Last weekend we ran a half marathon in our city benefiting the Komen Race for the Cure. We have done several of the Rock and Roll half and full marathons and they are always well organized and so much fun because of the bands along the course. We did the San Antonio half last year as well and this year the course was even better! Last year the route crossed some railroad tracks and some runners were stuck because an unscheduled train came through the morning of the race! This year, the organizers changed the route to avoid crossing any train tracks... just in case.
The starting corrals were complete madness. They were so packed that we couldn't even get to our correct corral so we started with lucky #13 instead of #11. Corral #13 was probably a better place for us anyway since I was a bit too optimistic when I estimated a 2:05 finish. That's my PR... and it was HOT on Sunday for race day. We are just not going to push it if the weather isn't cooperating. It's not worth taking the chance of getting sick from dehydration, or worse. Sadly, a 32 year old man died at the half on Sunday morning after crossing the finish line. He was perfectly healthy, a veteran of two tours in Iraq, and a nurse at a local hospital. It always breaks my heart to hear about a fellow runner dying at one of these events. I am praying for his family.
The race course went past the Alamo and took us through downtown where there were huge crowds cheering for the runners. It always gives me a burst of energy to hear all those people yelling for the runners. The volunteers at the water stations and the cheerleaders along the course are great! My only complaint was the post-race food. They had the usual bananas and snickers marathon protein bars and plenty of fluids... but dang it... can't they have cheeseburgers?!
We were happy to be home after the race! See the big smiles? That's because we know we get cheeseburgers and beer as soon as we shower! Cheeseburgers. beer, and chocolate should provide enough motivation for anyone to run, right?! I would totally be willing to pay an extra $5 on the entry fee if there were a cheeseburger waiting for me at the finish line!
The medals were nice this year and they also had ice cold towels waiting at the finish line. This was one of the only times I would've chosen a cold towel over a medal (if forced to choose). Luckily, I got both! It was HUMID and I was sweating like a hooker in church by the end of the race. I finished in 2:11:12 and my husband was a couple of minutes after me because I lost him at a water stop and couldn't find him again. My goal was 2:15 so I was happy with my time. I really enjoyed the race and look forward to participating in the future (and eating a post-race cheeseburger).
I love it that this race benefited the Komen Race for the Cure. I ran in honor of my favorite aunt who passed away in 1996 after an awful battle with cancer. Breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer. Cancer sucks! Unfortunately, it has affected many family members and friends in its various nasty forms. Any time I can participate in fundraising for cancer research and treatment, I am more than happy to do so.
My aunt was a great lady and I wish my husband could have met her. She had a laugh that could light up a room and her funeral was so packed with people who loved her that they stood outside the church because there wasn't enough room for everyone inside. Here's to you Aunt Florene. I hope that someday no one else will have to endure the things you went through.
The next race for us will be a full marathon in early December in Memphis to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We are meeting an awesome running crew of friends and family there for a great cause, some quality reunion time since everyone lives all over the country now, and I hope we have a crazy night on Beale Street after the run (assuming I can move my legs after the marathon). I can't wait!
Where's your next run? Anyone doing the St. Jude run this year?
2 comments:
It is so sweet that you ran in memory of your Aunt....she would be proud.
Congrats on your great speed and I hope you get a cheeseburger in Memphis!! (at the finish line)
Killing Lincoln was so good. It was written like a novel and I just enjoyed it so much...
Hi Tasha! I'm so glad to see you back to blogging and that's awesome that you're still running. This race was for such a wonderful cause and I think it's special that you ran in honor of your aunt.
That is so sad that someone passed away after the race :(
On a happier note, you're just racking up those medals, lady. Thank goodness for cold towels at the finish line and cheeseburgers back at home!
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