1/2 Marathon Race Report

I did it! I reached my goal, and completed the race. Horray!
...And now for the race report

~ Friday night I met the the running chicks (Dianna and Michelle) along with their husbands, for an evening of relaxing and pasta! Dianna was so sweet, and gave Michelle and I a bouquet of beautiful "Good Luck" flowers. Dianna's husband also gave us customed designed (Orange!) "Team Dianna" t-shirts. :)
~ The next day, I met them all again at the doughnut shop in town and we headed to Hartford. Along the way, I was skipping though the radio stations and I heard my favorite running song, It's a Beautiful Life, by Ace of Base. Whenever I hear that song while I'm running, it always motivates me to run faster. (thus the name for my running blog and because I feel like I have a beautiful life. I have been so blessed.)
~ After we arrived, I found my race number and I bumped into a guy from my high school that I hadn't seen in years. It was nice to chat for a bit, because it pre-occupied my mind from being so nervous. Before I knew, it was time to line up. Michelle and I started together, packed together shoulder to shoulder, with thousands of other runners. It was a perfect day for running! (cloudy and in the low 60's)
~ The first mile was slow, as every one tried to break out of the crowd and find their pace. Overall, the course was primarily flat with a few slight inclines/declines along the way. I quickly tried to find a steady pace, and settle into a running groove. Everything was great until mile seven.
~ I arrived at the mile seven marker and then it hit me - "Gosh..I have to go the bathroom. How is this possible, I just went an hour ago?"
Mile eight & nine - "I can hold it. I can hold it. Keep running. Don't stop!"
Mile ten - "I'm not going to make it!" I spot a port-o-let...there is no line...I jump in and out in less then 30 seconds, and I'm back on the roads, picking up the pace.
(sorry for the details....but I couldn't not mention it, because I have never had to stop before. I'm wondering if I was just really nervous. Hmm.....)
~ Along the way, it was great to be cheered on by Michelle's family and Dianna's friends. I did my best to finish strong, with a tiny kick left in me, and I fished with a chip time of 1:47.14
~ About an hour later I found Dianna at mile 20 of her race and I hoped in for a little while. She was doing great and I was so excited for her!
~ After the race, my legs were sore and I thought that after a hot shower and nap, I would wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed. I thought wrong. All the muscles from the bottom of my feet, to the top of my hips are sore, but I'm sure I'll survive. :)

* I am so proud of Dianna and Michelle! Michelle beat her arch-rival, and Dianna finished the MARATHON! Way to go girls! You have inspired me to running longer and faster than I ever thought possible. Thanks for all the support along the way! ~ And, thank you to the RBF for all the comments and advice you have posted on my blog since I started training for this crazy race. :)