We defeated the hills of the Bearathon!!

We did it! It's done. We defeated the discustingly huge hills of the Bearathon!

My advice to anyone signing up for a race is to check the elevation map of your course BEFORE signing up. Steph and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into until a couple weeks ago when some friends let us in on the wonderful adventure we were about to embark on.

First of all, I must say that I think I am cursed with freezing weather no matter when/where I run. I'm actually pretty convinced that if I signed up for a race in the middle of July, somehow an arctic cold front would come through the night before race day just so I have to run in 30 something degree weather! All week the temperature was forcasted to be in the 50-60s. I was so excited...no running tights, no gloves, no long sleeve shirt. Yes! Race day morning: 35 degrees. What!? I didn't even pack the right stuff!! Fortunately I had random gloves in my car and a long sleeve shirt in my bag "just in case".

The race started. We ran. A lot. Up hill. Up the hill, Up the hill, down the hill. Up the hill, up the hill, up the hill even more. Talk yourself into running more. Up the hill. Cross the finish line!! (That's pretty much the gist.) Oh... Steph and I looked up the elevation map of the course AFTER we ran the race. There was an elevation difference of 260 feet! That's absolutely CRAZY! The 1/2 at White Rock changes 180 ish.

There were tons of people around the course with motivational signs, which is always nice to see. There was one in particular around mile 11 that really helped me finish strong. We were on our way up one of the biggest hills and at the base of it, a girl was holding up a sign that said "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." That was exactly what I needed! He put the perfect sign in the perfect spot just for me. :)

Now, everytime I move, I am very aware of every muscle in my body. It feels so good to know that you have just accomplished something so big, and with my sister!