Third Time Around! May 3, 2015

5:30AM alarm on a Sunday morning? Are you crazy talking?! That is probably what all the people hanging out in the Steel City thought on Sunday, May 3, 2015, ready to take the route on an incredible journey through this gorgeous city! The weather was perfect. Blue skies. Temps just right. Sun was shining. Crowds cheering on strangers and their loved one. DJs. Bands. Spectators. Marching Bands. Cheerleaders. Friends & family. I have to say it, Marathon Day in Pittsburgh is seriously one of my favoritest days in this city!

This year, my third half marathon was super special! I got to run along side my very best friend! It was a great feeling to have someone supporting you and pushing you to keep going towards that finish line. While this run was probably the most difficult of the three half marathons I have ran, I still had one goal in mind.. finishing! Which is exactly what I did. There was doubts in my mind if I would make it to the finish line. I had pains in my knees. My ankles started to hurt. I walked too much. At one point, I felt like I should just crawl to the finish line, ha. (true story)

I don't want you to think you have to go out there and be perfect. I will be honest with you flat out... this was my WORST time for the half marathon! My official time was 2:57:33! Yep, you heard me.. almost 3 hours! My first half marathon was around 2:40 and last year my time was 2:20! So yep, that's right. I added 37 minutes to my time. But that's ok. I didn't train properly, but I knew I was committed to it. I went out there, paced myself because I didn't want to injure myself and knew that if I could cross that finish line, all is right in MY world!

Too many people strive to be perfect. They put so much pressure on themselves that they forget to enjoy this life they live. You were given one life. Don't stress on the things that didn't go right. Don't dwell on not achieving that goal the first time around. Don't think about all the negative comments you might hear for "failing." Remember this.. FAILURE is PROOF you are TRYING! You are working towards creating a better life for yourself! That is what life is about!

You take risks. You take chances. You fail. You get back up. You keep trying. You NEVER give up! Never ever give up! You can, and will succeed! And with that said... I will be back at it for Round 4 next year! I will train properly, and I will (MARK MY WORD) I will beat my time! :)