Conquered: 13 Mile Run in Savannah!

Several months I decided that it was time to push myself again and run a half-marathon...that's 13.1 miles. When I saw that the Spina Bifida Association had an endurance and fundraising program called TEAM SPINA BIFIDA with the motto "Race. Compete. Inspire.", I got excited about doing a run in honor of my daughter Adria.

I signed up for the Rock'n Roll Half-Marathon in Savannah, Georgia on November 8 and pledged to raise $500.

GREAT NEWS...BOTH GOALS WERE SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED!

Thanks to the generous support of friends, family, and co-workers with on-line donations, it was fairly easy to exceed my fundraising goal and have $585 raised by race day. THANK YOU SUPPORTERS!!!

The half-marathon went very well for me, even if I was 14 weeks pregnant, and recovery was quick. There was no "bun in the oven" when I signed up for the event but I knew it was possible. Since I've been running regularly for years (though shorter distances), there was no real reason for concern...just an emphasis on staying hydrated.

Our little family of four took a road trip down to Savannah, Georgia for the weekend, allowing the girls to enjoy a lot a new experiences (and a lot of movies in the van!). It's a charming riverfront city with a lot of interesting history.

But let me tell you about the race. This was my third half-marathon. The others were in 2007 (Virginia) and 2012 (Indianapolis), and I completed a full marathon in 2007 in San Franciso, CA.

These big events are quite the EXPERIENCE. With more than 20,000 signed up to compete either the full, half or relay marathon last Saturday in Savannah, the city was buzzing with activity.

It all started at the Convention Center on Friday, where we all converged to pick up our race packets and Bib numbers...and be immersed in Health Fair trade show selling everything from sneakers to sport jelly beans to headbands and beyond.

I brought the girls in with me, carting them around in the double stroller. This was no easy task. It's hard enough to navigate this thing down the sidewalk, let alone through a crowd of thousands!

I wasn't the only one with a race packet. Adria would be running her first race on Sunday, the day after mine! That was an incredible experience (more on that next time!)

Navigating the girls through the throngs of people getting their race packets on Friday. 

 The crowds were actually much worse than they look in these pictures! I was more than ready to get out of there.

Relaxing by the River - the city is just behind us but you can't see it in this picture.

EXPERIENCE RACE DAY WITH ME!

Awake at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 8...Actually, I was awake about half the night because a certain toddler could not sleep well in the hotel.

Snap a mirror selfie trying to show my baby belly at 14 weeks... Then leave hotel while the rest of my family sleeps on.

 Park in the city by 5:30 a.m. and walk 1/2 mile to the starting line. There it is!

 Grab a bagel, banana and water to fuel up before the race. Then wait in long lines to use a porta-potty before the start.

 Escape from the crowds for a few minutes and enjoy the serenity of the Savannah riverfront a few steps away. Above an almost full moon lingers in the western sky just before the sun rises below.

 The only time I saw this busy street so empty... around 6:30 a.m. Just one street over, thousands were awaiting the race start in 30 minutes.

 And here they are. The thousands of marathoners getting ready to go. I started in corral 12 based on my expected finish time.

 It was kind of strange. In the midst of thousands of faces, I was alone. I did not recognize a single one. I've always run big races with people I know, so it was definitely different to be so far from home.

 But I quickly made friends with a sweet southern lady named Leah who was running her first half-marathon. She took this pic for me. It was about 45 degrees when the race started, so I had worn this long-sleeve shirt to stay warm. Like many other runners, it came off a couple miles into the race and was tossed on the street. (I heard they donate them to charity anyway.)

 And we are off! I carried my phone with me during the entire race, so I tried to snap some photos along the way. This is just a mile into it.

 There were many supporters along the run, including cheering crowds with signs, bands, singers and even...bagpipes ;) I thought of you, Mom.

 Leah and I became instant friends and running partners as we kept each other going and ran together through the first nine miles of the race!

 And there was the Rock'n Roll Inflatable dude to change up the scenery of the course.

 At mile 11, Adrian texted me to say he and the girls were up and having breakfast. Unfortunately, it would have been far too complicated for them to come down to the race and watch me. I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to see them cheering me on, but Adrian called my phone and we were able to "Facetime" during the last 1/8 mile and through the finish line! I couldn't say much because I was exhausted, but Adria and Johanna could watch me and I could hear my little girls cheering me on to a strong finish!

 Almost 2 1/2 hours after I started the race...I crossed the finish line. Sweaty, sore, exhausted...and Victorious!

 

They handed all the finishers a Medal along with water, pretzels, chocolate milk, and energy bars as we continued in mass through the cheering crowds and to the after party. The party was a big event with bands and activities, but I was ready to go find my own little cheering section back at the hotel.

The race ended at Forsyth Park, which is a Savannah landmark, so I enjoyed it briefly.

Thankful and happy to have completed a great run!

Back at the hotel with my girls, who were my biggest fans :)

MY RACE STATS

Here are the details of this race. My finish time was just slightly better than the half-marathon I completed in 2012, but this time I did not take many walk breaks. My times aren't really brag-worthy but for a pregnant mom who only runs once or twice a week, I'll take it!

• Time to Complete the 13.1 mile run - 2 Hours 26 Minutes
• Average 11 minute/mile pace
• Came in 685 out of 1,198 Females in my age division (30-34)
• Finished 6,158 out of the 10,631 Half Marathon finishers 

Overall, the race was a great experience with many wonderful memories made. It inspired me to want to do it again and again! I love the energy and camaraderie of runners. Plus, I was able to do it for a great cause and earn two sweet medals to add to my little collection!