Dogtown 1/2 Marathon

Jocelyn and I, right before the race started!

 At the finish line, with my medal

I signed up for the Dogtown 1/2 Marathon excited but, also nervous.  I had heard about this course and it seemed hard and seemed SO LONG!  It started near the Harley Davidson store in Hurricane and ended clear out by Staheli Farms, in Washington Fields!  Then, the week it got here, I was wishing I hadn't signed up.  I was very nervous about it!  Previous to race day, I had ran the last few miles of the course, so I would know what to expect.  I think that was a mistake in some ways.  It was THE WORST part of the course, very uphill, and wore me out!  Not to mention, psyched me out!  

Race day was BEAUTIFUL and could not have been more perfect!  I found Jocelyn, my willing running buddy!  I also ran into a few other friends, which is always fun!  The race started out well,  I felt ok and was doing well.  Some parts I really struggled but, some parts I felt great!  We even passed some people!  That's always motivating!  As usual, I had a great time with Jocelyn!  We always have great conversation, she's a lot of fun, and she is also very motivating!  She doesn't let me slack too much but, also understands when I need to just do my thing.  The end was TOUGH!  We conquered the hill at the end but, I was pretty beat before that!  It's tough because right before you turn to go up the hill, you are just a couple blocks from the finish line.  So, mentally that was hard for me!  To know it was right there but, I still had 3 miles to go.  The last 3 miles were yucky and I just wanted to quit.  However, somehow, some way, I was able to finish with a new PR time for my half marathon!  That was a huge surprise and I was very happy about it!

Honestly, I think I'll do this race again, just to do it without psyching myself out!  I know I can do it!  I've done half's before!  It's just getting my head out of my butt and to get going!!!!!!