I did a half marathon!!!

What was I thinking? About a month ago I saw something on facebook about 'walking stars' - a night time Half marathon through Auckland city to raise money for the cancer society. I was immediately keen so I checked with Renee and Nat if they'd like to join me. Nat could and Renee couldn't so we went ahead with just the two of us (plus Nat's friend from work).

All I've done remotely like this before is the 10km run in Rotorua. For that I trained pretty regularly for 4 months, but for this I figured, it's just walking.....just over double the length, but sill, only walking....no preparation necessary.

Oops....turns out I should have taken it more seriously. Oh well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?!?!?!

We parked at Nat's work, then taxied over to the subway by the hospital for dinner before joining the throng at the domain

Look at all the crazies about to start a walking half marathon at 8:30 at night!!!

This was for Faith & Ella cause we've recently been talking about 'porta poo poos' and the fact that poos and wees doesn't really get flushed away. They were totally grossed out by the fact that I was so desperate that I had to use one.....as was I

Pretty cool atmosphere....reminded me of the Rotorua Marathon

 So Nat and Jodie were pretty quick. I could tell within the first couple of minutes they were gonna be at a way faster pace and I'd be walking on my own (which was fine by me). They checked in with old Nana (me) every now and then. We'd chat and eat our moro and snakes, and then they'd pull away again. I just couldn't keep up with them!

Smiling (but really feeling the pain) at the Z downtown with about 6 kms to go

Oh my goodness, this was so much harder than the 10kms I ran in Rotorua. I came away from that puffed and sweaty, but that was it...no lasting effects. From this my legs were aching, feet were sore, back stiff. Hard to describe but man I was tired....4 hours and 15 minutes later I took this about 1 minute before staggering across the finish line. For the last couple of kms I was probably passed by about 20 people, and some of them were more than double my age!

And done!!!! I'm sure it would have made such a difference if I had music to keep me going, but at the last minute Joe needed his phone so I had to do it sounds-less. Kept thinking of Mumma though....she was tough and determined and active so I knew the least I could do was start it and see it through for her

The sense of satisfaction is pretty cool, so proud of myself and Nat for doing it (for ourselves and in remembrance of Mum) Nat did amazing, I was so impressed with how easily and quickly she seemed to be able to walk. She blew my efforts out of the water!

So all in all, great experience....one I was totally un-prepared for and am still paying for (my legs yesterday were the sorest by far they've ever been in my entire 30 years and they're still pretty darn sore 2 days on), but cool nonetheless.

And now I can say I've done 21 kms at 21 weeks! Now I've just gotta go and get the ice again for the tops of my feet and then my right thigh after that. Might finish off with the calves...unforgettable experience.....lol!