This is my story of my very first 1/2 marathon...

Let me tell you, I have never ever cried out of joy or happiness as much as I did this weekend. I cried for myself and I cried for other team members. It was AWESOME. The best experience. And I couldn't have done it without the WISH team. You are all such awesome and inspiring people.

OK, on to the race. IT WAS HOT. OMG it was SOOOO HOT. I set the alarm for 3:00 am, but was actually awake by 1:30, I just couldn't sleep. When I walked outside and felt the heat humidity, I was really concerned. It felt like the race I ran on the 4th of July. Little did I know at the time, but there were record highs for temps that day. The number of people there was intimidating and scarey to me. I just got into the pile and went with the flow. After checking my bag, I immediatelyt found some WISHers. Mel said she wasn't allowed to go any farther because she was a "C", but we took her with us to the group by the porta potties. At about 5:00 the waves started leaving. I was in B-3, so I stuck with Claire (louisianagal) and followed the masses. It was so crowded with our wave started that we eventually split up. I just kept at my speed, but couldn't believe how much I was sweating. I thought something was wrong with me until I noticed EVERYONE was sweating like this. I did my walk/jog intervals and felt very crowded for the first couple if miles. I always had a lot of people around me.

At mile 4 I had to use the potty so bad, BIG MISTAKE, never ever again. The smell was horrendous, someone had urinated all over it so I did a hover and then ther was no sanitizer. At the next water stop I took 2 waters and used one to rinse my hands off. By this time I was so hot that I decided to just go at a comfortable pace and use my watch to make sure I was under 16MM. I had 3 1/2 hours to finish and I decided to use it.

The best part of the race was seeing so many WISHers all over cheering us on. Honestly I don't think I would have made it without that. My family was there, but I really felt like I had family everywhere with the WISHers. It kept my motivation up.

Finally at mile 12 I really pumped up when I saw my family and WISHers at the EPCOT entrance cheering me on. I was just entering Epcot and ran around the ball. 1 more mile is all I kept thinking. Right near the end at mile 13 there was a gospel choir and they were singing the song from HS Musical, We Are All In This Together.... I STARTED BAWLING!!!!!!! I took off like a bat and ran as fast as I could across the finish line, passing lots of people. I did it!!! OMG it was the most rewarding thing!!!

OK, once I was done and started walking to collect my things and find the family, the pain set in. I told DH I wasn't sure what was more painful, the race or childbirth. I decided it was childbirth... I am so doing this again. It was so challenging, yet so rewarding in so many different ways.

This was a year long goal that I accomplished. It took dedication and determination to complete it, but I am so happy I did. Now I am back and in weight loss mode and want to be leaner and meaner (speedier that is), for my next race!!!

Here are some pics!!

These are the masses of people in front of me.






Here are my girls at the Kids races. I thought it was fun, although the pre-entertainment was a little long. My girls didn't care to watch it, so they got bored. The girls loved the medals and wanted to wear them everywhere!



And lastly, here is a pic of me and the family!