Triumph

I have never set hard goals for myself. Most of the time I don't even bother to set goals because I know I won't keep them anyways. After having Hailey, Travis and I set the goal of running a half marathon. I have never struggled so much, wanted to quit so often, or been tested as much as I experienced training for the half marathon. So when we ran the Kansas City Half Marathon yesterday I felt like I accomplished something amazing. It felt triumphant. Thanks for all those that have been rooting me on this whole journey! It was hard, but so incredibly worth it. 

The morning of the race was the coldest one yet. It was 33 degrees when the race started (at 7:05 am) and 37 degrees when it ended. We didn't notice the temperature as we were running, just before and after.

About to start the race!

It took us 10 minutes to get to the start line once the race started. There were over 12,000 competitors! We had a time chip tied to our shoe laces, so our time didn't start until we crossed the starting line. 

This was right after the longest hill of my life! (at mile 3)

Our great friends, Matt and Brielle, took Hailey at 5 in the morning! They are superstars! They brought her and were waiting patiently at the finish line. I loved seeing her cute face after I finished.

Travis finished 10 seconds ahead of me.

 People were so supportive on the sides of the race. There were people cheering the whole way! I was very grateful for that. It helped me push myself. People had such funny signs. I wish we would have taken pictures. The best I can do is quote a few.

"You're running better than our government!"

"Worst parade ever! Where are the floats?"

"Run like you're someone who stole something"-written and held by a 6 year old girl.

Fun stuff. There were some people dressed up so funny! Superheroes, princesses, people with crazy socks, and even 

BANANAS!

I can't even imagine running 13 miles in a banana suit.

We finished in 2 hours and 13 minutes (A 10:10/mile average). Our goal was to finish by 2 hours and 30 minutes. We creamed it! I'm so glad we did this. It's something I want to do after each pregnancy. Travis now wants to do one every year. I hear they're addicting and I believe it. Once you do it, you know you can, and you want to do another. 

Here's after the race. The space blankets were so nice because right when we stopped running we got cold.  And  check out those medals! 

Here's a head's up: If you're wearing a pretty heavy medal you shouldn't lean down to pick up your child. It will smack them in the head and they will be upset (sorry Hailey!). Now I know.