A week and a half ago my friend Haley and I ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon together. Haley and I met through the Lady Irish XC team. This was my third half, and it was Haley's first half.
After running the two races in the spring, I became addicted to them! I love the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line! It is like, "Wow! Did I just kick butt or what?" Haha.
I started my XC season late due to a stress fracture. My season was short, but still quite successful. Because it was so short I decided to continue my training when the XC season was finished and run a half to end my season!
Haley and I became close when we were the only two freshman running on the sectional team. I asked her to run the Indy Monumental with me. She had never run this distance before, but she was willing to try it!
We didn't get much training in together. We relied on each to get our long runs in on our own. I did three long runs (8+ miles) before the race.
I had a hard week prior to the race. My heart was hurt by a silly boy, and the next day I came down with strep. Even though I was feeling weak, I fought through that week determined to run the half.
Morning of the race, I woke up at my worst. I didn't even know if I would make it four miles into the race. Woke up, picked up my packet, and met Haley downtown. It came time for the race and we headed to the start line.
The race went by quick. We ran at a fairly fast pace. I had no expectations though. When Haley and I reached mile nine, I knew we could beat my time from Nashville. Both of us cramping up, we talked each other through it and fought for a new PR!!!
As we ran around the circle, we could hear the crowd at the finish! We were almost there! As we crossed the finish line, side by side, the clock read 1 hour and 53 minutes!! We had beaten my previous time! I was so happy for Haley! She had finished her first half marathon! It was a great time together and I was extremely happy with our time! Great race over all!!
