1/2 Marathon, Fully Happy!

1/2 Marathon, Fully Happy!
Sunday, August 19, 2007 was the day I strapped on my shoes along with the electronic running chip. So did about a thousand other people. Here I was, in Anchorage, ready to run the 13.1 mile Humpy’s Half-Marathon and not really knowing what to expect. When it comes to athletics, I believe routine is quite necessary. Every morning, I drink coffee and read through my Bible (trying to read the whole book by March). In order to preserve that habit, I found myself at Wal-Mart, drinking McDonalds coffee and thereafter, went to the book section and found a Bible reading a couple of chapters in the aisle. Determined to keep my usual daily activities somehow helped me believe that the run would go well that day. At the starting line, I was fully pleased to meet fellow people from the Bering Straits region: Roy Agloinga (wow did he kick tail!), Katie (formerly Morris) Peterson, and Marta Thrasher. “GO!” I heard and the crowd of people began inching forward and like rain, the sound of feet pattering the pavement sounded like soft rain. Normally, I run alone, with the exception of Kemper or Jason. The crowd, along with the excitement, allowed my pace quicker than normal. By mile 4, I had to slow to a more comfortable cruising speed. As people passed, I enjoyed the different tastes in running clothes and forms, including the senior citizens that breezed by me! By mile 9, my focus was to keep a lady with a purple tang top within view, she seemed to have a steady pace. As I was reaching for a cup of Gatorade, the volunteer turned and our coordination mismatched. Grudgingly, but with a smile, I stopped and turned to get the cup, bottoms up and off I was to find that even pace again. Whoops, lost the lady with the purple tang top. By mile 11, my right Achilles tendon began to ache. Mile 12, wow, one more mile, after all, running is just one foot in front of the other! At mile 13, I despised the fact that the 1/2 marathon was 13.1 miles. At this point, the thoughts that normally motivated me weren’t working. Alas, the final turn and I could see the finish line. Surprisingly, a couple of people recognized me and cheered me on. Once I crossed, all I remember is eating fruit provided and believing that was the best tasting food I have ever put into my mouth. Today, as I ride on the jet back to Nome and stretch my legs, a friendly sore reminder in my quads helps me remember the great achievement I felt yesterday. Another thought, what 1/2 marathon is next?? (time was 2.09.36)