As most people were waking early to start Thanksgiving dinner preparations, The Hubby and I were up eating a small breakfast, putting on our running gear, and heading out to do a little running.
Ok, a LOT of running. My first half-marathon, to be precise. And it wasn’t really just ANY half-marathon – it was a trail run. I had no idea what that entailed before Thursday. Oh boy.
I wish I had taken a few pictures along the way to give you a little idea of what a trail run looks like, but I’ll just give you this summary…
*We dodged animal droppings along much of the course.
*Of the 13.1 miles, less than a mile was paved.
*”Single dirt track” means trenches barely wide enough in which to place your feet.
*We had to keep our eyes out for flags marking the course, which weren’t always easy to spot.
*We had to keep our eyes on the ground to keep from tripping over tree roots.
*I may have bit the dust tripping over a tree root while looking for flags.
*It’s not easy to keep running when you don’t where you are going to put your foot next!
*Creek-hopping was involved. I obviously stepped IN the creek with one foot.
*Hills are a totally different story when they aren’t paved. Yikes.
But you know what?
I did it. I ran a half-marathon. And I beat my goal. Even the goal I set before I knew the craziness of the course!
The rest of the day was kind of a wash as I was laid out not feeling well {still figuring out what food/drink works best for me after a long, hard run}, but thanks to the The Hubby and my parents, I didn’t have to worry about a single thing for Thanksgiving. They even saved me a plate of yummy food to eat when I started feeling better!
The best part of my whole half experience?
Running it with The Hubby. I’m not sure I could have made it through without him. And I’m pretty sure I would have gotten lost and scared along the way as well! He kept me moving, gave me lots of mental tips, and assured me that I was not the only one who though the course was insane 🙂 And we had 2 1/2 hours of “uninterrupted” talking time! I can’t thank him enough for sticking with me and encouraging me through my first half!
I’m also very thankful for my parents who came down the night before, watched the children, and made Thanksgiving dinner so we could run, run, run!
I am SO glad I got my first 13.1 in before winter, but I think my next half will be a road race!
A few pics from the day…
{I’m pretty sure this is exactly what I looked like when I was in labor. Not joking at all. I liked to stand and hang on The Hubby while in labor.}
{There. That’s a much better picture.}
Thanks to all of you who have prayed for and encouraged me along this running journey! If you’re on this “path” as well, let me know what you’re running next so I can pray for and encourage you, too!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
Whoo Hoo! You go girl! 😉
Thanks so much, Talysa!
Erin!!!! You both did so well! Congrats.
Thanks girl!
Way to go Mama! I am so proud of you. I am looking forward to a 5k in January and a Half Marathon in Feb. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me. I really love reading up on your little family and your running adventures.
Thank you, sweet Tara! I’m cheering you on for that 5K and half! So awesome!
You’re whole running journey has been such an encouragement to me. My husband likes running and I’ve always wanted to “be a runner” so that we could run together. I know that would make him happy. Being one who likes the idea of running much more than actual running has made that goal, well, more of a nice idea than a goal.
I’ve recently started running at the gym and can now do a mile w/o walking. I’m hoping that this Spring we can do a 5k together.
Oh Sara, this makes me so happy! You’re where I was in April and it won’t be long before you actually start to LIKE the actual running! Keep me posted on how it’s going! I’ll be praying for you!
Awesome! I’m running my second 1/2 this weekend for St. Jude! Amazed at running your first as a trail run! Way to go!
That is so great! Praying you have a great race this weekend!
Well I have always wanted to do a trail run, but not now, ha! I think I will do a shorter distance trail run, but seriously 13.1, you go girl! You know I think you are awesome and I am so proud of you!! I think my goal next year is 5k, 10K, 15K, half, then work my way down, from another half, 15, 10, 5k, maybe? Still trying to decide and figure out money, and what not! So glad to have this journey to share with you!!
Hi Erin!
I am a race director for Feast and Feathers and I really loved your race report! Thanks to you, your husband, and your family for supporting us/ Food Bank for the Heartland. I was wondering if it would be acceptable if we included a link to your blog on our website?
Thank you again and great job ( I know, I’m really late on that!).
–Vanessa
Of course! Thanks for asking! The Hubby did it again last year and plans on this year as well! And the kids did the kids’ 400 last year! I’m still deciding on this year 🙂