This past weekend my friend Kaela and I ran in the Zooma Half Marathon in Falmouth which is on Cape Cod, MA. AND KILLED IT.
We signed up for the run back in May with the idea that it would be a great way to start whipping myself into shape for my wedding and just a great goal to have. Kaela hadn’t done one before and after finishing my first, I couldn’t encourage her enough to try it. Kaela had jumped right into training and was asking me to run 8 miles with her on the Fourth of July. I wasn’t there yet. Even though I signed up with the goal of hitting the 2 hour mark, I still hadn’t started training. A casual run here and there wasn’t going to get me to 13.
It wasn’t until the middle of August that I looked at a calendar and realized that I needed to REALLY get serious about it, and change my goal to finishing without dying. It was just enough weeks to hit the 13 miles in stride. But, the farthest I ended up running in my training was 9. I ended up getting myself comfortable with running that 9 miles but I was terrified the night before the race knowing that I might not be as prepared as I wanted to be.
My ultimate fear, letting Kaela down because this was a race that we wanted to do TOGETHER. That was really what got me off the couch some days, knowing she was training so hard.
The race started at 7:30 at the Seacrest Beach Resort in Falmouth. I was actually really surprised at how much smaller this event was in comparison to all of the other races I’ve done. I remember how motivating all of the other people running were and was actually a bit nervous about having a smaller group of people going.
We started out at a good pace, meaning FAST. I would guess an 8 minute mile. After about 3 miles, I slowed and let Kaela power on.
Throughout the race, it was hard NOT to notice all of the beautiful scenery on the Cape. I wish I could have just stopped and snapped pictures of the pretty views of the Ocean and the bogs. It was seriously breathtaking at some points.
But nothing really compared to having a HUGE cheering section.
Brent folded his sign to cheer on the other girls.
Brent, our friends and family were waiting on the course at several different spots with huge signs and cheers. It was so much fun to run and wonder where they were going to end up next. Maggie said she had felt like a treasure hunter or something. Running from spot to spot on the map and trying to time it perfectly with us running. Apparently they never had to wait long for us to reach them at their new post. So much fun.
There was a HUGE hill at the end of the course and once you hit the top you just coasted right down into the finish line. I thought it was going to be really difficult to get over the hill but I actually loved the fact that there was the huge hill. It made the last little bit extremely enjoyable just sprinting into the finish line downhill. AWESOME.
I ended up finishing in 2 hours and 3 minutes. When I turned the corner into the finish line I saw the time and was immediately excited at the time, then it set in…I missed it by 3 minutes. 3 MINUTES. I was so proud of myself and so excited but at the same time I just couldn’t believe I missed it by 3 MINUTES.
Kaela finished in 1 hour and 53 minutes. Just amazing. I can’t believe how well she did and she really deserved it. She worked so hard to finish with a great time. Especially for her first half marathon, which I’m positive won’t be her last.
Afterwards, we just took in the view from the resort and relished in our accomplishment. Obviously snapped a few pictures. It was just such a great feeling.
We all headed straight over to the fairgrounds to walk around the fair and enjoy the weather. It was also a great way to stretch out our legs and keep moving. Everything fall finally made it’s way out and it was just fun to be around.
Overall, the run was just amazing. As a medal, they gave us these cute running necklaces, which was a nice change of pace from the traditional medals. You can wear them any day and remember how hard you worked for that accomplishment. I have been wearing mine since the race and every time I notice it, it makes me feel accomplished.
We are already looking for our next one.
