"Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don't have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up."
















Sunday, June 6, 2010

Minneapolis Half Marathon



Well it finally came, and went. And quickly I am happy to report. The Minneapolis Half Marathon, and my opportunity to strike back after last year.

Here are the stats:
~Chip time: 1:44:40 (which is an 8:00/min pace)
~Division place: 6/221 (very pleased with this)
~Sex place: 63/2206 (overall female finishers)

An 8:00 min/mile pace seems slower for me, but I guess when I take into consideration the water stations, the slow start, and the rolling hills of the W. River Parkway, that's about right for me.

There were times that got felt exhausted, especially up those hills. Each time I started to cramp up for start to feel extreme fatigue, I'd pray for someone/something. It's amazing how your own phyiscal pain can temporarily disappear when you take your eyes off yourself, and focus on someone else. Thank you Jesus!

I had so many wonderful friends out there supporting: My husband at the start, Paul Dunning and his girlfriend, Andrea Erickson and Shannon Westlake, Sarah Johnson and Kris Ann, Sara Hale (Ryan's wife), even one of my business clients, Barbara, made an appearance on the Stone Arch Bridge. And who can forget, my most faithful personal training client, Kent Wheelock, who followed me (on bike) for almost the entire race, cheering me on, and making me laugh. My branch manager, Ryan, also ran the race. I am so proud of his accomplishment!!!

I have two more half marathons in the near future: Bjorkland Half Marathon (aka Grandma's up in Duluth, MN) on June 19th, and the Twin Cities Red White & Boom Half Marathon (in Minneapolis, MN) on July 4th. This is going to be a great season!

Keep on keepin on. Dare to do something you never thought possible! "Believe you can. Know you will!"

7 comments:

  1. Jeremy WilliamsonJune 7, 2010 at 1:29 PM

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  2. Great job Bree!! It's very inspiring to read about conquering the mental aspect of a physical activity.

    "Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize."
    - Norman Vincent Peale, author

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  3. It looks like all my tries earlier, posted. Lots of comments now.

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  4. beautiful stuff!

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  5. So in an effort to delete my husbands 5 repeated comments (that were all the same), I accidentally deleted everyones comments by mistake!

    Thank you for your comments friends! And for reminding me that my training, thoughts, ramblings matter!

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  6. What, you deleted my comments?! Bree, GREAT half marathon last weekend. It was an absolute honor and very exciting to be there - my first ever race! I can't wait until the next one! Congratulations and thanks for all that you've done for and with me! Your "dedicated personal client" - Kent!

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  7. Terrific story. I especially appreciated the inspirational story of how Jesus believed in his disciples. I had a bird dive story years ago, and the humane society advised me to carry a tennis racket with me or a water hose. The hose isn't practical in your case, but maybe the tennis racket? Crazy black birds. My guess is that it is protecting its nest. I had bluejays divebombing me as I tried to get into my house. In that story they were protecting their nest. Best wishes for all your races. Janet B.

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