Jacksonville Marine Corps 1/2 Marathon - Run

The first mile went slow. All the half marathoners and 5kers were together. The first mile went through downtown, passing a Maxwell House coffee factory which smelled delicious. A little after mile one the 5kers split off and we approached the first bridge. The first bridge isn't that bad, up and over without a hitch. Some more running downtown and the course approaches the monster, a huge, steep overpass. Up to the top seemed to drag on. My legs were burning. Made it to the peak and had a nice run down it. After this the course was flat. made it to the 10k point in 54 minutes, slow for me but I was being conservative today. Around mile 8 my legs were really starting to ache. I felt like I had bricks zip tied to my calves. I told myself to suck it up, still 5 miles to go.

Heading into the Jacksonville Landing, I was getting tired and really starting to hurt, I told myself just a 5k to go. At mile 11.5 we ran up the long wheelchair ramp and down the pedestrian helix. Looking at my watch I knew if I just kept running I would meet my goal for the day. My pace dropped of dramatically, my legs were so heavy. I just wanted to be done. The last half mile stretch on Gator Bowl Blvd before the finishing chute seemed never ending. Finally I made the turn into Metropolitan Park that served as the finishing chute. I saw my family and for the first time ever in a race, I slowed down to smile and wave at them, and approached them to get some love and high fives. This was so worth losing a few second. My family supports me so much in everything I do. I crossed the finish line and a marine quickly put a medal around my neck.

Not much, best I could do at the moment

Hung out with family and friends


Did Ironman Louisville a month ago


1st Place Sports always put on the best running races