I had run a 10K back in 10/2013, and it was then I decided I would start training for a half marathon. I was aiming for the Lake Sammamish Half for March, but after a little discussion with The Motivator, we decided my first half should be Rock ‘N’ Roll Seattle, 6/21/2014.
A month before RNR Seattle, we ran RNR Portland, with me running the 10K and James the half. I remember during that race watching all the people make the turnoff to continue on with the half and thinking, “Oh how the hell am I going to pull this off in Seattle. I’m already knackered. I can’t imagine running another 6 miles.”
Pre-Seattle race, I remember being a basket case. The nerves were out of this world. And the RNR events are huge, so the amount of people that were there freaked me out as well. But everyone else looked so calm. Thankfully James stayed with me for as long as he could so I wouldn’t bail (lol, kidding).
It probably took me about 5 miles in before I relaxed.
The course was gorgeous (and super hilly), and I felt privileged to be able to run in areas I wouldn’t normally get to see. Back then I didn’t carry my phone with me, just my iPod for music. So, no pictures. I made a mental note to carry a camera with me on the next race. This was before blogging, so that didn’t happen. There are a lot of races I missed out on taking pictures, and I’ve seen some amazing sights. It’s also one of the reasons why I’m running the 50 states… for the sights. Everyone else chases PRs… I’m there for aesthetics, lol.
And I’ll never forget the feeling of accomplishment I had when I finally crossed the finish line. There is nothing that compares to it. It’s why I’m addicted to racing… and, oh yeah, the bling.
I have since run 10 more half marathons and am now training for my first full. I can imagine the above feelings are going to be escalated out of the stratosphere.
Never A Dull Bling 