Media Maraton

Bennie Pride at the Segovia Half Marathon

I can officially check running a half marathon in a foreign country off my bucket list.  Today, March 27th, 2011 I, along with 8 other Bennies and Johnnies took part in the 5th annual Segovian Half Marathon. We all signed up about a month ago and have been working our butts off (or hardly working) training.  I trained with Alexa and Michelle joined us the last couple weeks of training.  All I can say is that Spain knows how to put on a half marathon.  As representatives for our university here, we got a bunch of equipment.  We got a dry-fit t-shirt with "IE University" (our school) on the front to wear for race day along with the shorts they gave us.  We got a cotton t-shirt from IE, too. Then from the sponsors of the marathon, we got another dry-fit t-shirt, a windbreaker zip-up, and a sweat rag.  I definitely got my 18 euros worth from this.

Parachuter!

On marathon day, aka this morning, we all met and took a picture for the university paper.  Then we just hung out til half marathon time and pumped each other up! It was cloudy and around 50 degrees with a 60% chance of rain.  The whole race had bipolar weather with rain, then sun, then just clouds. 

The Segovians put on quite a show.  Since we have a military academy in town they had a plane fly over Segovia and parachuters jumped out and landed right in front of the aqueduct.  When we got to the starting line, all of us were really pumped, but off course it started raining.  The rain didn't last too long.  It was pretty spotty all day.  The course is said to be one of the hardest that Spain has to offer with three major hills which reach max's of 1032 meters high, 1003 meters and 1065 meters.  Woofta.  Alexa, Michelle and I stuck together.  We recieved cheers of  "Venga equipo de verde" (Go green team--the color of our shirts), "Chicas, ANIMO" (Girls, energy!!), "Venga el trio" (Go the trio, or GO you three), Calientes (HOTTIES), etc. etc. 

Start of the Marathon!

Crossing that finish line was the best feeling in the world. I got done in 2 hours and 23 minutes which was the same time I got in my last half-marathon, but this was a WAY harder course.  I can say that I did not walk at all (I tried walking one time, but after 3 steps, I knew I had to keep running because it hurt too much, so I just kept running)

Alexa, Michelle & I finishing up (Las Tres Amigas)

Now, as I am laying in my bed with my feet up and having just woke up from a two hour siesta, I can gladly say that I am SO PROUD of us Bennies and Johnnies! Another great experience in Spain.  I only have about 2 and a half weeks left in Spain and I'm going to make the most of what I have left--but what a great way to finish up my last couple weeks here. 

Besos, xo

Katie