The Half Marathon

I had set a goal back at the beginning of December to run a half marathon before the end of the year. During the week that Rachel was at the house with the kids I didn't get much running done and was not geared up for it. Actually, I had planned on hitting it on New Years Eve to not only accomplish that goal but also to tally enough miles to equal running a 5K everyday in December. My shoulder injury on New Years Eve ended that run and I failed on two parts though my 5K per day was only a couple miles short - I definately surpassed the mark if Sundays were excluded from the total tally. Anyhow, I have wanted to hit the half farathon but hadn't yet gone for it.

So last night I got on the elliptical and started the movie The Blind Side. It was my second time seeing the movie and normally I don't have a problem stopping a movie part way through. This movie however is a great story and I just didn't want to stop watching. When I hit the 7 mile mark I figured that I would go for the half marathon. I was still feeling strong and there was a lot of movie left to watch. I actually felt good through 11 miles. My feet started to tire a bit after that but I continued on for the last two miles. Actually I hit 13.5 miles total. It took me 2 hours and 4 minutes. That probably isn't such a great time but it is what it is. I did burn 2,130 calories and was happy about that. It was a good run. I don't know how I would do on the actual road though I think my shoulders would be feeling all of the impact. I do like that about the elliptical.

I have never been a distance runner. I prefer the short sprints so all of this running is out of character for me. I enjoy it though. In the last 7 months I have done a lot of running and that has been a significant contribuiting factor to my losing weight. I still have a long way to go but have enjoyed the running more then I ever thought I would. Will be getting started again in the next few minutes - assuming I can get Andy to bed. I don't think I will be duplicating the half marathon today - I am a little tired tonight.