At the beginning of 2015 I set a goal to walk 2015 miles by December 31st. Well, the end is on sight(I have 53 miles left to walk) and I am feeling a mixture of emotions. I am excited that I am about to complete a challenge that 11 months ago I wasn’t sure was possible given the shape I was in back then. I am relieved that the end is in sight. Yes, I have walked a lot of miles, but my body and mind are tired. It has been a struggle at times to go out in all kinds of weather and walk by myself. Pushing myself to average 5.5 miles day after day has been a difficult task. I am filled with joy by all of the beauty I have seen while doing this challenge. I have walked in the amazing backdrop of Wallowa Lake. I have walked among the grandeur of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the sights and sounds of Paris. I have walked around the breathtaking waters of Chateau du Lac in Genval, Belgium. My feet have trod the trails around Mt. Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, and the Mississippi River. I marvel at all that I would have missed if not for this challenge. Finally, I am filled with a little sadness. My goal is almost met, my challenge will soon be over, and another goal will take its place. As they say, “All good things must come to an end”. However, when one thing comes to an end, something new begins. I am looking forward to what the New Year brings to my journey towards being more fit and healthy each and every year. I do know that I will keep walking(but not 2016 miles in 2016), I will enter some more half marathons and aim for a new personal record, and I will add another physical activity. I am think about kettleball or boxing using a heavyweight bag. A new adventure is about to begin and I am ready to start another incredible journey.
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I loved running the half marathon this year!! The course was diverse, well laid out, and clearly marked. All the volunteers were cheerful and helpful. I loved the food at the end, the music and the great energy and enthusiasm of all those involved. It was very evident that great care and thought went into every detail of this fantastic race. A big thank you to everyone who put so much time and effort into making this race a great experience!! Each succeeding year of this race gets better and better--I look forward to next year!
I had a blast. The course was well laid out and the stations were a great sight to see. The finish line was set up wonderfully. The after food, music, stretch tables and crowd were very welcoming. Thank you for everything. I really can't wait till next year.
My first Marathon! This was a great experience, extremely well marked course not only that but someone at every turn cheering you on was great, big thanks to them! Aid stations lots of them, after mile 20 my belt was empty and I was almost running on empty, they relly helped me finsh, they had everything I was even able to get a gel packet. I will run it again, and would recommend it to anyone. Thank you!
I do travel out-of-state for races from time to time and when I heard about this one, I had to participate. From the amazing/scenic course to the incredible volunteers, friendly participants & spectacular weather, I'd have to give kudos for a job well done. You guys just keep rocking it like you are and it won't forsake you. I hope to be back next year!
This was my first race ever and it could not have been any better! The energy on the course was amazing, everyone cheering each other on was inspiring. Having a pacer helped me complete my half marathon in my goal time! The whole event was well planned and a fun day all around, can't wait to do it again!!
The race was awesome. A really beautiful course. So many kind volunteers cheering us on along the way. Lots of free yummy food at the end. Also live music, physical therapists to help you stretch afterward. The t-shirts were great. My friends from Georgia and I are planning to make this our memorial day tradition!
Great event! I just ran the half today! The race seemed well organized and the course is fast and flat as described and runs through lovely neighborhoods and parks, nicely shaded, lots of beautiful trees and greenery, etc. Loved the venue for the start and finish. Loved the free hot dog or burrito option at the end for participants and BTW the "dawg's" were great and the fellow that owns and runs the hot dog stand was really cool!! He even took the time to snap a few pics of my friend and I for us. Enjoyed the live music while we were eating and waiting for award announcements. I would definitely run this race again and since I won a free race entry (division award) I plan to do just that next year!
This was a very well organized marathon, especially for an inaugural one! Beautiful and fast course. I got a new PR! Great support along the course, especially in the last hard miles. The race director even ran with me for a little bit. :-) I would definitely recommend it. It was small being it's first year but I expect to see it grow a lot in the coming years.
