Sunday, June 28, 2009

I'm So Glad That's Over With

I did it!

I ran and finished the half-marathon today. I am so relieved I don't have to worry about it anymore (until next year, right Janice?).

Here I am right before the race, cold and nervous as can be:



Here I am taking off:



I started at the head of the pack which was a Bad Idea because I was getting passed right and left for almost the entire race. Next time-I'm going all the way to the rear so I can at least feel like a winner as I cruise past the slow pokes.

And here I am after the first five miles:



In the picture, you can see that I'm messing with my long sleeve shirt that I have tied around my waste. I pulled it off and threw it to my mom and then proceeded to step right into the circled pothole. Amazingly enough, I didn't twist anything and so was able to continue on my "merry" way (the thought did occur to me that had I twisted something I would have a valid excuse for quitting early).

I felt pretty good (on and off) from mile 4 through mile 11 and then things got really uncomfortable. It felt like one of those dreams where you want to run, you need to run, but you can't run because your legs won't work right, or maybe they are enveloped in a quicksand like material (I hate that dream). My mind so badly wanted to run fast so I could just be done with it, but my body had given all it had and so could only move at what felt like a snail's pace.

But, I finished, and that's the important thing. I ran it in 1:57.30 which isn't as good as I did 7 years ago, but still better than I did 5 and 6 years ago (I should hope so since 6 years ago I was less than 3 months post-partum with Juan Carlos-crazy, huh?).

I crossed the finish line and made it to the first piece of shade I could find and camped it:



My mom finally helped me up and we walked around a bit. I was walking kind of funny, as you can see in this lovely shot:



Ouch! Sadly, things haven't improved with time-I am hobbling around like a little old lady tonight and can barely make it down steps. (It didn't stop me from going shopping tonight, though) I'll spare you the details of the various areas of chafing I've got going on right now.

A HUGE thanks to my mom-without her I don't think I would have done it. I was in complete denial the night before that I was actually going to do it, so she, being the real runner in the family, got all my gear ready, packed a bag of any and all supplies that I may possibly need before, during and after the race, and then went out to the store at 9 pm to get my pre-and post-race snacks. She got up at the crack of dawn to drive me up there and then found me at three different places during the race to cheer me on. Then she came out and ran the last mile with me.

Isn't she a good mommy? Even if she does wears her shirt backwards (like I said, it was really early when we left the house) :)

Thanks so much for all of your well wishes.

13 comments:

andalucy said...

Yay! Congratulations! You look great!! And your mom is awesome. Don't you feel so much better now? :-)

Ballerina Girl said...

YES! You did it! I am so proud of you!!
Your Mom is great and you both look amazing in that foto.
Congrats my friend...I wish that I could have been there to cheer you on, too...

I bought my 2nd pair of shoes last night, uh-oh...it has started, hahaha!!!

Missing you a lot, talk to you soon
BG

Janice said...

I'm scared but committed to do this with you next year.

Head Nurse or Patient- you be the judge said...

FUNNY about the shirt on backwards- but yes I agree that she is an awesome mommy-

Congrats on finishing and for still wanting to do it again-

Abby said...

Woohoo! Good job! This makes me want to do it too. Unfortunately I don't necessarily feel that way while I'm actually running--funny how that happens.

I love that your mom ran the last mile with you...awesome way to help you through it at the very end!

Janet said...

Awesome job! You're an inspiration to all of us who hobble like that after a 5k. :)
And what a great mom!

Kari said...

Gabriela, you are amazing!!!!! And 3 cheers to your mom for getting the details in order so you could DO IT! :)

I know the hobble feeling, after hiking Mt. Whitney up and back for 12 or 14 hours...we sat down to eat and after dinner could barely make it from our table to the restaurant parking lot.

GOOD FOR YOU! :)

nikko said...

Way to go! What an awesome mom you have!

Unknown said...

You did it! That is so awesome. I'm glad you have a great mom, too. :-)

Fabiola said...

Good Job!!!

I am so proud of you!!!


Fabiola

Lana said...

good job!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You are totally amazing. I don't think I could run around our block!

marina said...

good job!!! your mom is beauitful( please tell I say so ")_ hope you are having fun ") marina

PS. its crazy hear in tx's it sooo hot!!