Ran a half marathon Saturday

I'm not one to usually toot my horn about what I am doing -- but this one has been on my bucket list for some time and I just had to tell someone. I'm 54 and until about 8yrs ago was a typical middle aged guy carrying around an extra few pounds - not in bad health, but not in great shape either - I could not have run to the end of the driveway. Got into running, mainly due to my then teenage daughter - she ran track/X Country in high school. I supported her through several half marathons and a Triathalon. She is through college and out working now, but I have continued to run 12-15miles a week to keep in shape, we always run when she is home. I like to eat and drink a few beers, so running keeps that in check, plus I just like to run. So I have been thinking about a 1/2 marathon for a few years, longest run I had done to date was a 15k - @9mi. I pulled the trigger back in December and signed up. Spent the winter training and was up to about 25mi a week. Saturday was the big day and my daughter came along to cheer me on. I finished - 2:19, not a record, but I was upright and running at the finish! - holy crap, those last 3miles are probably the hardest thing I have done - physically and mentally. But I finished it and that was the goal - washed the aches and pain away with a few beers this weekend. I'm going to take a week or two off from running. Now if the weather would just improve so I could get the boat out!

Just had to tell someone.

congrats Bill!........

Congratulations! No small feat, and hopefully it will pay off divedends in terms of improved health either now or down the road! Hopefully, it will help you enjoy boating for many years to come!

Very impressive! I don’t think I could run around the block and you’ve got 15 years on me.

Fantastic! Huge congrats and very respectable time! I also run about 20 miles/week give or take, but sadly no events on the books this year. Did a half with The Admiral last year that was so much fun ...but I hear you. Last 3 miles feet were on fire as I recall.

Again, GRATS!

That's awesome! Running halfs are so much fun! Congrats!

Good for you. It's satisfying to achieve your goals. I'm jealous....2 knee replacements 10 years ago ended my running and I do miss it.
Shawn

Bravo Bill! I came to the same realization about a year ago so I've also started to get back in to shape (something other than round). Thanks for posting this, I can use all the inspiration I can get.

Thanks guys - for me it was a huge accomplishment.

I'm very proud of what you did. I used to run 4-5 miles 3-4 times a week until I screwed up my knees. I never got up to the point where I could run a half but am envious of those who can/did.

YOU DA MAN!!!

Congratulations, great achievement! Running is addictive!

Congrats and 2:19 is a great time - especially for your first! I started running again 6 years ago and now have the bug big time. I always enjoy running near our marina on Sunday AM's. Now I am doing triathlons as well. My 6th 70.3 Ironman is in 5 weeks in Chattanooga. I have found I have to do strength training and core work to prevent destroying the knees. Keep it up!

Congrats! BTW, who was chasing you? That’s about the only reason I would run these days.