Mardi Gras Half Marathon - Run

I really wasn't nervous about this race. Don't know if it was because I was distracted because of Derek, Haley and Noot's hilarious costumes or because I was confident it would be a good day. Purposefully started in the BOP so I wouldn't be tempted to start out too fast and that worked out fine. I found Brandy (justalittletri) after the first 1/2 mile and stuck with her the rest of the way. Little did I know that she would be my saving grace for the rest of the race! We also kept pace with Angel (Mrs. Bear) from about mile 2 to mile 4.5. Really great talking to them and saying hello to the cops and spectators. I really felt like a million bucks for the first 8.5 miles or so. I even got warm enough to take my top layer off and run in my tank top. My hips and knees were a little sore by mile 9 and the second pass of the bridge, but by mile 10 I had hit the wall. Knees, hips and my low back were on fire and I really wanted to stop and walk. I got distracted between mile 10 and 11 when we passed through some really supportive spectators offering us king cake, beer, bloody marys and vaseline (tasty combo!). But mile 11 was killer! Most of this area were houses that had flooded with over 6 feet of water, so there weren't that many spectators and the houses were just an awful sight to see. Brandy was encouraging me all the while and stuck with me, even though I encouraged her happy ass to go ahead (she was so giddy by mile 12 I wanted to smack her :)) But she kept me running the entire race, which was my goal from Day One, so I give her the ultimate kudos for that!
I was hurting really bad in the end, but I found a way to sprint in to the finish. I hope those pics come out good!


Take Tylenol pre-race. I've been doing that on my training runs and forgot pre-race. I also think I was underhydrated. I would only sip at the aid stations for fear of cramping, and today I am feeling much worse for wear. I haven't gone to the bathroom much today, so I know I didn't help myself by doing that.

Downed a Gatorade and got some ibuprofen from the med tent and waited around for the Chocolate Crew to sashay in. Beer, red beans and king cake at the post-race party. I met Rob and Joann (H13 and JoannH13), then headed out to the Quarter with Aaron, Haley and Derek for a Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle. Holy crap, those things are stronger than I remember!!!


Lack of tylenol, not enough hydration.


Ask me a year ago if I'd be running a half-marathon non-stop and I'd have asked you if I could have what you were smoking.
Give this race (and this city) another 1-3 years, and it will be in its glory days again.
I am very pleased with my race overall, and when the soreness goes away in about 15 days, I'll be ready to do it again!
ALL THE RACE PICS ARE IN MY ALBUM!!!