The Run is Done

For my New Year's resolution I decided to set a goal to run a half-marathon (13.1 miles) by the end of March. Back in January I was frustrated (this is an understatment) by a calf injury that was preventing me from running so I vowed to be back at it by the end of March. Originally I said I would do all 13.1 miles on a treadmill, since that's what I primarily run on in the winter. However, Mother Nature blessed us with a decent day ( that means it was above freezing) so I split things up. Here's a bulleted summary of the run and post-run events:

-Got up at 5:20 am and started running on the treadmill in the basement at 6 am.

-The plan was to watch a DVD to pass the time. Turns out the audio output from the DVD to the ancient TV we have in the basement isn't loud enough over the "hum" of the treadmill. Thank God for VH1 "Jump Start" and CMT music videos on Saturday morning.

-I did 7 miles on the treadmill in the basement until it was light enough outside to avoid getting hit by cars if I ran in the street.

-I was welcomed outside by an inch of snow, 34 degrees and cloudy skies. The high ended up being 51 degrees but that really didn't really help me much at 7 am. Because of the snow-covered sidewalks I ran the remaining 6.1 miles in the street.

-Chris and Jackson found me at mile 10 and took pictures and cheered me on.

-At 10.64 miles my left hip began craping out on me. At about the same time the sun finally waded its way through the clouds to greet me. It helped push me, along with some great songs on my iPod.

-I finished with the same time as the Cellcom Half-Marathon I ran in 2005 with Chris.

The run felt great, minus the hip. The last half-marathon I did I didn't like at all (neither did my body). This time I was completely relaxed and had no pressure for time, it made all the difference and I enjoyed the run.

Post-run: Chris had an ice bath ready for my tired calves and shins. As well as a banana, crystal light, tea and Aleve. The ice bath sucked/hurt/stung but the tea helped counteract the cold that brought on. Jackson went down for a nap an hour later and so did I : )

All-in-all a great experience and I'm happy to have achieved my resolution. Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and "good vibes" sent on Saturday morning!!!