Lessons from my Half-Marathon

Here's a list of all the things I learned from running the Disneyland Half-Marathon yesterday:

• I have a new-found respect for my body and what it can do.
• I love energy goos, gels and blocks! They got me through a few tough miles.
• For this first running event, running the fastest time was not important to me, running with my pace group and enjoying the experience was.
  
• While I have a new-found respect for runners in general, I also think that absolutely anyone can run a half-marathon. It just takes lots of training and determination. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.
  
• I haven't been this proud of myself in awhile and let me tell you, it feels amazing to achieve something like this. It gives me hope that I can conquer anything that I put my mind to. Yes, this is cheesy but true.
  
• I now understand the 'runners high'. I can't begin to explain what it feels like but it definitely exits. All I know is that I want to experience it again and soon!
  
• Of course I already knew how awesome my friends were but some of them were downright amazing throughout my training and then cheering me on from wherever they were the day of my race. I would like to give a shout out to my awesome sister, Tonya and her husband, my roomie, Gina, Courtney S, Stacy, Em, and Tracy. I love you girls and I know that I couldn't have done this without you. XOXO

These are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend: