Mount Charleston half marathon. I love this race! It’s a gradual downhill, one that doesn’t murder your quads. I came into this race without ANY expectations. I’ve never done this before! I’ve always had a goal, a number I knew I was capable of. In November, I ran a half in 1:17, and yesterday I didn’t even know of I was physically capable of 1:25. I kinda liked it! I didn’t do any speed work leading into this race, I didn’t taper my miles or the gym. I did legs twice last week so I figured this would be a slow race. Mile 1, clocked 6:03, then 6:07, 6:09 what the heck, can I hold this pace? I told myself “you’re never gonna know unless you try.” Then bam I HAD to go to the bathroom, no holding it (sorry tmi, but it happens 🙄). I need to make up some time, 5:51, and I held that low 6 pace for a few more miles! Mile 7, My right quad started cramping from the top, all the way down through my already injured knee. I was stressed, hoping the pain didn’t worsen or cramp worse. Mile 9.5 I felt that gut pain AGAIN.... ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! I opened a porta potty...full of boxes, another one, same thing, a THIRD same thing 🤦🏽‍♀️I didn’t have time got this,4th one was a charm and I was on my way... 5k to go. Mile 11 is has little bit of a climb compared to the rest of the course, but I like climbing. Last mile down hill again! I was tired, my legs were not used to this pace, but I pushed them anyway! I live for this, pushing my body past its comfort zone! I made it finishing with a 5:58 mile!Throughout the course they have motivational quotes. One resonated with me. It said something along the lines of pushing through pain will make you proud, what will giving up do. This kept running though my head! The mind is an extremely powerful thing, it all just depends on how much you can push it! Anyway thank you for reading and that’s my race recap!