I was really glad just to start running so I could finally get warm. Once we started, it took me 10 minutes to get to the start line. There was so many people that it made it difficult to settle into a pace. I figured that the course would spread out a little after the first few miles, but it didn't. The entire 13.1 miles was quite crowded. I found myself constantly having to slow down,speed up,slow down,speed up......it was the accordian effect out there for a lot of the race.

With that said, about mile 9 my calves started to tighten up A LOT! This was obviously due to my lack of stretching before the race. I was able to run through it with no real issues though. Before I knew it the race was over. It went so fast!

After the race I felt rather unchallenged. I'm not trying to sound like a snot but i'm on what I call a 3 year plan for bigger races in the future. My plan has been to slowly build to bigger races, gain experience racing, so running the half this year was part of that plan, but I knew I wouldn't be content with it.I just have to reel myself in and be patient. Afterall, that's why I came up with a "plan" in the first place.

My goal was to run 8:20's or 30's. I was a little over that, but I have to be happy with it. This was the longest I have ever ran in my life! The fact that I didn't even want to stop once makes me feel good.

With the new timing chip system the Columbus Marathon had this year, you could link your timing chip up with a Twitter account. My wife was able to get real time updates on where I was on the course, as well as my pace and expected finish time. That was really cool. When I got done, my wife knew my actual time before I did because it sent a text to the Twitter account once I hit the finish too. That was really cool!

Gon on a short warm-up run before the race and stretch!!!!!!

I walked 1.5 miles back to my car and drove home. I waned to stay and link up with other BT'ers, but I was soaking wet and freezing cold, plus I had to get home for my daughters game.


I really hate to make excuses, but if I were to say anything here it would be the number of people on the course. I don't think my time would have been that much faster anyways, so i'm really pleased.


There were tons of volunteers and drink stations. I don't have much to compare it to, as this was my first marathon event, but I thought it was a great experience.