New PR :)

Country Music Half Marathon

Have you ever had moment when you say "WOW" I can't believe I just did that? I am still in shock that I was able to get a personal record this weekend.  The elements were against me but my desire and motivation was stronger than the rain and hills.  I had a heavy heart from the Boston bombing that helped burn a fire in my legs and in my soul.  Every time I felt pain I ran faster for them... every time I said whispered I can't...I screamed YOU CAN.  This race wasn't a battle for me but a battle for my running community.  My heart was in pain but I was able to show that the running community will NEVER quit! This PR was for Boston!

  

Race morning I was so nervous! This was the first race that I have ran alone in years.  In fact, my first ever half was the only race I have ever ran alone in and that was in 2006.  Country Music marked my 18th half marathon!!! I just prayed that I would finish with a smile and would make it without an injury.

It rained the whole entire race... when I say rain I mean it POURED.  There was no way to escape  the puddles as the streets in Nashville seemed flooded.  I kept telling myself it could be worse...it could be MUD! Thankfully, my feet did not get blisters from my wet socks and shoes.  

Each mile felt like I was running up hill.  I am not kidding you when I say Nashville is like an uphill road that goes on forever.  I didn't train at all for hills; so it surprised me how hard I was able to push myself.  I talked to a running friend who gave me great advice! Keep your eye on something up hill and NEVER look down! I focused on that something the whole time... which keep me pushing forward. 

At mile 9 I couldn't believe that I was still on TRACK! I was able to do quick Math in my head to figure out I could run a 10 minute mile for the last 4 miles to get me under 2:05.  I have what I call runners brain when I run long runs...I can't function at all!!!!! For me a to make a complete sentence when I have runners brain is some what a miracle, so to do Math I felt like a pure genius! :)

Mile 12 was my hate mile...That damn hill went on FOREVER! I looked down at my watch and I was sure I wasn't going to make my time.  At that point I was running a 10:57 and was extremely tried but I didn't allow the hill, rain or my runners brain get to me.  I pushed on! I was determined more than ever to get under 2:05.  I prayed for Boston, for children who will never run and I prayed that if I had anything left to push it out now.  

That small prayer was able to give the energy I needed for a new PR of 2:03:01 :) Boom!!!!! 

This crazy race left me cold, extremely chafed (still hurting 2 days later) and wet.  It also made me see that good does come to those who work hard.  I feel like I have a new zest for life, a stronger drive and a new determination to be amazing as ever.  There is NO stopping me now!!!! 

Thank YOU Nashville for the hilly course and the wet clothes! 

Half Marathon 19 is coming up this weekend! Let's hope the sore legs will be ready to go.... I am trying to get 2:00 :) 

Post race meal.... felt the need to do it the southern way with Chicken, waffles, tater tots and of course an ice cold beer!

We went painting on Saturday night! Nashville skyline completed this trip.... My painting has my New PR on it!