Helvetia Half

Saturday I ran a half marathon.  It was my first race longer than a 5K. 

They had a pretty nice setup.  RFID tags on our numbers to record our time, lots of water stations, photographers on the route and in a helicopter, a finish in the stadium, "free" burgers and Jamba Juice for the participants.

I was glad the race was chip timed.  The lines for the bathrooms at the starting line were ridiculous.  I didn't end up starting the race until 8 and a half minutes after the starting gun. 

So I ran and ran and ran..... for 2 hours 5 minutes and 43 seconds according to the fancy chip timing.  I was hoping to finish in under 2 hours but at mile 11 I looked at my snazzy Garmin watch and knew unless I could run 7 minute miles for the last 2, there was no chance. 

I placed 1142 out of 3454.

When I got to the finish Andrea and my sister Kelly were waiting to cheer me on.  I grabbed my finisher's metal, walked to an empty spot on the turf and had to sit down.

 

When I running, I wasn't sure I ever wanted to do that again.  Now that it's over... I'm thinking Newport Half in September?  Maybe. :)