O2 Fitness Charleston Half Marathon 2019

I usually begin every year by running the Shrimp n Grits 5K with my girlfriends; it became tradition.  However, in November I made the decision I would change it up and run the half marathon to begin 2019...Best decision ever!

2018 was a year of many changes for me.  I became a grandmother of twin boys on March 23rd and I also began working from home which in both cases was a huge adjustment for me.  Running was put on the back burner as I ventured into new territory.  It was a little challenging trying to find balance with  everything, but my focus truly was on my grandsons.  I wanted to ensure they were well taken care of and that my daughter had all the help she needed. I remember being a new mom and it was tough; can't imagine being a new mom to twins!  Either way, loads of love and laughter filled my heart in 2018, but I missed running.  

In July, I joined Pivotal Fitness and began working out again.  I enjoyed trying out the classes and learning new workout routines.  In October, I was #teamsupport at a race in Hilton Head supporting my sole sisters and it was then I realized just how much I missed racing.  Watching them getting dressed on race day and pinning their bibs on turned a switch on for me.  I knew I had to get back out there.  One of my friends, Monique, told me to sign up for the Summerville Sweet Tea 10K because a few of our friends were running it, so I did just that.  A little motivation always helps!  I remember thinking to myself, if I feel good and strong running the 10K, I would sign up for the Charleston Half. Well, I felt amazing after I ran the 10K so I immediately signed up for the half marathon.  I had roughly 8 weeks to train, but since I had just completed 6 miles I figured training wouldn't be too bad.  I had not run a half marathon in a few years and forgot the impact it would have on my body.  Nonetheless, I kept up with my training and pushed through every training mile required whether I ran or walked it.  I just knew I had to get the miles on my legs and I did just that.

Race day jitters is an understatement!  You would have thought I never raced before.  I was up every hour on the hour the night before the race and I left my house without my race bib - who does that?!  Thank goodness I was not far from my house when I looked at my running belt on the passenger seat of my car with no bib in sight.  Turned around, picked up my bib and headed downtown to find parking.  Once I arrived and parked my car, I sat there and focused on what I was about to embark on...running 13.1 miles in the cold.  I must say, the cooler the temps, the better I run, so I was comfortable with the temperature for race day.  I met up with some of my sole sisters, took a few pictures and headed for the start line.  My heart was racing, but I was ready.  I trained for this.  At 7:30am, we took off.  

The course was nice and flat and the scenery was nice for the most part.  I honestly don't pay much attention to the scenery because I'm so focused on my breathing, my pace, how my body is feeling, etc that I typically don't enjoy race courses the way others do.  Also, Charleston is my home town so the course was not unfamiliar to me.  I do remember peeking around and seeing boats along a beautiful sunrise, but I didn't stop to take pictures like the other folks.  I ran down the Battery, down King Street into an industrial area that led us into the River front park.  For the most part, I felt freaking amazing.  My breathing was great, body felt good and I felt so strong thanks to all of the strength training I had incorporated over the summer.  However, those last 2 miles were painful.  My hips hurt pretty bad, but I had to finish what I started so I pushed through.  I did have to run/walk and at that point I didn't care.  My only goal was to finish and get my medal.  As I got closer I realized the finish line was up ahead so I pushed and I finally saw the end and it looked amazing!  I picked up my speed and passed a few people which felt really good too.  I finished in 2 hrs 38 minutes and the medal was big and beautiful!  Definitely worth the challenge it took for me to cross the finish line.  I felt so proud of the work I put in and completing the race was my reward!!  That feeling of accomplishment is amazing, addicting and unforgettable.  Running has changed my life! It has brought some wonderful women into my life and I am forever grateful for those friendships.  Collecting medals is the next best thing.  Now, I just need to find a place to hang them all because they are a symbol of my hard work, dedication and consistency.  I love running.  I am a runner girl.  I am a runner mom.  I am a runner grandma.