This past weekend I completed the first half-marathon of the season. The trio of running amigos went to Nashville to run in the Women’s Running Series.
I must admit, I was a little nervous. Although I have been slowly coming out of the running struggles that had plagued my running and mind for the past few months, my last long run went well but the post run was disastrous! My stomach cramped up, I felt weak, I was nauseous… I just couldn’t figure out what was going on. I believe now; I was dehydrated.
All week the excitement grew!! This race was the kick-off to five half-marathons before the end of the year! I knew I had run all summer, I knew I had trained on hills, I knew I could do the distance BUT…could I really? My goal was simple…FINISH! I didn’t even want to look up my PR, I didn’t want the pressure or allow that to enter my mind!
Our crew was pulling out of Tally on Thursday as soon as we completed our day at work. As we left, you could begin to feel a change in the air. It made me more energetic as I realized the fall was coming, humidity was leaving, and that could only have a positive effect on my running!
We stopped in Birmingham on Thursday night and made a trip to Wal-mart. I mean can you really travel and not stop at a Wal-mart!!?? With ESSENTIALS purchased we crashed for the night and decided we would sleep in and make the final three hour journey to Nashville the next morning. We were up and on the road by 8! Seriously, who considers traveling by 8 as sleeping in!! I have been working out and running at 5:30 AM too long now!! This needs to be addressed! J
Each mile that draws you closer to Nashville also increases the intense smell of BBQ! This trip we stayed at the host hotel, The Renaissance. It was perfectly situated for our weekend and the view we had was spectacular! The expo was pretty good and we grabbed a couple more “essentials” before headed out to check out the sites and crashing early for the race!
The alarm went off early! I love traveling with the trio of running amigos! We have our routine…it includes not talking much in the morning!!! We met up with a group of MRTT ladies from several states! They were so nice and it was encouraging to have other faces to look for during the race!!
As the buzzer went off, the nerves begin to fall away as each foot hit the pavement. Soon, I was in the groove and checking out the sites of Nashville. I was so grateful for the training that I did in Tally! We trained by running hills, doing TRX and Tabata Bootcamp. Each of those strengthened my legs to conquer the very hilly Nashville route!
As I ran, it was a great time to reflect and chat with God! I felt good. I realized that just like my walk with Christ, as I began to get rid of the chains that held me back, my walk with Christ felt better, I could see things clearer, I was stronger. The chains were just a reminder of what happens when my focus is not properly on Him.
In my running, as I ran and each step felt great, I realized that running in cooler temperatures and no humidity made all the difference. I had to train with “chains” but as those were removed, I could see the strength that was gained during the trying times! It was freeing, it was exciting, it made the run seem so much lighter!!
As I crossed the finished line and realized that I had achieved more than just finishing that I had set a PR, it was a smile that could not easily be erased! Oh and did I mention the medal was HUGE and a BOOT!!!
My favorite post run activity was the “Freshen Up” Tent! It had deodorant, body spray, baby wipes, chapstick (individual ones), and other items to make you not feel so sweaty and smelly!!! This was proof that this series is dedicated to women! This tent should be mandatory at ALL races! I mean really, men smell too…a little apple spray could go a long way!!
The weekend ended with a fun busy day looking at sites and seeing Reba McIntyre’s “FANCY” red dress and being hit on by drunk people on the strip! Hey, hit Nashville if you need to feel fancy and hot! J The drive home was fully caffeinated thanks to Starbucks! (sidenote: I know that Starbucks and I are going to have to break-up again soon….they are slowly taking me back in their grasp and it is not good…but that was not discussed during this trip home!!) A tin rooster, Les Mis soundtrack, and plenty of laughs brought us home and searching for what our next trip will be!
If you have not ever heard of the Women’s Running Series, check it out! It is fantastic! We are headed to St. Pete in November to stay at the Vinoy and grab another HUGE medal!! Come join us! Each step will make you realize that there is nothing better than being healthy, being active and being bold!!
Live loud, Live loving Him!
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