From Hollywood With Love . . .

My First Half Marathon!

Woo-hoo, I did it! I did it! I DID IT!! Still can’t believe I ran 13.1 miles. I never thought I could accomplish such a challenge and in a good time too! 

My day started off at 3:45 am. Woke up, got dressed, drank a cup of water and ate an energy bar. I made sure I had all my gear ready and off I went to my friends house where I met up with her and my two more lady friends. On our journey we shared stories, had laughs. They are all great women. Glad I shared this experience with them.

Drove up to Ft. Lauderdale where parking was somewhat of a headache. Finally got a spot and walked over to the starting line, went to the potty, warmed up, back to the potty. 5:50 am we lined up at the stating line.

6 am the gun shot off, 6:04 am I passed the stating line embarking on my 13.1 mile journey. As I started I passed A TON of people. I underestimated my abilities thinking I’d keep an 11-12 minute pace. The first 6 miles, a breeze. I remember passing the 2 hr 15 minute pacer and I was shocked indeed.

Along my way I read the back of a woman’s shirt that said, “I had a baby 4 months ago.” I gave her a tap and proudly announced “I had a baby 5 months ago!” So we exchanged a few words, smiled, and I ran on. It was great to see a new mommy running too! Us women are strong, moms especially!

By mile 8 I was feeling tired, but not enough to slow me down. Mile 10 came and boy were those last 3 miles the LONGEST. I was fatigued as ever but I pulled through.

The last hurdled came I looked to my left and saw my lovely family there!!! That made the finish all the better! Without them, I wouldnt be who I am today, I wouldnt have dreamed of completeing any sort of race! Love my hubby, my boy and girl to bits <3!

SO, The finish line was there waiting for me, when I crossed it, I felt so RELIEVED and EXHILARATED. My watch read 2 hr 13 min! YES! I completed even BETTER than I anticipated. I was expecting to finish around the 2 1/2-3 hr mark! My pace 10:11! Go me, I really have to give myself a pat in the back for that one! 

After the race, grabbed water and banana. Took pictures with my gal pals. Went over to my family and hung out in a little playground on the beach. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. Couldn’t have been more perfect. 

Now the aftermath, I had tummy problems all day. Soreness all over! I guess that would be considered my “battle wounds” Well worth it!

Will I do it again? HECK YES! I’ll do it again and again and again! I would like to complete a FULL Marathon one day! I am now officially a runner! My sport of choice! 

This experience has made me not only stronger physically but also mentally. I feel like I’M ON TOP OF THE WORLD! I can accomplish what I put my mind to. All I have to do is BELIEVE! Cheers to that!

Joanna Viruet #1476

Hollywood, FL, USAAge: 26 Gender: F

Distance: HALF MAR

Clock Time: 2:17:15

Chip Time: 2:13:18

Overall Place: 1505 / 2783

Gender Place: 681 / 1550

Division Place: 87 / 182

Pace: 10:11

Div total:182

Sex total: 1558

5K Time: 31:04

5K Pace: 10:00

6 55M Time: 1:04:46

655M Pace: 9:53

Sundays are for long runs!

6 miles today…6 more weeks to go!

Your Journey, not theirs

We are all critics. There are nearly 7 million people in the world, so there are 7 million different opinions. Sure some of us agree on certain issues, ideas, values. That is what makes the world go round after all (that and love) ! 

I just don’t understand how people think that their experience has to be everyone else’s? “Well, this happened to me, therefore it’s going to happen to you!” NO, it’s not. It’s the human experience, each individual is unique, we each have our own path in life. Again, we all may share similar experiences but it is nearly impossible to share EVERY SINGLE experience the same way! And I’m not even taking about emotions here. We all react differently to certain situations too. 

I conclude …

Opinions that are unneeded, keep them yourself unless asked.  

 Live your life the way you believe is best for you! 

Remember this is your journey, not theirs.

13.1 Miles…I WILL CONQUER YOU!

7 weeks til the A1A 1/2 Marathon. Scary! I have to admit I’m quite nervous…I’ve never ran a half before. I know with much work and dedication it can be accomplished. I believe in myself. Mind over matter.

Today was my first New Year run. I ran 4.5 miles. I tried out a new method I’ve been reading in Jeff Galloway’s book “Half-Marathon; You Can Do It.” I must admit it worked well for me. He suggests taking “walk breaks.” So, I ran 4 minutes, walked 1 minute etc. I didn’t feel as fatigued as I usual do, much easier on all my muscle and joints. In fact when I completed my 4.5 miles I felt I could go longer! Seems like interval training is the trick. I am going to stick to it.

I plan on doing 6 miles next weekend which is more than I’ve ever done! I’m excited …

So here’s to 7 more weeks or training! Thank you Mr. Galloway!