13.1 Baby!

I did it!
Last weekend was the Prairie Fire Half Marathon. Boy did I not realize 13.1 miles would kick my butt like it did. I liken it to child birth. Sounds like a great idea. You spend all of this time preparing and getting ready. In the midst of it you swear it was a bad decision(the pain part, not the precious babe part), right after you say you will NEVER do that again(the pain part again, not the baby part), then as a little time goes by you forget all of the absolute misery part and think to yourself......I think I just may try that again.
I am now at the point to where I am so proud that I finished (ahead of my goal time) and think I may have it in me to do another.
Sunday was perfect weather. Couldnt ask for better running conditions. I met with a girlfriend who was running the whole marathon and we rode downtown together. It was our intentions to get there with very little time to spare in order not to stir up extra nerves. Well we parked about 3/4 of a mile away from the start of the race and ran down to the start. Right after we got down to the main start area of the race I realized I forgot my bib. OH CRAP. They just announced it was 3 minutes until start time! With tears streaming down my face I ran as fast as I could all the way back to my car and while running back to the start line I heard the gun go off for the race to start. CRAP CRAP! I ran as fast as I could and everyone was well past the start line. I started behind everyone and was completely winded from sprinting to my car and back. What the heck!! How am I now going to run 13 miles! Im already exhausted. Not to mention I had lost everyone I was going to run with and am now going to have to face this long run alone.
I quickly changed my attitude and now my goal was to get done with this race as fast as possible. My super sweet hubby made this big sign that said "Run Momma Run" and told me he would meet me first at douglas and hydraulic. This was about 2 miles into the run. What a refreshing sight to see him, the kiddies and my in laws cheering me on! Kinsey tried to run out into the street and run with me. Super cute but she screamed when daddy came and told her she couldnt run with mommy.
I saw them again about mile 9 then again at 10.5 and then again at 12.5. It was so awesome to see them 4 times!! He must have hustled fast to get to see me that many times. I also saw another friend and her husband about mile 6. The support that people give to runners is amazing. I even saw a beer station where you could grab a small drink of beer at mile 10! I was tempted but didnt want to puke everywhere!
I crossed the finish line and all I could think of was "Im so glad thats done!"
No runners high
No real thoughts except Im ready to leave and go home
I felt pretty crappy the rest of the day
The next day I felt an awesome sense of accomplishment and very empowered. The next day I felt great!!! That feeling is what makes me think I may want to do it again! Not too soon though!