IT'S OVER!! =)

It's hard to believe the event for which I trained for since September has come and gone. Well, I finished my first ever half-marathon. It took me 2 hours, 37 minutes and 14 seconds to complete the PF Chang's Rock-n-Roll half-marathon, or 13.1 miles. I had to stop and walk a few times and stretch. My toes and the bottom of my feet were just not having any of it after mile 9. It was pretty fun to be part of the festivity of it all. The whole course was lined with people. Some were local school spirit teams and other volunteer cheerleaders. There were quite a few parents with their kids. It was so cute, some of the kids would stick their hands out, wanting runners to give them a high-five as they passed. Some of the children were so sweet-faced, I had to make a bee-line for them.

I have to admit that I was somewhat envious of all the people who had family or friends cheering for them or waiting for them at the end. I couldn't find anyone I knew and even if nobody was there, it would've been nice to have someone who wanted to go out and celebrate with me afterward.

Some people say they cry after completing their first marathon or half-marathon. I did end up crying a couple of times--because after the race, I realized I lost my car key!! With my house keys, cell phone and wallet inside my car, I was basically stuck on an island with almost no hope of rescue. I don't know if I was more distraught at feeling extremely stupid or the fact that I could only think of three people who might come to my aid. I talked to police officers, a paramedic and informational volunteers. Everybody kept sending me to someone else. There were rumors of a tow truck nearby. At one point, I considered trying to use the medal I got after to break my car window (OK, I know that wouldn't have worked. But frustration makes one extremely irrational). Finally, an ASU police officer was pro-active and called dispatch to send a tow truck and told me to wait by my car. The driver propped my door open and I was able to get a hold of my aunt Karen. She picked me up, drove me home to get my spare car key and was nice enough to reassure me to not feel bad. I finished the race before noon but didn't get home until 5 p.m. Overall, it was a $60.50 payback for stupidity. Man, if she hadn't been around, I would have had to call a cab or something. Every time I'm reminded about how few people I'm close to out here, it makes me want to move away ASAP. If I do one of these races again, I think I'll do one in California. If I'm lucky, someone I know will be around.

Well, a close friend was sweet enough to tell me not to let this car key debacle eclipse the accomplishment of finishing the 13-mile course. I'm working on it.

Not much else happened except...damn. Am more sore today.