1/2 Way There

Well, we did it. 13.1 miles on one of the most beautiful, scenic runs through Boston and Brookline there is - The Emerald Necklace. We crossed the finish line, together, at exactly 2:07:00. We both know we could have run it faster but we decided at the get-go to run it conservatively at a steady pace, especially since we weren't aware of how hilly it would be (and it was) and our goal was simply to finish. Just before reaching the 1/2 way mark at Franklin Park Zoo we climbed what felt like Mt. Everest. A slow incline that must have taken about 10 minutes. I think what kept us going was that we knew we'd get to run down it on the way back!

More importantly, what really kept us going before the turn was a familiar face. I was keeping an eye out because the day before the race, my Aunt Diane mentioned she'd try and see us on the course since Franklin Park Zoo was so close to her house. Sure enough, as we were about to go through the turnaround, there was Aunt Diane. I jumped out of the race and gave her a hug, then Sandy did the same. It was great because after watching people cheer for specific people along the route, we had our own personal "cheerer" too! It's really nice to have supportive family.

So, 1/2 way there, literally. Next up, the FULL Boston Marathon on April 16th.