This was my first ever half-marathon, so I didn't really know what to expect. I'd run a couple of other local (and small) 5K races and I'd run 12 miles on my own before, but I'd never done this distance and with this many other people (3000+ women). It was fun! My friend who wasn't racing ran the first 30 minutes with me before she turned off to run on her own. In the meantime, I'd met up with another friend, and we stuck together until mile 6 or so where I kept going when she stopped to walk. At mile 8, I had visions of grandure and thought perhaps I'd break 2:10, but by mile 11, I was slowing a bit. My cardio conditioning was fabulous and I never really got out of breath - even on the uphills. My legs/feet on the other had were feeling the impact. By mile 12, I needed to walk for 20 seconds or so because my hips were seizing up a bit. I was OK after that though - and then we hit the finish line crowds so I was definitely buoyed up. I had plenty left to almost sprint across the finish line with a big huge smile on my face!

I think I need to work in some longer, harder runs to better condition my legs. I definitely had more in my heart and lungs and for the next race, I'd like my legs to be in good enough shape to give them a better workout!

After I crossed the finish line, I couldn't find my friends. I walked around for a minute or two before it occurred to me that they may have missed my finish and they might still be looking for me. They were! I finished faster than anyone expected, so they missed my finish! One of my friends had a big bouquet of flowers for me. :-) We took a bunch of photos and then we left to go get a DELICIOUS brunch in downtown Portland. Yum!


I was mostly limited by my lack of experience. I really, really enjoyed the day and I'm very glad that I've already signed up to do two more. I also know that I'm going to sign up to do the Portland Shamrock Run (15K) because it's hilly. Turns out, I really like running on hills!