My first half marathon experience

Today was the big the day. I completed 13.1 miles of sweat and pain, as I ran all across Nashville for the Country Music Marathon. I'm not sure if I'll ever do it again, but I am glad that I experienced it and overall had a good time. Here are some of the things I'll remember.

• Out of 30,000 runners and walkers I finished better than half of them finishing overall at 14448. I was able to keep running for the first 6 miles, averaging 00:10:45 miles. After that I transitioned between walking and running and ending the race with an average mile of 00:12:07. I had hoped to finish the course in 02:50:00 but managed to beat that time by finishing in 02:38:00.
  
  
• The day began wet and rainy as we all stood in our assigned corrals waiting for our opportunity to begin the race. We all huddled like penguins helping each other stay warm from the wind and rain. An hour later, my corral (#26) finally made it to the starting gate and away we went. I couldn't believe I was actually doing this. At this point I was already tired, my back was hurting, and I wished I had trained better.
  
  
• Somewhere around mile 2, someone, somewhere ahead of me decided to pass gas. Apparently they decided to carbo-load on pot of beans rather than pasta. I seriously thought I would vomit from the smell. As I was already gasping for air, heading up the hill on Music Row, every breath was a must. Unfortunately every breath was full of stink.
  
  
• Somewhere around mile 7, I was thinking it would be nice to just step to the side and have a seat on the curb. I was starting to get bored and the pain in my legs and feet were yelling "sit down!" Then I came up on the Belmont Church, and I suppose it was there praise band playing out in front. It was as if God himself came up behind me and gave me a big ole' push in the back. The music got me going again and I picked the pace back up and kept going.
  
  
• The Power Gel might be some of the worse tasting stuff I have ever tasted. It was a toss up between whether that stuff or the fart I mentioned above were going to make me vomit.
  
  
• Trying to grab a cup of water, drinking it, or eating an apple while running is a very difficult thing to do. I decided it was easier to walk rather than learn that talent.
  
  
• After I crossed the finish line, I've never wanted to find a grassy spot to pass out on so bad in my life. Also, I appreciate the medal they handed me for completing the race. It was extremely nice, but I would have opted for a cheap plastic one if it meant it weren't so heavy. I'll admit it is much lighter now, but it wasn't when I crossed the line.
  
  
• All the cheerleaders and bands were great. Even those who waited with the drinks and fruits as runners passed by offered smiles and encouragement. I do want to thank those I knew specifically who stood on the side and cheered. Susan, Bill, Tara, Paul, Joe, my mother-in-law and son, Bruce (who already finished), Luke, and maybe a few others I failed to see or hear.

Next year? We'll see.