In 2010 I took on the challenge of getting healthy and losing weight; what I got out of this challenge was the love of running and the pursuit of running in a half marathon. Sure I didn’t get to complete the initial goal of running a full marathon, but the half was as rewarding. I put together, with the help of training examples by Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway, a solid training schedule and stayed true to its goals for each day and each week. The only setback was pushing myself too quickly with upping my long run mileage, and sustaining an injury which sidelined me for a couple of months. I learned the art of patience from that experience, and also learned more and more about listening to my body.
On December 5th 2010, I successfully completed my first half marathon, at the Dallas White Rock Marathon. I ran 13.1 miles in 2:48:46
Granted, my group did not get to start the race until 49 minutes after the first gun went off, so it made the race clock look as if it took me much longer.
The entire Marathon weekend was a complete blast! I had three days of events to take part in, including the actual race.
Friday I was invited to come out to Scottish Rite Hospital to visit kids that were currently staying there. I had the privilege of sitting at the table with other marathon athletes and patient champions. I met some awesome folks while there; wheelchair champion and overall marathon bad-ass Justin Meaders, and Harry Cordellos who has run over 100 marathons, and is totally blind! The entire experience was just wonderful! The smiles on the kids’ faces as we autographed the special White Rock Marathon t-shirts were worth their weight in gold.
The Marathon Health and Fitness Expo was so much fun to get lost in! There were about 100 vendors gather to show off running gear and sports nutrition. Also on hand were health and fitness experts to help you with Sports Medicine equipment, massages, and overall wellness. This was also the place to pick up race packets and T-shirts for those who were running in the race. The energy out there was just fun and full of positive vibes.
The race itself was COLD COLD in the beginning. I probably over prepared clothing wise, so layers were coming off as I ran. I did not think about wearing some throw away clothing, so I crossed the finish line with shirts tied at my waist.
It wasn’t an easy run, but one that I was so happy to train for and compete in. I succeeded somewhat in my goal for 2010, but it didn’t take long for me to look at 2011!
If I Can U Can 
Being patient and only slowly increasing running mileage is a problem of mine too. Just running again now after a stress fracture probably induced by ramping up too quickly. It’s hard when you’re feeling good, and like running, not to want to just run farther, even if your body isn’t ready for it. Congrats on the successes though!