October 20, 2013- Detroit International Half Marathon!

I completed my first half marathon on Sunday, October 20, 2013.  It was amazing!!!  I picked up my packet the day before with Addy, Maureen and Phil.  It had my bib, my tech shirt, a 13.1 sticker and a bunch of other goodies in it.  I tried to go to sleep early that night but I had a difficult time because I was so freaking excited!  I woke up at 4:15am, got dressed and ate breakfast.  I drove to Moe and Phil's so I could ride downtown with them, Sam and my mom.  It was SO cold.  Sam ran the 5k so she headed to that starting line while me, Moe and Phil got in corral D for the international half and the full marathons.  Our mom volunteered so she went off to do her thing.  It was still dark when we started running.  I was freezing while we were standing around waiting to start but once I got moving I was pretty comfortable.  The first few miles were really beautiful, the sun was starting to come up and I could see the bridge lit up in the distance.  As we approached the bridge all of the border patrol people were yelling "Make sure your bib number is visible!"  They were threatening to pull people out and check their passports/enhanced licenses if they weren't showing.  Running on the bridge was amesome!  I ran close to the side so I could see everything.  There were workers on the bridge yelling encouraging things at us while we ran by.  "Keep it up, you're doing great!"  One lady said "Welcome to Canada!"  Ha ha!  Running in the tunnel was my least favorite part.  It smelled in there...like sweat and stinky feet.  Yuck!  I was so happy when I started seeing border patrol people.  One guy said "Keep going, you're almost to a breath of fresh air!"  A couple other people were giving everyone high fives coming out of the tunnel.  By that time the sun was up and there were spectators everywhere!  Some had really funny signs they were holding like "Run faster, the Kenyan's are drinking all the beer!". The course on the US side was hillier than the Canadian side.  I started to look for Adam, Adalynn and Mary around mile 8.  I knew they were going to be down there but I had no idea where they were going to be.  The course took us through Mexican Town and Corktown.  By the time I reached mile 12 my hips and right knee hurt.  I didn't care though, I was just happy that I didn't have any issues with shin splints!  Woo!  When I turned the last corner and saw the finish line ahead I was so happy!  Then I heard it...Mary screaming "AAAASSSSHHHHLLLLEEEEYYYYY!!!!!" at the top of her lungs to my left.  She was jumping up and down flailing her arms and Adam was yelling too, and jumping with Addy in his arms.  I was so excited to see them!  They were really close to the finish line and as I approached it I felt a great sense of pride.  When I crossed the finish line and slowed to a walk I could feel tears of joy in my eyes.  That's when I saw my mom running up to me with her arms out holding a medal.  She was crying and said "I'm so proud of you!" as she placed the medal around my neck.  That's when I lost it and we both started to cry harder.  I did it.  I ACTUALLY DID IT!  I ran a half marathon!  Holy crap.  Ha ha!  My mom stayed at the finish line and I went to get in line for the free goodies.  I grabbed bananas, apples, some Lara bars and chocolate milk.  Adam, Addy and Mary met up with me and got me a mylar blanket (which looks like tin foil!).  It helped keep me warm, though.  They stood around with me for a while and then decided to go.  It was cold and we didn't want Adalynn to get sick.  I sat by the after party for a while and then I saw Phil.  My phone wasn't letting me text or call anyone (thanks Verizon), so it was good that I found him.  Mom and Maureen found us a little bit later.  We went into the after party tent so Maureen could sit down.  She ran the full and had just finished.  Sam met back up with us there and we decided to go to Lockhart's in Royal Oak for lunch.  It's tradition!  It took forever to walk to the car but we made it and had a great lunch.  The day was phenomenal.  I ended up finishing the half in 2:14:36.  Maureen completed the full in 3:54:43 and Phil finished the half in 2:05:28.  :oD