On Sunday, I had the pleasure of running the Inaugural Columbia Half Marathon. I hadn't done this when it was the Iron Girl because I was running the Nike Women's Half Marathon the last two years. This race was being sponsored by Rip It Events. This race was to support Athletes serving athletes. I have also done other races with this company and they are wonderful!

I went to packet pick-up on Friday after work at one of my local running stores, Feet First. My swag packet included my bib and timing chip, a t-shirt and a chapstick.On Sunday, I had the pleasure of running the Inaugural Columbia Half Marathon. I hadn't done this when it was the Iron Girl because I was running the Nike Women's Half Marathon the last two years. This race was being sponsored by Rip It Events. This race was to support Athletes serving athletes. I have also done other races with this company and they are wonderful!

There were water and gatorade stops at every mile along the race course. At the half-way point, there was a timing check point along with several volunteers shouting "Half-way there now"...little did they tell us that around the corner, they was a hill! From miles six through ten, the course was very hilly. I could really feel it. I started to get tired around mile ten and a half, thinking I am not going to PR this race as I thought due to the hills. The volunteers from miles eleven through the end were absolutely encouraging and wonderful. Thank you so much to the people who volunteer at races for us-we love you!

As I crossed around the corner at mile 13, I saw one of my running coaches waiting there shouting me to the finish line. Thank you, Bev for waiting for me even though you finished almost 45 minutes before me! As I looked at the finish line and saw the time, I quickly realized that I was going to PR by six minutes. I started to shout, jump up and high fiving everyone to the finish line. I can't wait to see that picture!

At the end, I was greeted by another friend, Mary and met her husband and beautiful daughter! Thank you, Mary for your kind words and for your husband taking pictures!