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MChiker
Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 116
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 4:31 pm Post subject: PF Chang's Half Marathon 2007. |
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What an incredible experience! If I was not addicted before, I am NOW. This half marathon did something; it got me to believe in myself, even more, and gave me the confidence to tackle another one. It is indescribable because one has to undertake such endeavor to actually know what it feels like to be part of race. As I approached the finish line, I developed goose bumps all over and was overcome with joy. When I actually crossed it, my eyes became watery and tears trickled down my cheeks. There is nothing quite like crossing the finish line, that is for certain.
It was extremely cold the morning of the race but I decided that the (Arctic ) weather was not going to ruin my first half marathon experience. I remained in my coral, stretching and listening to people converse with excitement, while slowly beginning to tremble due to nerves. All 23,000 runners were about to embark on something great, something amazing, and something tremendous. It took about ten minutes for me to step on to the start mats, after the gunshot, and I was off. I was off on my journey from Phoenix to final destination, Tempe.
I couldn’t wait to get to mile three because JC was going to be there, cheering me on. I saw him a few feet away and kissed him as I kept running. (It was cute…a runners’ kiss.) I heard him say, “lookin’ good, babe,” and it motivated me to proceed. At mile four I started to feel my calves cramp up, as I had worked them out two days prior to the race (not a good idea), and they were still sore. At mile five, my hip flexors began crying out for help but still continued with my efforts. Plus, JC surprised me, at that mile marker, as he shouted my name…of course another kiss was in order.
As hopeful as mile six seemed it was also dreadful to fathom. Earlier in my training, my left knee would undergo excruciating pain each time mile six rolled around. It never failed; it would take me a lengthy amount of time to complete my long runs on the trails. It turned out I needed a more stable shoe to run in and JC got me the perfect pair of Aasics, for Christmas .
Eventually, mile six came and went and I was on my way to mile seven. Mile seven was wonderful because I got to see JC for the last time (before he had to go to work), which gave me the encouragement I needed to finish strong. Miles eight, nine, and ten went by rather rapidly but at the same time I was very exhausted. At mile eleven, all I could think of was, “I need to go faster.” I picked up my speed and before I knew it I was crossing the finish line.
WOW! What an accomplishment…breathtaking!! It is sufficed to say that although I had some odds against me, I broke through them and made things happen. The people on the streets along with my fellow runners were awesome in helping me stay focused on my mission to cross the finish line. Also, I want to thank JC for his guidance throughout my training, for ALWAYS being there for me, and for his support in all I set out to do. MWAH!!
The results are in and my official time is 2:19:04. Not too bad for my first half marathon, huh? It’s a given that I WILL go for a PR on my next half. I’m proud of myself, and everyone who ran with me, on that chilly but remarkable day. _________________ "Make it happen." |
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Davis2001R6
Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 5:03 pm Post subject: |
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Congrats Maggie! Sorry I couldn't join you |
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azhiker96
Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 5:14 pm Post subject: |
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Well done Maggie! _________________ It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. -- Carl Sagan |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 5:53 pm Post subject: |
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Awesome accomplishment! |
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GeorgAz
Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 815 Location: Scottsdale
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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Bravo,Maggie!! |
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sherileeaz
Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 874
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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Way to go!
Sheri |
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Shawn I'll sell you map to Lost Dutchman mine!
Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 2592 Location: Ahwatukee, AZ
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah for you! _________________ The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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Hikngrl Canyoneering is my 'Happy Place'
Joined: 27 May 2003 Posts: 5578 Location: Peoria, AZ
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 8:08 pm Post subject: |
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Can't wait to talk to you about it Maggie! You are so wonderul! Great time! _________________ ~~~Diane~~~
I want to shine! |
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IGO
Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 9:18 pm Post subject: |
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I'm pleased for everybody who tried. _________________ "Surely all God's people, however serious or savage, great or small, like to play. Whales and elephants, dancing, humming gnats, and invisibly small mischievous microbes - all are warm with divine radium and must have lots of fun in them." John Muir |
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MChiker
Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 116
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 9:59 pm Post subject: |
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Awwww, thanks everyone! _________________ "Make it happen." |
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MChiker
Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 116
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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Davis2001R6 wrote: |
Sorry I couldn't join you |
No worries....there's always next year, Tim! _________________ "Make it happen." |
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LongStoryShort
Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 402 Location: Doha, Qatar
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Posted: 1/17/2007, 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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I'm so proud of you!!!
You did awesome, I was so happy that you not only finished, but finished strong.
_________________ Happiness is being high on the food chain. |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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