Last Sunday all of my hard training came together as I crossed the finish line at Hayward field for the Eugene Marathon half. After 13.1 miles I was exhilarated to have finished my first race in 02:27:48. My legs were a tad tired – my hips started hurting around mile 12 – but otherwise I felt good and I even finished a few minutes under my goal time. Surrounded by cheering crowds with cowbells, I couldn’t image a better way to finish my first half marathon then on the historic field in Eugene with my mom (this was her first half-marathon too) by my side!
My next goal is to run the Eugene Women’s Half Marathon on August 26, 2012 in under two hours. Here’s to long summer evenings pounding the pavement!
Here are few photos from my race:
My Mom and I as we wait in the corral for the race to start.
Runners hit the street for the Eugene Marathon
Trudging on around mile 8
Almost to the finish line at Hayward Field
My mom & I with our half marathon medals after finishing!
Have you ever run a long distance race? What is your best tip for new runners?
