Edited to add that at the start, then played the national anthem and the whole mess of 5,000 people fell silent. Just as the final line was finishing, a pair of fighter jets cruised overhear. Very, very cool. I got goosebumps that weren't from the cold.

Started out with the pace group, and that was smart, if I do say so myself. They were funny and after a mile or two, I realized that the pace we were holding was one I was completely comfortable with. That was a big confidence booster. The fact that Shannon, Trixie, Debbie, Chippy, Cindy and Stake had all told me that I could do the distance with only the ten-mile long run under my belt was a big help, too.

It took me three or four miles to warm up--it was really cold. A lot of people were wearing gloves and fleece, etc. that they would throw on the side of the road, I guess to retrieve later. I didn't want to risk it, so I left all of my layers at the dry-storage truck. Once I did warm up, though, it felt fine.

This is what I did to pass the time:

--picked out women up ahead of me who were wearing pink and then I'd smoke 'em.

--sang Lil Kim and Motorhead and Bee Gees lyrics in my head, also Greg Brown and Melissa Etheridge (but not out loud. I have some respect for my fellow runners)

--talked to the pacers, who both could obviously be running a 1:30 half marathon. They were great. The guy, Chuck, was a HHH, and he made the 9.5 mi. pilgrimage beer check-in. I was too 'fraid, given it was my first half, but next time, I'm thinking yes. I respect the Hashers.

--played pass and be passed with this girl whose last name was Hodges. She would walk, and then when I ran slowly past, she'd run again until she was ahead of me, then walk again. This went on for three or four miles, miles 6-9, I think, then I didn't see her again. I was looking forward to goading her over the finish to make myself sprint. Oh well.

When we turned into the base, there were signs about Heartbreak Hill. I hadn't noticed anything like that on the elevation map, but there was nothing to do about it at that point, so I braced myself. THe only indication I got of a hill was when we seemed to be running on a slight decline at one point. I was glad, being from a flat place and all.

The crowds were great, very energizing. I did high five exchanges with little kids, marines, amateur radio operators, you name it.

When I got to mile eight or nine I heard someone call my name, and there was theattorney! It was great to see a familiar face. It was his first race, too, so we ran together for a while and talked. That was fun and passed the time easily.

When we got to the ten-mile mark, I realized that what was left was basically a 5k and I could do that, so I pulled ahead of the pace group. I felt really good, which I attribute to the gels and ample hydration. I was smiling on and off the entire last three miles, b/c I knew I was going to do it, and it hurt so much less than I'd anticipated. The great thing about tri training for me is that I've stopped with the knee-jerk, "oh, I could never do that" reaction to almost anything. I didn't do it much before, but I did do it sometimes. Training for and completing tris and now this half marathon make me really proud of myself. It also makes me question myself about the other things I've said I can't do. That's a great side benefit, personally and professionally.

All along the last miles, people were yelling that we were almost there, and that it wasn't much further. The marines were telling us to pick it up. I'm not generally the most obedient woman around, but I did. :)

When we turned onto the boardwalk and I could see the statute thingy and the finish line, it was a fantastic feeling. The sun was shining, the wavelets were sparkling, my quads were really tight but still moving for me. People cheered and high fived. And I tell you, coming across that line--I love that feeling. I got my medal and went to get my clothes from the storage. The volunteer at the truck was adorable so I told him I ran 13.1 one miles and gave him a huge hug. He hugged back and didn't mace me or anything, which was nice. :) Called my boyo and told him that mommy ran 13 miles and that he could have my medal with dolphins on it. He's going to bring it to show and tell on Friday :)

Buy bigger shoes at a real running store. I noticed my big toes hurting again during this run, but it was manageable. After the race they really throbbed, though. I'm going to lose at least one big toenail. Owie, though I'm told it doesn't hurt when it's growing back.

That's it, though. Well, maybe stay over one more night. I was really sleepy on the drive home.

walked around, stretched lightly. Ate many pretzels, a bagel, some stew, some water, an orange, and several beers. But the beers waited until after my hot shower and when the marathoners came in. Drove five hours home.


Never done this distance before and I wanted to make sure I had enough left to finish. Also need better shoes. I'm happy with my performance, though.


I really had a ball. I'll definitely do this again next year. Hell, maybe the full marathon, never say never. And I love it that I continue to meet excellent BT people and that none of them are felon perverts, as my friends and family keep warning me. :) Perverts, perhaps and maybe felons, but not both. Hah! Seriously, though-- because of this training and these sports, I've met great people I wouldn't have otherwise, both on BT and in real life. They're a lot of fun and I learn a lot from them. I'm grateful for that. Thanks, ya'll!