< 2 !!!!

I did it! The 1/2 marathon was a success. My goal was two hours, and I did it in 1:57:22. (The time when I crossed was a little ahead of when I actually started.) Over 1,700 people ran in it, and I must say it was one of the best accomplishments I have achieved. In my age group, there were 59 that ran, and I finished 9th! I was pretty excited considering it was my first. It was a great experience overall. During the whole course there were people watching and cheering the runners on which was amazing. How neat to have complete strangers encouraging me to stay strong and assuring me I could make it.

Crossing the finish line! Woohoo!

Past the finish line! A bit out of breath!

The best part of the run was my family at the finish line. Mom had come with me that morning and watched me off. She is my #1 fan and is always there for every event be it in Kentucky or in Cozumel. (You have no idea how much that means to me) I had no clue my sister and family were going to show up but when I crossed the line there were Meg and Josie. Meg with camera in hand, of course. Next came Maggie Mae & Owen and Joe shortly thereafter. What a great surprise! Dad had to leave early that morning, or he would have been there too. I don't think the kids fully understood, but mom said they were great cheerleaders for the participants. Meg was in awe that so many people loved running, and Joe said he may do one with me sans training. Thank you all so much for coming. It made the run so much better. My next goal is the Charleston Distance Run and a full marathon next year. Mr. Average and Mrs. Clark, are you in? Also, congrats to Ashley for finishing the Detroit half! You are awesome, girl.

The cutest fans ever!
Future runners in training

What a great sight after 2 hours of running

Afterward, food was a must so we headed to my favorite restaurant -- the Cheesecake Factory! Guacamole was on my mind. My cousin Jay was working in Louisville so he met us there. He is hands down one of the funniest people I know and is so much fun to be around. It was great seeing him again and catching up on Gwen and Gracie news.

The other great part of my visit was Maggie Mae's birthday. I had to miss the family party, but I got to participate in the "Chef Party" (a.k.a the friend's party). Meg did a great job, very creative. The pizza cake was adorable and quite tasty. The kids seemed to enjoy the chef hats and aprons, as well as making their own pizzas and cupcakes. Maggie had a great time with all her friends and racked up on presents too.

(Sorry, James, no blog pics. The ones I took didn't turn out! Next time we need to have a photo shoot. haha)

Happy 5th Birthday, Maggie Mae. I have enjoyed all five years of your life and look forward to the next 50. You are such a joy to me. Every time I am with my family, I am reminded of how blessed I am. What a great weekend and what great company to share it with.