Number twelve.. who doesn't need Mo Cowbell?

Strange things run ( pun intended) through your head while your running a race alone. Usually I run with a friend or my brother in law. But Sunday I found myself all alone with 1600 of my closest running friends participating in the MO Cowbell half marathon. I find it strange I still get nervous. I still think.. can I do this?.. will I be last? .. why am I doing this. The morning of the race I was full of self doubt. I told Philip I think I will just sit this one out and like a good husband he said "get your butt out there and do it" So there I was at the starting line and before I knew it I was off. I have to admit I felt good. It was cold 35 degrees or so. I really like cold to run in.. I started to think. No excuses today.. you can do this under three. Since I have been training for the full I have been running more than thirteen miles on my long runs. I passed mile one and noticed my pace was at a 12 minute mile.. I was surprised but felt good.. On to mile two or three. I thought a lot about what my dad had said to me the night before.. "If you get tired.. just stop..don't push yourself" I thought a lot about that. Maybe if I had pushed myself at some point I would not have gotten to be over 200 pounds. But I found that interesting.. I made it to mile six still 12 minute miles. I began to think I am going to do this under three and on I ran. I have to admit the miles go faster when you are running faster. On I ran.. mile ten and eleven were uphill.. I kept on.. and then the hill was over and mile eleven was there.. finally downhill. I kept thinking one mile and I am going to see my family. I knew they would be so proud/happy. I am sure they were tired of hearing me talk about it .. and obsess over it. I have to admit I got a little choked up thinking about under three. Just before the finish line the lady in front of me fell and was not responding. I helped her and then went and got help when I made sure she was ok. I was off. I was still good on time.. Mile 13 here I come. I ran up main street and could see the finish line. I saw Rob coming at me.. he got to me and said." Come on Mom lets get this done today under three. He began to run with me.. then I saw Logan.. and he joined us on the other side... he said " Its your day mom lets do this together." And we crossed the finish line the three of us.. Under three.....