What a glorious day in Rhode Island! The perfect day for the Shape Up RI Half Marathon. I worked towards this event for months. It felt like Christmas morning when my eyes popped open early this morning. My day had come! It started with a reliable pre-race breakfast.
Then it was off to the race! I arrived with plenty of time to use the porta-potty and meet up with all of my fellow runners.
Melissa and I teamed up to take on this challenge together! Before we knew it, the gun went off. Go time!
We had plans to run this race in under two hours. I knew our goal was achievable, but I was concerned about the pressure I felt. Melissa came prepared with a sheet listing splits that would keep us at a sub-2 hour pace. The mental game was won early. We had to challenge our bodies, physically, to compete.
During the first mile we settled into a steady pace. We didn’t waste time with too many lateral movements through the crowd, but we managed to break out and get our run on!
So many supporters came out to cheer us on! We waved to Melissa’s parents at Mile 3, Adam’s co-workers at Mile 4, and my family at Mile 5. Since the course was a loop, we were excited to see everyone on the way back into the city, too. I felt great the entire time – all smiles!
Each time I passed my loved ones, I cheered! I knew I was making it. I felt amazing. Most importantly, I was having the time of my life!
The race course was fabulous! There was a nice blend of uphills and downhills with plenty of flat stretches along the way. We ran through historic neighborhoods, under shady trees, and finally made it to the Narragansett Bay.
It was nice to run along the water during the final miles. It was an unseasonably warm day in Providence, but we felt the bay breezes just when we needed them most.
As the miles passed, I kept glancing at my Garmin. I was in shock. I thought maybe it was wrong. I checked with Melissa. Her Garmin was saying the same thing. We were keeping a sub-9:00/mile pace…the entire time! I felt utter joy and elation as I crossed the finish line.
Team Cousins attacked that course! We blew our time goal out of the water! The gun time (in the photo) was 1:55:59. My Garmin gave these stats:
Total Distance: 13.25 – I don’t know if the course was off or what, but I officially ran longer than a half-marathon!
Total Time: 1:54:56
Average Pace: 8:40/mile
Yowza! I’m excited to see the official results. My adrenaline was pumping long after the finish. There were lots of hugs, high fives, and even a few tears as we all felt the emotions that came along with this accomplishment.
The family of runners.
The runners of the gym.
Everyone was in great spirits as we walked back to the car. It was a very special day, filled with many emotions – excitement, anxiety, insecurity, confidence – but most of all, HAPPINESS! After all, that’s what it’s all about!
The rest of this fabulous day is dedicated to resting, relaxing, rehydrating, and refueling. All while basking in my “runner’s high!”
CONGRATULATIONS to all of my fellow runners who came out and gave it their all this morning. We rocked Providence!
Congratulations on rocking that half marathon!!! Sounds like you had an awesome time at a fantastic race
Congratulations! Amazing job. I’m so impressed
wow – awesome job on your race! I am so impressed with your time. Congrats!
Fantastic job! I ran this race too, and I must say I’m quite jealous of your finish time and pace.
Really inspiring. I also love the action shots you have from during the race. They came out great.
Congrats again!!
Thats an awesome time, well done you!!! A sub 2 hr HM is the stuff of dreams for me. I need to hit your archive of posts and read again how you got to where you are today!
I am moving from Sweden to San Francisco in the next month, am looking forward to continuing my running in the US!
Love the new blog look!
Hey there! Thank you so much! Check out my new running page. I posted my training plan on there…Hal Higdon’s my man!
Just wanted to say that I also ran this race!! I loved it.
Congrats on breaking 2 hours!!
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heheh lets pretend I read this a year ago. Congrats on your half! My best time is the same! Now lets plan a half that we can beat that time : )
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