Well like I said the run started and it took us about thirty minutes to get to where we could start but when it was out turn away we went. We were shooting for between a 11-12 minute pace and pretty much staed on it at the start. As we were running down the street the crowd turnouts were awesome so much support and volunteers. At the first turn around mile 2 Zeke had to stop at the restroom so I figured I would not see him the rest of the day but he has run several of these and would not count him out. As I started up the first hill it was awesome seeing all the little kids giving high fives so i was right there running down the line slapping hands thinking you know this is making their day but I hope they realize it is making mine as well we make the turn at the top and its the first water break so I did like I have read and took water at every stop as well as powerade I looked down at the garmin and noticed we were pacing a little faster than I wanted so I slowed a bit and decided to do what my coach and I discussed which was 9 minute run 1 minute walk and walk every aid station so I said by to the two Martys and started on my game plan. I was just in my own work looking at the other runners and chatting away when I hear Martin Methodist College Sucks and low and behold Zeke had caught back up to me so we begin our journey again heading up and down up and down we hit the first food station and I take a PB cracker and boy my mouth was dry anyways though we are keeping our time and still living it up. We get back into some residential areas and what would you think people were passing out at around mile 5 or6 ..jack daniels shots as well as mimosas and bloody maries(no I did not take any) So it was just shortly after that I started to begin to feel my lack of long runs. I began to chafe extremely bad due to my rather large thunder thighs but kept on. Zeke and I bothwere feeling it at around 8 so out walking breaks began more regularly. Zeke was in worse shape than me so we said good bye around mile 9 or so. I picked up the pace a little but my ability to run longer durations was falling fast. Just prior to this though I saw the most inspiring thing all day a blind man and his lead man it made me realize that all things are possible so back to the race at about mile 10 I met the crazy guy preaching who know what on the corner so I picked it up a little more. I definetley began to walk lots then or do the schuffle and it slowed even more. We got to the split of the half and full which was being directed by none other than Elvis!!! So I just kept on and saw the 245 pace group and made sure I kept ahead of them and at mile 12 the biggest hill so far WTF? A hill at mile 12 so I trodded up it and could hear the announcers in the distance. I picked it up a little and then a nice breeze picked up whihc was much needed. So I headed down to the colliseum and kind of teared up thinking about the moment and even more about all the chaos that had been in my life the past few years. I wiped away the tears turned the corner and saw the finish line. AHH home sweet home. I looked behind me and noticed no one was real close and for some reason people where hanging the corner tight and all headed towards on side so I stayed on the other and just tried to finish looking strong!! First Half in the books it hurts but feel oh so good!!

I would train for the half. My longest run so far was not much more than 7 miles and not that soon prior. Mostly 6 miles or so..Oh and did I mention the 240 pound frame I was running on and also wear tri shorts until I loose more weight and my thighs wont rub. The rest will do better as I learn more.

Got my medal and stood in line for finishers photo. Stretched a little and talked with golfinggods first then went to the car and changed clothes and headed over to the full marathon finsh and met parrj and Shannon(amandas friend) to cheer on rrizzo watergirl am6ja4 cross the finish line. Saw some extremeley motivating finishers then headed home for an Ice bath and nap


Lack of long distance runs being over weight and extremeley chaffed!


This was a great experience and start to my race season. It began by meeting some awesome people and finished with alot of new respect for myself and training properly. I am looking forward to this season and many more to come!!