Minton Life: Mission Complete

Ever since watching the "Biggest Loser" last season, I have been so motivated to run a half marathon. My sister Megan and I talked to each other and decided that we would train together and run one. I looked online for a race that we would want to do and signed up for it. We decided on the Champoeg 5k/half marathon that was on September 19th. We started out with 2 weeks of just running for 30 min. And then we found a 10 week training program that we followed. The schedule looked like this.

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
1	3	Rest	3	3	Rest	4	Rest	13
2	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	5	Rest	15
3	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	6	Rest	16
4	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	8	Rest	19
5	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	10	Rest	21
6	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	11	Rest	24
7	4	Rest	6	4	Rest	12	Rest	26
8	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	9	Rest	22
9	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	8	Rest	18
10	3	Rest	3	Walk 2	Rest	13.1	Rest	21.1

There was 3 weeks in there that I couldn't run because I broke my toe, but other than that I stayed on the schedule pretty good. I must say I got a little wore out of running about half way into it, but I knew if I slacked I would regret it down the road.

After months of training it was finally race day. I was so excited and nervous. I just wanted to get it over with and say that I completed 13.1 miles. My friend's Mindy and Desi came over the week before the race and we all tye dyed shirts for everyone to wear. It was so much fun and got me even more pumped for the race. On race day I woke up at 5:30 am, and heard it pouring down rain. I was so mad. I don't mind running in the rain, but not pouring rain. Finally at 6:45 we had the boy's all ready and headed out to Champoeg.

Megan and I had an amazing support system. My friend Desi and Mindy were there with their kids. Our parents were there and so was Megan's in laws. Megan's friend Jenna also surprised her at the finish line.

Our race stared at 8:30. We took off and I felt good. I was going to stay with Megan but needed to go ahead. I was kind of nervous at first because I though am I going to tire out? Maybe I need to slow down. But I couldn't. I keep on going. Once I got to the 2 mile mark I was doing about 8 min. miles. I got to mile 7 and started to feel a pain in my foot. Yep... it was a blister. I didn't have moisture wicking socks on and my soggy foot was rubbing on my shoe. I pushed through the pain and keep on running. After a while it didn't hurt as bad. I keep on chugging my gel packs and finally after 1 hour 56 min. made it to the finish line. Oh man was I so excited to get there. The first thing I did was give my family a hug and get a banana and water. A little later I decided I was going to go find Megan and run in with her. I cheered for her and told her to pick it up. After I cheered her in I finally took off my shoe and discovered how big the blister actually was. It is HUGE! But I didn't care. I was still on my high. I felt so accomplished and proud of myself. People have asked me if I am going to do a full marathon now and my answer is NO!!!! I don't think I could do one. 13.1 miles is a long way and 26.2 is WAY TO FAR! I couldn't imagine how I would feel after that race.

I woke up this morning and every muscle in my legs hurt. I couldn't get out of bed without holding on to the wall. I don't think I have ever been this sore after a run. But it is all worth it. As soon as this blister goes away I will be hitting the road again for more running. That was not my last race, I look forward to breaking my time!!