Running My First Half Marathon Pictures, Part 2

Continued from Part 1 of Running My First Half Marathon in Pictures.

Water? I Need Water!

When I got to the next water station, there were no cups. I couldn’t get a drink of water and the sun was coming out. It was getting hotter and I’d been running for over an hour and I needed water. I began to doubt my goal of running my first half marathon.

I slowed down until the next water station so I wouldn’t get sick because I was feeling the heat beating down on me. Fortunately, I was running in an area that had some trees along the way so I did get some shade.

Running My First Half Marathon Without Water

I hit the next station and they were supposed to have the sports drink, but they didn’t. I did get a tiny sip of water, but I really needed the sports drink at this point.

I had slowed down to almost a walk because I was running in a big open area on the Marine base and the sun was beating down on me. I hadn’t had much to drink in 3 miles and I was feeling it. I thought I was going to pass out, so I had to start walking.

I hated walking so it was a huge internal struggle at this point. I know the mental game was getting to me, but I was stillrunning my first marathon.

Finally at mile 9, they were giving out the gel packs (but no cups here either.)

At mile 9, there was a big inflatable Brooks (sponsor) guy.

And shortly after this big inflatable guy, was a water station that had water AND cups! I drank 3 cups of water. I was so thirsty. And I got my second wind.

I made it to 15k. About 4 miles left

I was so happy to see that sign. I had a little over one 5k left to run and I knew at this point that I going to make it. I was on my way to running my first half marathon AND finishing it. I was pacing to finish at 2:45 until the no cup fiasco. Now each mile was getting slower and slower.

I’m going to do it! I’m going to finish!!

The police and trucks after the last runner.

These ladies had lots of glitter and glam and were cheering us on around mile 11.

Cheerleaders cheering us on!

And up ahead was that last big hill. I kept saying over and over… “I’m running my first half marathon….I’m running my first half marathon.” All the way up the hill…

The second hill and 2 miles left.

I thought the toughest part was going up that hill, but the worst part of running my first half marathon was going down that hill.

Top of the hill. Ocean in the distance.

I was running longer than I’d ever run before (11 miles was longest during training.)

I am still running my first half marathon and almost finished!

I hit mile 12 and I could see the end in sight. I was going to finish running my first half marathon today. My feet ached, my back was hurting, I was hot and wet and my toe nails felt like they were falling off (another story for another post.) But then I saw this….

I saw the beach! That was so comforting!

I feel at home at the beach so it was perfect to finish running my first half marathon on the beach.

Closer and closer to finishing running my first half marathon.

All along the boardwalk, they were cheering us on and water spraying on us. I could see the big stage behind the 20k mark which is the finish line. I’m almost done running my first half marathon…

I’m about to finish running my first half marathon.

Somehow my husband did not get me crossing the finish line. This is about 20 feet before the finish line. I think I was leaping by this time. Every step hurt like you know what!!!

Finished Running My First Half Marathon

But I did it!!!! You can see my Finishers Certificate for running my first half marathon. That was the most awesome feeling. Then they handed me an ice-cold water, a banana and an ice-cold towel. I could barely walk, but I finished!

I headed straight for the beach where this was waiting for me.

An ice-cold MGD 64 for me because… Let’s say it again…I finished running my first half marathon.

Of course Jason wants to get my picture with my medal by the finish line. I have to walk back about 4 blocks to get this picture…

The finish line picture. You can tell how thrilled I am. I want to sit down…

Hence..the next picture..

I’m finished running my first half marathon.

The medal from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach is really awesome.

Medal for running my first half marathon.

And of course, no half marathon would be complete without adding this to my car.

Yes, it’s a new car which we bought on my birthday.

I am now a Half Marathon runner!!!

Next week I will give you my tips I learned from running my first half marathon.

Let’s Talk About Running My First Half Marathon!

Tell me about running your first half marathon! Are you training for a half marathon? Send me a link to your story about running your first half marathon.