Half Marathon completed & Life

Yes it's really true I finally did it! Oct. 5 I ran the Harvest Half in Calgary going 21.1km (13.1 miles) and did it in a time of 2:55:15. I came in under my 3hr time goal and so happy that it's finally done and this major accomplishment under my belt. I ran my best first half of the race feeling and running really great... I just wished I could have kept up the pace for the whole race as I would have gotten a wicked time. Knowing what I know now I know what I can improve on for the next time I run one. I am for sure doing this one again as the scenery was so fantastic that you forgot you were in a race at times. My asthma was great along the whole race and I only used my  inhaler once during the whole time. The weather was a perfect cooler fall day so my lungs were feeling strong and I was able to keep breathing deeper like I've been training to do instead of the usual shallow breathing I had a tendency to do at times. I ran taller and stronger too and that helped as well. I have to admit it was one of the tougher things I have done to date as I had pain in places pop up and over coming my brain wanting to give up because it got tough at times but I kept pushing thru it the best I could and wasn't about to stop until I crossed that finished line to see my son and parents waiting to cheer me on.

I have also started to tackle my fear of heights by going indoor rock climbing in Canmore over Thanksgiving weekend with new friends and had a blast. It was cool seeing how high I could get but also all this training and seeing how I can talk myself into things easier then I used to be able to. No negative self talk or my brain forcing me to give up. I also had amazing support along the way which helped immensely. Not used to having such a supportive partner to encourage me along the way. Yes I met a really great guy and we have so much in common. He wants me to try the Spartan races as he completed all three this year and seeing those pictures made me really want to give it a try and give me something more to train for. I also want to complete the Triathlon in Banff next year as I wasn't able to try it out this summer due to the flood and life getting in the way of training. I am completing the Mud Hero again with my group and seeing if I can beat my previous time now I know the ski hill is and know I need to train for hills better then I did before. Lots of race goals but the main thing in life I am learning is to trust the process, take each day as it comes and try to enjoy the ride along way even over the bumps and highs. I have an amazing support system that has helped me out along this transition that I am truly grateful for and for the new guy in my life for taking me as I am with all my faults and good qualities! <3

Half way point of the half marathon.

Made it to the top 4 times! Proud of myself! :)

I completed it!