1/2 Marathon at 15.5 weeks!

What a great race we had through South Mountain park!  We've ran here several times, so we kind of knew what to expect, but it was a HILLY course.  It was a gorgeous, chilly 7:00am start in the high 50's - perfect running weather!

 *Before the start*

Matt wanted to get under 2 hours (like his fast wife and fast older sis) and I knew I'd be a lot slower, so we parted ways at the start.  After several miles, I figured Matt would have a hard time making his goal because it was just so HILLY.  Definitely the hardest course I've done.  It was a nice out and back, so I was able to wave at Matt as he started his trek to the finish and I was approaching the tough hill to the turn around. 

I didn't really have a goal time, but a realistic expectation of around 2:30 - 2:45 based on my recent past runs.  Despite the hills, I felt pretty good until about mile 9 when I was sick of the hills and was ready for a much needed gel.  Once I got the gel at mile 10, my second on the course, I was feeling good!  It's amazing what happens when you don't have any caffeine for 15 weeks and then all of a sudden take gels with some caffeine - wowsers - I was off!  I surprised myself and finished with a 2:29!!  Matt greeted me at the finish, happy with his 2:05.  All in all, I was ecstatic to meet my goal of doing a half marathon while pregnant.  Matt has his under 2 hour sights set on the Fiesta Bowl race December 5th, which some of us did last year after our wedding.  We'll see if I'm up for that one!

 *2:29 Finish!*

*Matt enjoying a massage at the finish*