Happy Monday my friends! Before I jump into today’s post, I want to give a big THANKS to Holly, Lauren, Megan, Rachel and Nicole for the kind words on Friday. You ladies inspire me each and every day and I truly appreciate your support!
Now for the weekend adventures…I ran my first half marathon this weekend! I am still wrapping my head around it. I cannot believe that about eight months ago I was not able to run a full mile and now I can run 13.1 miles! Let me repeat that, THIRTEEN POINT ONE MILES!!! 
Saying it makes me giddy!
On Saturday the Bear and I arrived at the beautiful Bonelli Park for the Spooktacular race. We met my friend Gaby there, who decided to run the race the night before and this was her first half marathon too! The medal may have swayed her a little.
Seriously! How awesome are these medals!?
Before the race, there was a consume contest. I have to say that there were some very impressive costumes! I am still not sure how these ladies ran in the jelly fish costume!
After the costume contest, Gaby and I lined up for the race. At the ready, set, go marker, we were off! We ran the first two miles around a 9 minute pace. The energy from the race always makes me run faster. Plus, we were running down hill so that didn’t hurt matters, but what you go down, you must come back up! I did very little research into the Bonelli Park because I heard it was hilly and did not want to psych myself out. There certainly were hills, and trails, and a creek (!), but it was also beautiful and worth every step.
I went into this race with a plan of attack: I would run to each water station and walk while I hydrated for about 15 seconds. This plan worked out well and we were still able to maintain a 10:30 pace. Around mile three, I was getting a stomach ache. I was worried because it was so early in the game but by mile four my stomach was feeling better and I started to get into a grove.
Throughout the course, there were a few signs that told us to “turn around.” Without fail Gaby and I would pass the time by singing “turnaround, every now and then I get a little bit na na na na.” I don’t think I can run another race without Gaby. She is the most positive person I have ever met and cheered on everyone throughout the race! It was a blast to run with her!
By mile twelve I was feeling tired and had a minor pain in my foot but ready to tackle the last mile. I picked up the pace and focused on the hill to the finish. Luckily it was a gradual hill so I was able to maintain a 10 minute pace. At the top of the hill I heard the crowd cheering. With the excitement in the air, I sprinted to the finish! My official time was 2:17:52! Two minutes faster than my goal time!
Collecting the beautiful Day of the Dead medal was a perfect way to finish the race!
After the race, I was so sore that I could hardly walk back to the car. I kept telling the Bear to slow down because I couldn’t keep up. Hah! Once I got home, I got some major stretching done. Then I settled in front of the TV with compression socks, ice bags, and one of my favorite cheesy Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus! Around noon, I placed an order in with the Bear for some animal style fries from In-n-Out. They were as good as I remembered.
My day almost couldn’t have gotten any better, but then I remembered I had a Pink concert that night. More on that tomorrow…
How was your weekend? Did you run any races? How do you prevent stomach aches while running?
Congrats on your half!! What a great achievement. Do even your socks have capes??? Totally awesome!
Sorry to read your last post about your dad. I hope you are doing OK… Sending our love
Yes! My socks have capes!!! I found them on Amazon.
Thank you for the love Beth!
Aw, your welcome Jillienne! Keeping you in my thoughts.
Woohoo!!!!! Congratulations on the half marathon!!! That’s totally amazing, and so awesome that Gaby raced with you too. Racing with a friend is always the best way to go. I LOVE your costume!
OMG…Pink! Can’t wait to read more!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat recently posted…Blogging Inspiration
Thanks Holly! Running with friends is definitely the best way to go!
So awesome. I love themed races.
CONGRATS!!
Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit recently posted…Weekend Recap + Fitness/Food for the Week
Thanks Lauren! I like my races to feel like a giant party!
If I wasn’t obsessed with you already I most definitely am now! Not only did you crush a half marathon but you did it in a Bat Man suit. Thanks badass girl! Congrats lady! You should be so incredibly proud!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven recently posted…{MIMM} Minneapolis Edition
Why thank you Davida! I think the costume added an extra pep to my step!
That race looks like so much fun! You should be so incredibly proud of your progress over such a short period of time!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…How to Start Your Own Fitness Business
Thank you! I look forward to continuing my progress over the next 8 months.
Congrats girl! It looks like so much fun and I am glad it was a success! There is no better way to recover from a race than fries and Hocus Pocus!
Heather Murphy recently posted…Weekend photo dump
I completely agree!
Congrats!! What a great first half experience! And kudos to you for finishing so close to your goal time…that means you ran smart!
And I love the costume. So cute.
Cassie @ Rural Running Redhead recently posted…Time to Taper: Target Practice
Thank you Cassie!!! That means a lot coming from an accomplished runner such as yourself!
Great job on your half Jillienne! You did awesome and you looked so cute in your costume! Your friend sounds like a great running buddy.
We ran a Halloween 5k last year and I was disappointed at how crappy everybody’s costume was. The ones at your half looked really good though! I love the jelly fish, haha.
Congrats again!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Grilled Pimento Cheese with Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup
Thank you Sarah! The jelly fish costumes were very impressive and creative!
Congratulations! You’re running progression is amazing!
Erin G. @ Treats and Sneaks recently posted…Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Shake
So many thoughts :). 1: your costume is AMAZING! The jelly fish costume is just ridiculous – I can’t imagine running in that! 2: YOU are amazing – I’m so excited that you finished strong! Hope you are feeling a little bit better now but still stretching and basking in your pride! 3. Sadly, I have such a sensitive stomach and I haven’t totally figured out how to prevent stomach aches when running. A few things help – not eating at least an hour before the run, making sure you have time to … go to the bathroom … before running, and sticking with very familiar foods the day or two before the race. I think some people are just plagued with sensitive stomachs and some aren’t! Congrats again!
Megan (The Lyons’ Share) recently posted…Sunshine Award + A Debatable MMAZ Recipe
That looks like such a fun race, love that you dressed up! And as Batman, could it get any better! Congrats on beating your goal time!
Louisa [Living Lou] recently posted…Lighter Tuna Salad Pockets
Huge congrats on finishing under your goal and I absolutely love the costume!
Ashley @ BrocBlog recently posted…Weekend in Northbrook