My Half Marathon Memoir

202 miles of running, 191 days of training and 1 great pair of Brooks later, I ran 13.1 consecutive miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Here's how and why.

Running a half marathon was the first item on my 30 Before 30 list and for a good reason. I knew it would be the hardest overall: time commitment, physical excursion and a equally hard mental battle. Let me say first and foremost, I'm not a natural runner-whatever that is. I don't wake up and look forward to running. That runner's high/groove/plateau everyone talks about, I think I've experienced it twice-once for sure. But there is a great sense of accomplishment with running for me at the end. To look down at my Garmin watch (get one of these over using your phone if you're serious about training; they're more accurate) and know I've just ran 8, 9, 10 miles seemed impossible to me a year ago. When running a 5K seemed like the longest distance I could fight through and now being able to do an additional 10 miles on top of that, now that's an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Race day was April 30th in Nashville. I completed a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Race. Here are some observations specific to my race experience.

Coming down Broadway at the beginning of the race. 

Oh Boy The Weather - As race day approached, the forecast looked bad. Potential severe and hot weather prompted many emails to participants warning about emergency route plans and the consumption of extra salt at aid stations. My inner control freak was having a meltdown. And while it poured for a short period of time Saturday morning which delayed the start by about 30 minutes, the rain and heat held off throughout the race. It was actually pretty perfect conditions.

How was the course? - As I'm sure it's the same in most races, this Nashville race had pros and cons. While many had cautioned this race course was particularly hilly, I found it to be what I would expect for Nashville. I trained in Chattanooga; I had covered my fair share of hills. Being a R'n'R Series Race, there were stages setup throughout the race course with live music. That was a nice touch and distraction at times. The aid stations were ample and well placed; the crowds along the race were supportive and creative with their signage; and the course snaked through some beautiful neighborhoods and major downtown spots like the honky tonks on Broadway and finishing at the Titans Stadium. A major con about this race is it's huge! Thousands of runners and as a newbie, I did not work the corral system correctly. I began way too far back and zigzagged constantly through slower runners and those walking the race for about the first 6 miles. It got better the longer I went, but it was still very frustrating at moments. And because of the size of the race, it was also insane at the finish line. Trying to find my supporters in the crowd, enjoying my moment at the finish and even retrieving my medal was difficult. A smaller race might be better as a first race but alas, I'll never know. Here's a video of my start and finish. 

Thank you to all my supporters! To Becky and Joe for traveling to Nashville and cheering me on, your kindness and friendship is such a blessing. To friends, family and colleagues who kindly offered encouragement, asked me how training was going or offered advice based on your own experience, I am so appreciative. And last to my husband, you're the best cheerleader and supporter a gal could ask for. Thank you for putting up with my constant exhaustion and all the encouraging words. You are truly my person.

Joe, Becky, Chance and me after the big race. 

Mom, Dane, Ben, Nasera, Becky and Sharon, thank you for running with me along the way. You all are rock stars!


The question that everyone has asked since I've completed the race has been if I'll keep it up, if I'll run another half. And the answer to that is I don't know. While I really enjoyed the actual race experience and exceeded all of my goals (1. Finish 2. Finish under 2:30 3. Run the entire race. No walking. 4. Don't get hurt), I'm just not sure. But if you're contemplating doing a half, I have no hesitation in telling you to go for it. Whether you develop a passion for running or not, the accomplishment in itself is worth every mile you put it. Now go for a run!

For insight on my training plan, gear recommendations and route suggestions, revisit my post from halfway through my training.