I did finish that half-marathon by the way. What a first time experience — I had so much fun that I really want to do another one. So I signed up for Thankful Half 2026 and the SLC Half. Happy New Year! This is such a fabulous thing to do for me, because I can have physical goals to work towards to and maintain my fitness levels.

I started the run with such high energy because there were so many people moving and the weather was wonderful for a long run. Of course there were going to be a lot of people — it’s a half-marathon on Thanksgiving! Little did I know, that starting out in that high energy wasn’t all that smart. But it sure was fun. I had my fastest 5k and 10k time! My Garmin watch kept announcing to me my pace and each time I thought, “shoot that’s fast, I have to slow down!” But I was having so much fun, so I kept going. About two-thirds of the way through, then my exhaustion caught up to me. Even then, I kept up a pretty decent pace to finish around 2:13! People keep telling me that’s good for a first-timer.

Andrew poses at a banner that says 'Runtastic Thankful'. There is an icon that has an R in the center and there is the drawing of a turkey surrounding the R.
I am posing at the Thankful Half banner at the end of the half-marathon.

So for the next race, I should find my designated pace group and stick with them. I also learned how much thinking doesn’t happen when running so far, so I had better take advantage of those water and goo stations right.

I did keep running, and I do feel a thrill for having finished 13.1 miles in one go. I am quite grateful for having done this experience, and I am looking forward to the next ones and perhaps a marathon in the future!