We did it!!!!!!!!! 13.1 miles completed!!!!!

I'm finally back in Los Angeles and had a wonderful vacation. PangChee and I both completed the half marathon and got clocked in. My friend Sam also ran with us and also got clocked in. I'm so proud of all of us.

I was excited the entire week prior to the marathon, but on Saturday, the day before the marathon I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I was feeling nervous and anxious. PangChee and I went to the running store in Minneapolis on Saturday to get some GU gels. I also bought a running short and shirt. Thank goodness for the GU, running short and shirt. Afterward, we went to Lake Harriet and ran 3 miles and that help calmed my nerves. We checked out the course map after the run. We were both shocked with the hills around mile 6-8. I have to admit, the hills did intimidate me, but I felt more confident after the run, but needed a pep talk. I called Saul later in the evening and he reminded me I did the work now all I had to do was run the marathon. Sam and I slept over at PangChee's to make sure we all got up in time and ate a good, healthy breakfast in the morning in order to fuel our bodies for the run. I had all my clothes, GU gels and GPS Garmin ready for the morning. Saul told me to have everything ready and prepare so I wouldn't be in a rush the next day. My side started to hurt after breakfast and I was trying to shake it off. My nerves were getting the best of me, but I knew I had to focus in order to complete the run.

We headed out to Saint Anthony Park around 5:30 am and arrived roughly around 5:55 am. Parking was chaotic and I could feel the panic start to kick in. I wanted to have enough time to stretch and get in a few sprints to get the body moving. The weather forecast predicted rain and it indeed rained on us. It rained the prior night and I could still feel the mist and dew in the air. There were 3,000 runners at the event. I was feeding off the vibes and energy of the people. Music and chatter of excitement echoed throughout the park. The comaraderie from the running community continues to amaze me. All three of us gave each other a hug and gave each other last words of encouragement: "Yes, we can."

Time just flew by and before I knew it I heard the horn sound off. The fast runners were in the front. I was towards the middle to the back. I had a plan that Saul mapped out for me to follow. Start at a comfortable pace and keep it there until after 6 miles, then if I felt like it pick up the pace. Prior to the race, I told myself I would run at a 12 minute mile pace. I could feel the energy in the air and could feel my body wanting to start fast, but I held back and knew that would hurt me in the end. This was my race and I worked hard to get here. I took a deep breath and looked at my GPS Garmin to make sure my pace was on point. Not more than 5 minutes into the run, it started to rain. I was thankful for the rain. For the first time, I felt like a true runner. It fueled the runner in each one of us. I kept in mind what Saul told me "Be one with the weather." My friends and companion runners beside and in front of me were invigorated by the rain and welcomed the challenge. There were many supporters along the course of the run. Friends and families of the runners supported all the runners by cheering them on with words of encouragement.

I remember hitting the one mile marker, then 3 miles, and the next thing I knew I was at mile 6. I knew the hills were coming and took a deep breath and tackled each hill at a slower pace and remembered to lean forward, breathe and pump the arms. The last hill at mile 8 hit me hard, my breathing got heavy for the first tine during the marathon. I knew I had to slow down my breathing if I wanted to continue the run non-stop. By mile 9 I finally caught my breath and felt my second rush. I looked at my watch and my pace was on point as well as my time. My plan was to pick up the pace at 10 minutes by the 10th mile. I had 30 minutes left to beat my personal time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. My legs started to cramp at mile 11.5 and I knew I had to slow down if I wanted to continue running non-stop. I could taste the finish line as I approach mile 12. All I had left was 1.1 mile to reach my goal. I could hear the cheers in the background and the words of encouragement from the supporters "Keep it up. You only have 1.1 mile left. You have it. It's in the bag." I could see the Finish banner and hear the chatter of voices and music playing in the background. I picked up my pace and booked the last 0.50 mile and heard my sister and family cheer my name. I looked to my left and my family were there to see me finish. My little nieces made signs for me. I heard my name announced on the intercom as I crossed the finished line. I was emotional and could feel the tears start to swell up. I did it!!!!!! Th training and hard work paid off. PangChee greeted me and we both gave each other a huge hug. I finished in 2 hours and 34 minutes. PangChee and I went to meet my family. I could see tears at the corner of my dad's eye. I could see my mom and sister were proud of me. I hugged my entire family. We had one more runner coming in: Sam. PangChee and I went back to the finish area and waited for her to finish. All three of us gave each other a hug and found food. We finally were able to take our team photo and left the event. I never imagined in a million years I would run a half-marathon. For the first time, I truly feel like an athlete. I now have bragging rights: I'm a marathon runner.

Thank you all for reading my blog and supporting me. I appreciate all those who have shared this journey with me. My success is certainly not shared alone but with each and everyone of you. Thank you Saul for believing in me and turning me into an athlete and taking me to the finish line. I hope I made you proud. Paul Joseph for taking me through the first part of my journey. Thank you to PangChee and Sam for supporting me and running with me. I love you both. Thank you Dr. Korman, Bridgette, Mel and the entire staff for being so supportive. Of course, my family and friends for loving me.

For all those who didn't think it was possible, I'm living proof that it is. A year and 4 months ago I weighed 227 lbs and today I weigh 138 lbs mobile and athletic. Yes, you can. Change is Possible!!!!

Keep moving and pushing forward. I'm looking forward to my next marathon in October. Who wants to join me?

Much love,
Hua-


















The shoe that took me to the finish line!!!