I Ran a Race

I did it, guys! I did it! Saturday was my Quarter Marathon and I did it! 

When I registered for the race, I ambitiously gave myself an estimated finishing time of 1:10. I slacked on my training and only actually ran the full 6.5 miles once before running the race. I was also concerned because I had never run in a real race before and wasn't sure how I'd do in a huge mass of people. 

Rest assured, that not only did I do it. But I kicked its butt!

My RunKeeper app was a little off, because the marathon people told me I finished at 1:06:29. Either way, I'll take it.

I thought the race was pretty well organized and it really wasn't too bad to run in the huge mob of people. The worst part was when the three races: Half, Quarter and 5k, converged and I had people threatening to bowl me over on my left, and people walking and blocking my path to the right. At the finish line, I grabbed my medal, a water and a free bagel courtesy of Panera Bread and headed to the after-party. 

To be honest, I really wish I had been there with someone. (Chuck had to work that day and couldn't be there to cheer me on). The finish line party looked like so much fun: drinks, live music and tons of vendors. So, after I called Chuck and my family to boast about my victory, I drove home and promptly spent the rest of my Saturday curled up on the couch.

Overall, it was an awesome experience. There was music along the whole course and some great people on the sidelines holding signs and cheering everyone on. My personal favorite was the guy whose sign said, "You're the best at exercising!" I saw him twice throughout my run and cracked a smile both times.

I'm so fortunate that I work for an employer who sponsored me and am hoping they choose to do it again next year, because I'm totally in for Round 2!