Over the weekend I completed my first (running) Half Marathon. I have walked two in Columbus with my family but this is the first time I have run one. It was a great experience and yes, I have already signed up for next year! I have to thank Mat for all of his support. He was there with me step by step and was really so supportive. And a big thank you to my family who were super supportive. And also to my friends who made these fabulous signs, were there to support me, and sent me lots of encouraging words!
This is a video from the start line. And here is my race report
I had everything ready for my race but got to bed about an hour after I wanted to. Milo got up once and Mat tended to him. I set 3 alarms for fear that I wouldn't hear one. I got up and ready to go. Didn't forget anything. No traffic. Parked and met my friend Jackie. We walked to the gear check, got in line for the bathrooms and waited and waited and waited forever.
Seriously, 5 mins before the race started we had finally peed and headed up to the start. There was no way I was walking all the way back to my "corral" to put me where my start was supposed to be. So we just joined in with everyone else and started along with who ever. I quickly lost Jackie which was okay cause she was going to take it nice and steady. 
I had ipod problems from the beginning. I don't have the right arm band to go with my ipod and so I can't see or play with my music much. Annoying. Then it kept flipping to it's side when I wanted to adjust the volume. Annoying. So I ended up taking the armband off and just hold the ipod which was fine. I stuck the armband down my pants and kept going. I just thought that if I saw Mat, I would give it to him. So I am running along (I had run miles 1-10 on my last long run which I am so glad I did) and I saw Mat, M&M and my friends Katie & Mike & Meagan. I ran over to them, gave hugs and kisses (and my armband) and kept going. Just a few feet later I saw my ladies, Jess, Alicia, Amy and Amanda. I had no idea they were coming. They had great signs for me and were cheering all ridiculous! I was crying and ran up and gave them all hugs. I was all choked up and couldn't breath for about a half a mile but then I calmed down. 
So I was doing great. Kind freaked out when they ran out of GU at mile 7. But then I found one that hadn't been opened and gobbled that down. So going along, felt fine. Looking forward to seeing everyone again at mile 9/10 which I did. They were all freaking out and it was so fun. I turned the corner at mile 10 and thought I was going to die. The whole race if very hilly but nothing I didn't know about but I turned that corner and: Uphill. Seriously, I had been practicing on hills but good lord, the last 3 miles felt like a uphill climb the entire time. BOO! The last 2 miles and last mile were the worst.
I came in 2 mins later than I wanted to but I just felt like I couldn't go any faster. My legs/hips were not helping me. That last stretch (about a half mile), I was just running to the choruses of songs and walking during the verses. UGH! But those 2 mins might haunt me. I am totally singed up for next year. Anyone want to do it with me?