13.1 and done.

13.1 miles.

It really happened. I ran 13.1 miles without stopping once. 

This is something I never thought possible. A goal I never imagined I could accomplish. I've tried countless times before to train for a half marathon, and I always "quit" due to knee pain, lack of time, decreased motivation to put in the work. blah blah blah.

This time it was my husband's idea to train. He set a few goals for himself (which many people questioned were even possible to attain... BOOM) and he asked a few friends to join in. With the help of one of our gym-endurance athletes, Monte, Iron Sharp Endurance was created. He organized a group of athletes from the gym and offered a Crossfit-version of endurance training. Much to my surprise (you know crossfitters don't love long distance running, amiright?) we had a solid group of gym family committed to run! Our training included 3 day's per week of running and a strength session before each run. My resources, as well as my time/flexibility, are limited so I trained by running 3x per week in addition to my 5 days of normal crossfit. I know for me mentally, keeping my crossfit workouts present during the run training kept me motivated and interested. I'm afraid in the past, I simply just never enjoyed running (and still don't frankly) which led to my burnout and thus my quitting. Not to mention the knee pain I was having....by incorporating Strength sessions into our run training, we built strength and stamina at the same time.

I have to give a shout out to my girl Carri and her hubby Joe! If it weren't for their generous hand-me-down double stroller, training for this half marathon would have been out of the picture for me. I can't thank yall enough and this baby has got some miles on it now! Not to mention the kids loved to "hit the trails"!

If it weren't for these folks holding me accountable and encouraging me along the way, I probably would have just "quit" again. The community, or FAMILY as I call it, at our gym is simply incomparable. These people are so much more than gym-friends to me. These people are jewels.

Race weekend was a great time with awesome fellowship. We had an amazing group of athletes put in the work and watch it pay off as they crossed the finish line on Sunday. I firsthand witnessed my first ever race weekend, and what I saw was simply incredible. The people that run this race amazed me. From newbies (like me!) to experienced marathoners, the energy, guts, and drive out there on that course is exhilarating.

So I've heard it said before and now I'm stating it myself, "13.1 and done".
Let's go lift something heavy now.

crushing goals,
reagan