The Felger Post: 13.1 Half Marathon!

Sunday Tania and I got off to a early start waking up at 6am. The big day that I had been training for a little over two months, had finally arrived. We first headed to the hotel where our friends Jimmie, Lauren and their little girl Grace were staying. Tania stayed with Lauren and Grace and Jimmie and I headed for Tuttle mall where the 13.1 mile trek all began. The first mile from the mall wasn't to exciting, just getting us headed in the right direction, but then we got to Dublin Rd which had some very nice houses along the route, then we crossed a bridge over the Scioto River and then we were on Riverside Dr the rest of the way, with the exception of running in some of the parks right along the river. Our finally destination was North Bank Park which is just a block or two from the new Cooper Stadium.

me at 6 miles

      For the most part I really enjoyed the run. Tania, Lauren and Grace went into one of the parks along the run and first saw Jimmie, and me shortly after (I run about 2 or 3 mins slower per mile). It was fun and energizing to see them along the route! I first 4 miles were in the 10 min range, they got slower as the run continued. I saw Tania and everyone around 6 miles and she mentioned later I had a big smile on my face. I was still feeling good at that point.
     Beyond mile 9 and 10 was when it got difficult. I didn't want to quit, but my legs were tightening up and it was getting hotter out. At the water stations I realized how amazing a 4"x 1" x 1" rectangular sponge could be. I passed on the sponge a few of the earlier stations. They are so small I didn't think they could hold much of anything. Boy was I wrong! They also kept them ice cold so they defiantly helped me out!
     The last mile I wanted to walk so badly, but I made it the whole way without walking. The Lord gave me the strength I needed!! At the beginning of the race there were two runners who had Philippians 4:13 on their shirts and that was definitely something I keep repeating over and over again! I was so blessed that I felt good the whole race and just had a overall great experience. I finished a little over 2 hours and 30 mins.