13.1 Miles Before Breakfast

Running a half-marathon is an incredible experience that I will never forget!

This morning I was a mess. My nerves were out of this world, I was so terrified.

Ali and Brette, the most awesome roommates in the world, came out to support me!

Ah! And so it begins, 13.1 miles to go!

Mile 1: I made a friend in the starting line, and we kept the same pace. This mile went by in a flash.

Mile 2: Grabbed some Gatorade at the aid station (while still running, that was always a mess!) and my friend slowed to a walk. We parted ways then.

Mile 3: I remember thinking, “I just did a 5k! That was so easy. 10 more miles!”

Mile 4: Brette and Ali were at the four-mile marker. I was SO excited to see them!

Mile 5: This mile went by really fast! I still had an awesome energy level and was rocking out to Somebody To Love.

Mile 6: Free Gu at the aid station! It was vanilla bean flavor. Looooved it. That stuff is good.

Mile 7-8: I was still smiling. Like, I hadn’t stopped since I started. I was feeling AWESOME and extremely proud of myself.

Mile 9: As I approached mile 9, I was really nervous. That’s usually when I hit “the wall.” However, at the mile 9 marker there was a huge aid station lined with pink balloons and people shouting, “Go Autumn! You got this!” I was very encouraged. Then I saw Ali and Brette again! (I never hit “the wall.” I was still feeling great.)

Mile 10: My legs started to feel pretty tight, and my lower back was hurting. I didn’t stop though. I was definitely determined. And still smiling? Yeah.

Mile 11: Girls Who Run The World by Beyonce came on and I started dancing. I was pumped up! I couldn’t believe I only had 2 miles left. It was surreal!

Mile 12: I saw the mile 12 marker and I teared up. Chin started quivering. I had ONE MILE left! How had I done this so easily?! I was shocked with myself. Also, there was a huge hill and my calves were burning.

Mile 13: DOOOOOONE! I DID IT!!! AHHHHH! Clocks by Coldplay was playing and the moment was indescribable!

A medal was thrown around my neck and foil was wrapped around me to keep me warm.

Then I chowed on some free pizza and granola bars.

Seriously, this was one of the most fun things I have ever done. It was incredible!

I loved the crowds cheering me on and inspirational signs everywhere! Some of my favorite signs were:

Run with your sexy calves!

Run today, brag tomorrow!

We can’t all be heroes. Someone has to cheer you on!

You are NOT almost done. (At mile 3, I thought that was pretty funny.)

I can’t wait to do this again!

I amand a half-marathon before I turn 21? CHECK!

p.s. Gu saved my life. I had one (chocolate) right before the race, one at the 6th mile and one at 9.5 miles. Definitely recommend this to you runners.