Holiday Half Marathon 2012 Finale!

Sunday was my last race of the year. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy about it! My bursitis in my hip has really flared up and making me pretty miserable. I'm ready for a little running holiday.
The Holiday half marathon took place in Portland. In mid December the weather can be quite nasty and Sunday chose to  be. It warmed up a few degrees so it was in the low 40s instead of high 30's but with the wind whippin' around and the rain pouring down I'm not sure the few degrees made that much of a difference.

This was somewhere between the start and mile 1. My daughter had forgot her gloves and I called my hubby to find her on the route and give her some that were in the car. You can see the rain gear, hats and umbrellas.

It didn't feel like we would ever make it to the turnaround. We were almost there when I snapped this one. You can hardly see them but to the right was a park lined with huge cedar trees. We don't have trees like that in the high desert and I was fascinated. I admit I was looking for a little protection for the rain and wind too.

Hubby snapped this about mile 12. I have to admit I was overjoyed that I was so close to the end! I was drenched to the skin and very cold. I see on my splits that my last mile I did speed up my pace.

I thought with the weather being so lousy it would slow me down more, (taking photos with my phone too) but I finished at 2:35:57 and I'm happy with that.

This was taken after a nice hot shower and before lunch. Look at the size of that medal! What a hoot!

Half marathon days are the only ones I enjoy a big burger, fries and a beer.  It always tastes super delicious!! I told my daughter this was the only day we could  wear our medals so we opted to wear them out to lunch.


PS- Blogger, quilter, super walker Michelle volunteered at one of the aid stations. It was so nice to have her there! I helped spur me on to her station!!