Starting out I was nervous because my right knee had been bothering me the last 2 weeks plus I took 3 weeks off of training and had only been back for 2. Longest run of 7 miles over a month ago. Before I even got to the start line to start running my HR was 148, I was just a weee bit nervous! The crowds were not near as bad as I expected and I was actually able to run from the start line. I was really blown away when we hit the mile 1 marker and saw that I was over a 12 min mile. I was hoping to be more like 10:30 and felt like I was running my normal pace. Just kept plugging away and really taking in the sights of places I had never run before and the great crowds and spectators. I skipped the first aid station and got my first drink of water at about mi. 3.5. I could feel a little pain in my knee but it really was not bothering me which I was very thankful for. At mile 5 I walked for a second to take a Gu and get some water and my knee started to REALLY hurt. Scared me a lot and I started running again and after a few minutes the pain mostly went away. So, it hurts when I walk, not when I run, therefore, I have to run! The miles ticked by and I kept my HR in check and really felt pretty good overall. I wished I had not warn my jacket but I didn't want to mess with taking it off. I had also forgotten my contacts so I was running in my glasses which about 90% of the time were either fogged up or covered in mist. I had looked at the map but I thought that the turnaround on Montrose to head back to Allen Parkway was between mile 7-8 but it was really right about mile 9. I keep looking and looking for the turnaround but never seemed to get there. I was happy after passing mile 7 (my longest run) to see that I was still feeling pretty good. After about mile 2 I stopped looking at my splits and realized that I was not going to make my goal of about 2:20 so I was just going to have fun, which I did! After making the turn on to Allen Parkway I looked over and saw 2 motorcycle cops come by and I knew it had to be the female marathon leader and sure enough, there she came. That was really cool to see. Coming into downtown was really great knowing that we were almost there. When we made the turn onto Rusk with about a 1/2 mile to go I started to pick it up. Ran strong to the finish and felt great. Saw Kylie about a block from the finish line and also saw one of the kids from my youth group and her family. It was great to see Kylie at the end and have her yell for me. After crossing the finish I was happy to see that I was just a hair over my "just in case" goal of 2:30. I felt great and never worked hard cardiovascularly. My legs were a little sore but more just my knee. The tops of my feet hurt a little the last 2 miles but nothing big. I was also really happy that other than 2 short aid station walks of about 10 seconds each, I RAN the whole enchilada. Slow, but running.

Train more? It was my first 1/2 mary and I am really happy that I just went out and had a good time. I can do it faster and I will later on down the road.

Headed into the GRB and got my finishers medal and technical shirt. Kylie found me and we headed back to the hotel while cheering on the runners as we went. Bummed that we could not make it to the BT party at Celeste's house but we had left the pups at home all night and wanted to get home and check on them. After checking on them we went to get breakfast (at noon) and everywhere was really crowded so we ended up at Taco Cabana and it hit the spot! I wanted to go home and take a nap but I spent the rest of the day at the church setting up and practicing with the band for youth group. Great day!


Nada. Did not train near enough. Will be better next time!


The race itself was great! It is very well organized and everything is on time. The course is great and very easy. I will definitely do this race again and again. Crowd and volunteer support is top notch also.