A Different Look For Me — Half Marathon!!

Most of the photos I post of myself here concern my efforts to look my best, to develop a style of my own. Much as I want to contribute to the diversity of images we women compare ourselves to, I generally try to look my best in those photos.

But today, I don’t care about anything other than that smile on my face. I don’t mind that my hair is rain-and-sweat-plastered to my head nor does it bother me that I’m makeup-free and my shirt is looking a bit wonky. All I care about is that I finished my Half Marathon in 2:02:18, guntime or 2:01:08 Net (adjusted)time — 15th in my age/gender division and 6 minutes faster than my best time three years ago, the last time I ran a Half. I’m not getting older; I’m getting better!!

And as Pater and I were working our way through the crowds, trying to get home, we heard the announcer cheering in Betty Jean McHugh, the 83-year old runner I’ve mentioned here before, setting another record for her age/gender category. So I’ve got inspiration for the next few decades!

Can you spot me in the photo below (courtesy of Pater)?

Go, ME! Love those endorphins! Now for some yummy breakfast, some tea, the weekend papers, and perhaps later a very satisfying nap.

18 Comments

  1. hostess of the humble bungalow
    2 May 2010 / 8:02 pm

    Wonderful…and inspiring! Congratultions!

  2. Mardel
    2 May 2010 / 8:14 pm

    Fabulous! The smile of accomplishment! Now that's the best inspiration for all women of any age.

  3. girlcook
    2 May 2010 / 10:32 pm

    I am so wayyyy beyond proud of you. You have always been and will remain my mentor! I love you

  4. Susan B
    2 May 2010 / 10:33 pm

    That's a VERY impressive and inspiring accomplishment! Congratulations, and "go YOU!" indeed!!

  5. LPC
    2 May 2010 / 10:35 pm

    Congratulations! And with your hair like that and your face flush with endorphins, you look even more like Nola! Youth indeed!

  6. Tiffany
    3 May 2010 / 12:34 am

    Wow, that is a FANTASTIC time! I am so impressed. Now I think you should come over to New York for the Marathon in November because I'm going to be there to cheer on my spouse … and maybe do a spot of shopping.

  7. Lizhk
    3 May 2010 / 4:03 am

    Well done! You inspire me.

  8. Anonymous
    3 May 2010 / 6:07 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  9. The Small Fabric Of My Life
    3 May 2010 / 7:59 am

    That is brilliant – my best marathon time is 1 hour 56 minutes but that was 5 years ago and I don't think I'd do it in under 2 hours 5 minutes now. I love the half marathon so much more satisfying than the marathon.

  10. mette
    3 May 2010 / 12:46 pm

    Congratulations!! You look as if you just came from sauna ( maybe you have heard of the Finnish steam room ). I too am so happy for you!

  11. materfamilias
    3 May 2010 / 2:28 pm

    Thanks to all of you — you're extending my runner's high!
    and metscan, yes, your sauna has definitely achieved international fame — a brilliant invention!
    Tiffany: can't imagine turning around and doing all that distance again at the end of a half marathon! I can imagine having fun shopping in NYC with you!
    LPC: Thank you! A young look, not an ungroomed look — I can live with that. . ,
    Small Fabric: Í hope to break 2 hours before I'm done, but right now I'm just happy at improving mhy PB — I really like the Half as well for giving the sense of accomplishment without being as punishing as the full marathon must be — more realistic training schedule for my life as well.

  12. La Belette Rouge
    3 May 2010 / 4:39 pm

    Congratulations! I can see the endorphin high in your face. What is better than that?

  13. jillian
    3 May 2010 / 5:10 pm

    Yay – congrats!

  14. Duchesse
    4 May 2010 / 12:13 am

    Congratulations, a terrific run! High on life, what looks better?

  15. K.Line
    4 May 2010 / 2:23 am

    What an accomplishment. Congrats!

  16. Gina
    4 May 2010 / 2:31 pm

    Inspiring! Congratulations!

  17. materfamilias
    4 May 2010 / 2:53 pm

    Thanks LBR — sure couldn't buy that at the Lancome counter when I checked on Saturday! and thanks for cheering me on Jillian, K-line, Gina, and Duchesse! I have been feeling high on life indeed and it's a great feeling! endorphins rule!

  18. Puttermeister
    5 May 2010 / 3:17 pm

    I just got back from a barefoot run–something I've just begun trying–and your success here is truly inspiring me to keep going. What an accomplishment–and six minutes faster, to boot!

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