Megan Laune: 13.2

5.08.2011

13.2

Exactly one week ago today I ran the Lincoln Half Marathon! And yes, I know a half marathon is technically 13.1 miles, but according to the GPS watch, we ran 13.2. Despite every effort to take the inside corner, somehow an extra tenth of a mile was added on! Leading up to the race I was, for the first time, actually excited to run a race. I was hydrated, loaded with carbs, had a Marathon Mania playlist ready to go on my i-pod and shot blocks in my pocket. I’ve never really been a long distance runner, but I love the feeling of accomplishment when I am done. Therefore, I run! The Lincoln Half is awesome because there a people cheering you on the whole way. Complete strangers cheer for me as I run by and eagerly high five them if they extend their hand. I could be completely exhausted when some shouts out, “You’re doing great! Almost there!” and I suddenly get a little burst of energy that makes it a little easier to put one leg in front of the other.

This year, as I was running I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I was excited, happy, proud, tired and sad, all at the same time. Even with my i-pod, there is a lot of time to think while running. This year my biggest thought was, why are all these people running? All 10,000 people were out there running for a reason. I read their t-shirts and signs discovering why many of these people were running the race. It wasn’t necessarily because they were avid runners and competing to win. Most were competing to finish, maybe beat a personal best and a lot were running in honor or memory of someone or to raise awareness for some cause. I ran the race as part of Team Jess, in honor of my friend that was killed by a drunk driver. I felt proud to be running in her memory and to see all of the others out there in Team Jess shirts. It was such an awesome experience. There was absolutely nowhere else that I wanted to be last Sunday morning. Therefore, I ran 13.2 miles in 2:05… with a smile on my face!

Now, for some pictures from the race!