hey annie j: Marathoning

Running a full and a half marathon within a week of each other counts as marathoning right?

Remember when I was training for the STG marathon? Well that training finally came to an end and it was showtime on October 5, 2013, at about 4 am nonetheless! I was sooo giddy for the marathon all week long. When packet pickup finally arrived I hurried Tim, Shannah, and myself a long to just soak in the sights! It was invigorating going to the convention and seeing all these competitors. It made me so excited for the next day.

After packet pickup we went to get some dinner at Mongolian BBQ with my fam and Mark and Shan. It seems that no matter what I eat my stomach gets upset when I run so we went for Mongolian cuz hey its protein, veggies and carbs all in one!

This may look like a sketchy restaurant, and it may be one,
but it's yummy!

Race day morning was so exciting and SO freezing! I did not want to get out of that bus at Pine Valley. Ohhh my word. Bitter wind was blowing and there was about zero chance of squeezing in close enough to the fires what with 7500 people gathered around them. But it was so fun being there, the energy is insane with all those people there, and the music blaring. The running community is awesome, I met a couple super nice people while we froze/waited to start. Finally it was time to ditch our sweats (ahhh cold!) and the gun sounded! This was it! It was finally time! All the running I had been doing was for this! It was a crowded first few miles but they FLEW by! Before I knew it we were already at 4 miles. Shan and I stayed together pretty well but Tim left us after about mile 2. What an awesome experience! The volunteers were the greatest people in the world, and the scenery was beautiful. And I felt SO good! Seriously, you have your bad running days and your good ones, and I was so grateful October 5th was a good one. I felt strong and positive and energetic the entire race and I ended up beating my goal of 4:30 by a long shot! I finished at 4:14, feeling incredible from the energy of the crowd and the accomplishment of running 26.2 miles! I wasn't in pain at all and the weather was just perfect after it warmed up a bit! We had the best supporters too, and they helped me get through the miles, looking forward to seeing their smiling faces! (Tim's family, Linz, Stef, Lennon, and my family)

I ended up running over 350 miles in a period of just less than 5 months to train for the marathon and it sure paid off. I never thought I would say that but I am so happy I did! I loved every minute of it! It's an experience I will never forget, and one that I plan on doing again. But not this year! This year my focus is the Epic Relay and I hope it is just as awesome! Running has my heart! Until next time STG Marathon and Veyo hill, until next time.

Love this Kyson bug!

Hal Higdon's training schedule, my bible
for a few months.

Aahhhhhh!!! The starting line!
I can still feel the excitement, and the wind chill.

Almost there! This is at about 25.5 miles

Shan and I

Well deserved Nielson's, I'd say.

Finishers!

Thanks to this crew for coming all the way to STG to
support us!! You guys are the best!

Hil said "Do the face you had at the end of the race"

Bubba beans!

Tim's parents, Ad, and Hil

Good aunties steal popsicles that are for marathon
finishers to give to their nephews.

Finish area

Tim didn't really feel so hot :)

First bib ever!

sweeeet medals!

Love this boy who got me into this
marathon to begin with!

Packet Pickup!

The next Saturday I drove home to run a half marathon with Tiffy!!! Her and her mom came all the way from Canada to run this race! I couldn't resist joining them! This was a much more relaxed race and much less crowded too! My legs sure felt tired a lot faster this week, still feeling the marathon stress, but I made it!

After the race we had a yummy lunch and got to shop! I love my Hawaii sisters and my mamma.