 miles on my tripometer when I'm driving, and it's amazing how long of a distance that really is.

My family made signs, wore t-shirts and cheered for us as we ran past at miles 1, 2, and 5. It was a vacation to remember, and one I won't be forgetting anytime soon.