I was excited when the gun finally went off. It took a few minutes to get to the start line (I'm a proud BOPer). I started jogging, and continued to jog the whole way. I paid attention to my breathing, making sure to breathe deeply, and maintain my rhythm. The first mile is always harder for me, but this one wasn't as hard as in previous events because I think I properly warmed up this time (and trained, duh!). Big smile on my face when I approached the mile 1 sign, and the clock said 16:29. I know I have to subtract some time from that, but it's looking pretty good so far. Onward I kept going. People were passing me, but I was passing people too. It was clear to me I was not at the back of the line with the cops following me. As we neared mile 2, I stopped to walk for a few seconds to drink some gatorade. But then I started up again. It's amazing how determined I was to run the whole distance. And it was easy to do as long as I maintained my pace. As we neared the bridge, I braced myself for the incline and how it would affect my pace. At the top I slowed and walked for about 10 seconds. But then I started up again. At this point I pretty much knew I was home free. It was a slow pace, but I realized I have come to recognize my pace. I didn't go beyond it until I was coming down the bridge where gravity helped me to pick it up a little. The last 100 yards or so I booked it as much as I could. Crossing the finish line felt fantastic! I honest to goodness ran the whole entire 3.1 miles. I nearly teared up, but joy overtook that emotion. I did it. I did it. I did it. With my finisher's medal around my neck, I posed for pictures.
The funny thing is that I didn't feel dumbfounded that I had accomplished this... I felt... I feel like... of course I did this. I set a goal and went after it. Why wouldn't I reach my goal? Amen to that.
[edited 11:12am on 1/28/07 to post official time results]


Nothing.

I walked the couple of blocks to Nikki Beach for post event festivities. Had half a bagel w/ cream cheese, and water. I ate a half banana later. I stood in line (for far longer than was worth it) for a chair massage.


Inexperience, and extra weight.


I love this race. I plan to do the Miami Half and Miami Marathon at some point. It's an excellent event, its in my hometown, and I'm emotionally connected to it too. I love it. I'm looking forward to my next event, and hoping that I will show an improvement then as well. My last race's time was 51:42, and this one was 46:43. That's a PR by approx 5min!!!! EXCELLENT TIME!!!!! I made my super secret goal! Every minute counts right? Isn't this fun? I had a great time.