Half Marathon

I just completed my 2nd half marathon.  I got to do it with BOTH of my sisters this time!  Our goal was a fast paced walk this time, considering that as of 12 weeks before the race I had not really exercised in about a year (pregnancy!).  Our finish time was 3 hours and 26 minutes, just 26 minutes over our goal, haha.  But in our defense, it was a miserably cold day.  We knew when we signed up that November weather would be a gamble, but it was 70 degrees two days before the race, and during the race, it was about 39 degrees with a windchill of 30.  And the race was in the middle of the country going into the wind for the second half of the race (it was a down and back).  There were a few miles where we couldn't even talk.  I swear I could not make the "m" sound because my lips were so frozen.  

"I feel like I just sat outside naked in a snowstorm." That's what Betsy said to me at about mile 11. She also said that she felt the same physically as when we had started. She is in much better shape than me. I was done.  

I was glad to do it with both of my sisters, and I was glad to have something to push me to get back into shape.  I did lots of nights at the track with Andrea Durbin to "train."  I lost about 10 pounds in 12 weeks, so that was good.  Still trying to get the final baby pounds off!  

Josh was such a support to me in this, and I very much appreciated it.  He let me jet off to the track several times a week for 12 weeks.  I also had some LONG weekend walks (8, 9, 10 miles) where he handled the kids.  And on race day, we were going to be gone about 8 hours, so since Lucas is still nursing and won't take a bottle, he took me and all of the kids to the race and entertained everyone while I was racing (with Nathan's help).  That way, Lucas was able to nurse right before and after the race.  I'm not sure that I could have done this without his help!  

It's a good thing I already paid for the Illinois Half Marathon in April or I might be rethinking it, haha .... I actually am excited but need to get moving.  My goal is to improve our time from this race by about 40 minutes.  Yikes!!!