I got a medal!!!

Before Sunday I had never run more than a 5K… I ran my first 5K last year for the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota, followed by Run or Dye and my second Lupus run. Running on my own I still never even hit 4 miles.

So, why then, did I think I could all of a sudden do a half marathon without one but of training???

When I won the trip to the Biggest Loser Finale from Planet Fitness they offered the entire audience free race eateries for any Biggest Loser Run/Walk.

After a lot of back and forth, I decided to go for the half marathon. Although, after a busy summer with very little running, I realized I would never have a long enough block of time free to train for a half marathon.

I almost considered backing out after not running as much as I had hoped and not planning the trip early enough, but it finally realized that I would regret it.

I kept telling myself, “it’s called the run/walk. You can walk…”

I drove the hour and a half drive out for packet pick up. I loved hearing Bobby Saleem, last year’s runner up, spill all the dirt about the show. Well, he didn’t spill too much, but he was pretty candid and so funny! I was also completely inspired by Jackie Evans who kept talking about her struggle to teach her kids about health and fitness. It really hit home and made me think about my why (a Bobby phrase). I was so happy to be there and know that stealing away for a weekend was for a great reason.

I went back bright and early the next morning, all alone, for my first ever half marathon.

“You can walk, you can walk…”

I started out running when we took off and felt great. I was exstatic at the 4 mile mark because I was keeping up my goal pace and I just passed my longest run ever. I couldn’t believe it when I hit the six mile mark and was still running. I felt like I could go all day!

...and then mile 7 hit. The bathrooms were few and far between so I started to walk more and my legs started getting stiffer and more tired. I walked the rest of the race.

I still finished in a time I was happy with and was SO happy just to finish! The greatest part was when Bobby was announcing and cheering on the runner and looked right at me and said, “great job, Kristin!”

How cool is that!?!

I was out of town and alone for my first half, and Bobby cheering me by name was just what I needed! He is such a great and genuine guy!

It was such a fantastic experience and I’m so glad I did it!

I was sore that day and thought I’d be incredibly sore the next day, but I felt pretty good. I did take the day off from trying to get my Fall Fitness Challenge activity in, but the day before more than made up for it! I also stuck to my warm lemon water each morning without forgetting. I even finally stopped talking about meal prep and spent the day cooking and making up some delicious meals to have on hand when I need them. I made fish, brown rice, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms – so good!

Check in with the others participating In the Fall Fitness Challenge:
Nora from Adventures of a Mother-Daughter Running Duo | Kristen K. at Run Away With Me | Ariana at HappyLife.HealthyLife | Brandi at Noteworthy Running | Michelle at Fearless Beauty Fitness | Kathy at MamaMarathoner | Diane at Runnin Rocker | Alicia at NeverEverBeenSkinny

One more thing… I promised a giveaway!

The day after my first half marathon I limped my tired tush down the stairs to wash my stinky running clothes. Luckily I received some WIN sports detergent for review through Sweat Pink.

It did not disappoint! The clothes smelled great! WIN is specially designed to get rid of all the sweat, oil, and odors for athletic clothes. They even offer a fragrance and dye-free green version. After a rough trip through the mail, I got both bottles to try. Thank goodness WIN just redesigned their bottles to handle that kind of abuse!

WIN is offering to send one of my readers two bottles to try as well! You can enter the giveaway below to try your luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also purchase WIN through Amazon and use the code WINGIVE1 to get $1 off a bottle of WIN detergent! Check out WIN on the web, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to send them some love!

I'm so excited to finally be allowed to be an Amazon affiliate in MN, so this post contains affiliate links and I get a small commission if you chose to make a purchase. Thank you so much for your support!