Philadelphia Distance Run Down in the Books!

WHOO-HOOO!
"Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You'll get there, I promise."
- Zoe Koplowitz

Well, I accomplished what I seriously thought was never possible for me. I ran 13.1 miles in the Philadelphia Half Marathon on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at an average of a 9.30 mile pace and finished in 2hr 6min 43sec. I was # 7301 out of 12,000+ racers, # 3000 out of 6000+ women and # 608 in my division. If you are totally inspired by me and think you could never do it, please get out there and do it. I always thought that running was no big deal, that the people that ran big races was just for fun, but it is really a life changing experience. To see all the people on the sidelines cheering you on, to know that you are running for a cause to change someone else's life or family's life is just an incredible feeling. As I was running I hurt my left knee really bad, so at mile 10 I let my sister go ahead of me and I had to stop and stretch it out for a few minutes. I decided to sit for a moment and ask God to help me finish the race, to get back up and run again. I couldn't feel my leg from the knee down, it was totally numb. I said my little prayer, stood up and slowly started running at about an 11 min per mile pace. By the time I got to the water station at the 12th mile, I looked up and saw my sister there waiting for me as we promised each other we would not finish without one another. Of course, that meant the world to me and I could feel the tears running down my face. I know how competitive my sister is to strive to be the best and when she sets a goal, she really wanted to finish in less than two hours, but she stood there and waited for me to catch up. By the 13th mile, I was able to sprint to the finish line and it was one of the happiest moments in my life. I want to thank my sister for running and training with me as it has brought us even closer together and to be able to cross that finish line with each other is something really special to us. My inspiration to run this race also came from a few friends too, so thank you Kim and Colleen for making my first half marathon a success.
"Great is the victory, but the friendship of all is greater."
-Emil Zatopek

Capturing the Day

"Let today be the day that you choose to become your own greatest Hero."
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Congratulations on completing 13.1 miles in the land of brotherly love! Keep the love alive and experience true southern hospitality in Music City. On April 24, 2010 the Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon welcomes you and your brothers to run a legend!