1/2 Marathon Weekend!!

Headed to the finish line.
Kimberly was not able to get a picture of Todd during the race so we staged this one after the race. Haha!!

This weekend we traveled to Nashville, TN for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. The weekend was so much fun. I took the day off on Friday so we could get to Nashville and pick up our packets. After that we got some lunch and then went to our hotel. We spent the whole afternoon relaxing and watching a movie. It was so wonderful just to lounge around with Todd. Then, that night we met Grace, EJ, Chelsea, Mindy, Emily, her mom, and her boys for a UTM "4-H" reunion at Macaroni Grill. It was so much fun to see everyone. I was really sad that the weather kept Brad and Kristen from being able to come. We missed you guys!!! After dinner, we went back to the hotel for an early nights rest. Too bad I was too excited to sleep!

Saturday, we woke up at 4:25 a.m. to get ready for the marathon. We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. thinking we would have plenty of time to get to LP Field by 6:00 a.m. (our hotel was 15 minutes from downtown). However, it took us almost an hour because of a traffic jam. They race info said that the shuttle to the starting line would stop at 6:00 a.m., but, luckily, it really doesn't. After we finally got parked and on a shuttle to the starting line, we waited in the huge port-a-potty line. This was one time I wished I were a boy and could just go and use the bathroom in the bushes. After taking care of business, Todd and I did a quick warm up to the starting line and parted ways. I got to see Kimberly before the race started and so that was exciting. We took pictures with my cool poster (thanks Kimberly, you get “best sister-in-law of the year”; don't tell the other 2, hahaha!). I was a little anxious just because this was my first 1/2 marathon. Once our corral left the starting line, I just did what I trained to do. I did not run this race to win, only to meet a personal goal and get back in shape. I started out really strong and felt great. When I got a little past the first mile, I saw EJ and Grace (who get the “best friends of the year” award). I was so glad they were there. I got to see them 2 more times and each time I got more excited.

Todd and I got to see each other in passing around his 8-mile mark and the 5-mile mark for me, I think. It was so neat to see him. We did not train together, however, we would go at the same time and see each other and cheer each other on. He has been so encouraging and supportive through this whole process. I was glad I got to see him during the race. It was a sweet moment!!

So, around my 10 mile I was staring to feel pretty tired, but I knew I had to keep going. I was super excited to see the finish line. Once I got close enough, I gave it all I had and sprinted to the finish line. My goal was to finish the race in 2 hours and 45 minutes. I crossed the finish line in 2:45:42 seconds. I was really excited, but a little disappointed because I was only 42 seconds over. After I crossed the finish line, I saw Kimberly and freaked out because I wanted to make sure I was finished. Don't know what I was thinking!!! Then I saw my handsome husband!! I was so excited to see him but my legs were done and I was not thinking properly because I should have gone over and gave him a hug. I eventually did once we were on the same side of the fence. Right after I finished, it started to rain. I was very glad that I was able to finish before the rain came down.

After the race, we went to my brother's in-laws (he brought Adaline to Nashville to see me race but the weather kept them from coming) and took showers and then went to P.F. Chang’s with Robert, Adaline, Grace, and EJ. After lunch, we spent the afternoon with Grace and EJ. It was sooooooo wonderful to spend time with her. We went shopping and were trying to wait out the storms. After dinner, the weather finally cleared enough for us to head back to Portageville. I am very grateful for our trip and the time I got to spend with everyone. I was sad that I did not get to see Lauren because of the weather:(.

Overall, it was a great race and for only training for 3 months and no injuries I am very please with what I accomplished. However, without the Lord, my wonderful husband, and my iPod (thanks mom and dad) I would not have been able to do this. Oh, and I am looking forward to my next 1/2 marathon!!!!