I am officially a half marathoner!
 

Today was the Heather A. Freeman Run to the Sun 1/2 Marathon.

Most of you know my story and I don't want to bore anyone. But 3 years ago at this time of year I weighed about 320 pounds. I had lost about 25 at that point and was trying to change my life. November 2010 I bought a treadmill. The first time I ran 2 minutes straight I thought I would die.

I ran my first mile outside in May 2011 at a 16 MM. My first race was a 5K. I ran that in September 2011 and finished in 35:15. I had lost about 150 pounds by then.

Today I weighed in at 118 pounds and ran my first half marathon. It was pouring rain, cold and windy and a tough course with a couple of killer hills. I loved it anyway.

97 people ran the Half. I finished 14th. I finished in 1:39:10. I was the second fastest female and first in my age group.

It's pretty empowering, let me tell you. Thanks to everyone who has ever given me advice here and thanks to all who have supported me both on my weight loss journey and my running journey. I started off so pathetically clueless and out of shape. How anyone could have the patience to answer all my questions, I'll never know.

I'll be putting a full race report on my blog soon, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the moment....

Jen

You are such an amazing woman, I can only hope to accomplish half of what you have done. Can't wait to read your blog post.

Enjoy yourself and pamper yourself, you surely earned it!!!

:cp::cp::woohoo::cp::cp:

CONGRATULATIONS! THAT IS AMAZING!!!! I hope you got a massage after to help soothe those muscles! But, I am sure you will wear that pain like a badge of honour! AMAZING!

Super congrats!

YAHOO!!!!! You rock, Jen!

Go get that 13.1 sticker, slap it on your car, and flaunt it with pride!

You are the most inspiring person on 3FC I know !!! You've come SUCH a long way!! Congratulations!! :hug: :carrot:

Congratulations!! Your success is inspiring!! What a great day today must have been... I'm really happy for you!

Congratulations! You have made a truly awesome accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself for the rest of your life. You have done something that's only a dream to me and you are an inspiration.

Congratulations on your amazing finish!!! I'm continually inspired by you!

Love it! Great time also!

My jaw is on the floor. You are seriously freakin' AMAZING!!!! :dancer:

Congratulations is small word to use here. You are simply amazing.

Thanks everyone so much - - you are going to give me a big head!

Full - LOOONNNGGGGG - race report is up on my blog.

jenhudsonmosher.blogspot.com

Jen

That is amazing! You really are inspiring. Do you have any advice for someone who just started Couch To 5K?

My advice would be to concentrate on running longer, not on speed. Pace yourself, be patient, don't overdo it and risk injury.

Most of all stick with it. Enjoy it!

Oh my gosh, almost starting crying when I just read about your success. Congrats!!! You are such an inspiration!

:yay: Congratulations! :D

That is FANTASTIC--you are an inspiration to everyone on this board.

Like I always say you are a Rockstar! Most definitely a star to all of us!Shining as always!

Jen that is so truly, unbelievably amazing. Your time made my jaw drop! You are such an inspiration to me. GOOD JOB!

Holy crap you're speedy!!! Great job ;)

Congrats Jen! That's a great time :)

I'm hoping to do my first half next year... wish me luck!

Kindasorta - I see that you recently did your first 1/2, also! Congrats!! I don't feel that fast, but people tell me it is, so....

Good luck Aunty Jam! Make sure you give us a full report!!

Jen

I know I'm a little late to say this, since the original post was like a week ago, but CONGRATS!!!! Absolutely amazing!! Losing weight is a long, hard journey. Becoming a runner is something that requires dedication. You did both!! :carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot: