Sorry to take so long to report but I did run the San Francisco Half Marathon on Sunday. And it was awesome!!! The race day atmosphere is an incredible feeling. 16,000 racers all joined together, proving to themselves and others that they set a goal and could reach it. Here I am pre-race in front of the Bay Bridge. It’s about 6am and the sun is still below the horizon. 
Looking back, I would’ve worn a pair of light gloves because coming from triple digits in Texas, I wasn’t used to the middle to upper 50’s. The most incredible momement occured about five miles into the race when the course led us onto the Golden Gate Bridge. I pulled my cell phone out of a little zippered pocket I had on my running skirt and called my husband. He thought the race was over and asked how I did. He couldn’t believe I was calling him in the middle of the race but was glad to share such a special moment with me. It was a good thing I called when I did because the next four miles running across the bridge and back were pretty brutal as far as the wind was concerned. I saw some official race pictures of me on the race’s website and my knees turned red they were so cold. But after getting off the bridge and running the last 3-4 miles, I actually picked up my pace. I ended with a time of 2 hours and 6 mins. Not bad for my first half marathon. Here’s the post race pics. 
The three other ladies with me were my conference roommates. Thanks for coming to the race Tracy, Nikki, and Dawn!!
But I can’t forget to mention my friend who was extremely disappointed she couldn’t run the race with me. My inspiration and great friend, Robin Bielman! And also a big thanks to Ted for support and taking pictures!
Now don’t feel too sorry for her. This tough cookie has already ran 4 half marathons!!! And I’m sure that won’t be all. I hope your foot heals quickly Robin so you can get back to running for exercise. I know how much you enjoy it.
In the mean time, I’ll contemplate if any other races will be in my near future.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Yay, Jessica! You so rocked! I’m so happy for you that you did the race - and in such an awesome time! I wish I could have been there beside you, but I was with you in spirit and was thrilled to be at the finish line to greet you! Congrats!