Notes
The second leg of the Devil Dog Double-- the Historic Half! After running 5 miles, it was quite a mind trip to realize, as I crossed the threshold for this leg, that I am only just NOW starting, what was previously the longest distance I have ever ran. I kept myself in check, and stayed calm, and just kept chugging along. It went INCREDIBLY well, I must say. It got a little rough as I approached mile 10 (or 15, in total)... but I knew at that point that I was going to make it, one way or another!
Going up Hospital Hill the second time was HORRIFIC. It was by FAR one of the hardest physical feats I have ever accomplished in my life. I didn't go up it fast, but I didn't walk it either. I kept pushing, and made it all the way to the top! I ran this event in honor of my fallen Marine friend, Captain Jason Back, and his inspiration is what got me through all of the tough moments where I questioned whether or not I'd be able to finish it. I persevered and pushed through, and ended up crossing the finish line, having run EVERY SINGLE STEP, just as I wanted to do, for Jason. I maintained close to a 9:30 pace for the duration of the event, so I was very proud to have been able to pull that off. After the race, I walked back to mile 12 to take a picture next to Jason's poster at the Marine Motivational Mile, and about half way through, my legs started cramping up like NOTHING I had ever experienced before! It was insane! But, the pain was all worth it. I'm now officially a Devil Dog Doubler!!