I finally saw the glorious Mile 13 sign and booked it. I think that last 0.1 mile was the longest ever. As I was running as fast as I could to that finish line, I thought, Maybe I should let up a little. I don’t want to pass out in front of all these people. How horrible would that be? Very. My final time was 2:35:11. I am happy with that time, considering it was my first time running that much. I know I could have shaved about 10 minutes off that time if I hadn’t walked so much, but hey, if I didn’t walk, I might have collapsed and then not finished at all.
After I finished, I just walked like a zombie to get food, water, and my medal. I made sure to get the most important thing first – the medal – which weighed about 10 pounds. I finally found my parents, and we took pictures and headed out of the massive crowd of people around the Coliseum. We had to walk across the pedestrian bridge and around downtown some before finally heading home. Hey, I just ran 13.1 miles … what’s another one or two?
For the rest of the day, I just laid around, ate whatever I wanted, and debriefed the whole experience with friends who also ran. One of my roommates got me roses, which are so beautiful! I’m so excited that I didn’t get any blisters and haven’t been sore AT ALL!
Congrats to all of you who finished the half or the full! Who’s in for next year?
(I’ll post more pictures when I get them!)
My First Half Marathon Experience: The 13.1 « peachy perspective said
[...] Part 3: The End [...]
Grace said
CONGRATS Marianna!! You rock! Wasn’t it pure bliss crossing that finish line? I don’t know if I’ll run it next year, but I’m definitely up for another 1/2 marathon sometime. I’ve got to beat my time!
Melanie said
Hey girl – so glad to hear your first experience with the 1/2 went well. Congrats! I know I had a blast running the course. There are some flatter courses (and smaller numbers of runners) throughout the year in the Nashville area if you get the hankering to do another one with less hills. Hope you’ve recovered well and find a good place for your medal!
kensajolaw said
Congrats! You guys are awesome!
I know the torture of the hill on Belmont Blvd and Music Row. Used to run it all the time. It’s looks innocent enough and then you start running it. It’s awful.
chasingthelion said
good job! great to hear you made it!
Jennifer Jones said
Wow, I’m so impressed. Congrats!
Joe said
Congratulations on the accomplishment Marianna!
I was there to cheer on the runners at mile 11 and 18, at the corner of 8th and Jefferson. It was definitely inspirational and I always say I’ll run it next year, but I probably won’t.
I was very proud of the city of Nashville. In fact, my cheer was “Let’s go Nashville!”
peachyperspective said
My friend Megan is in the header picture rotation on the marathon home page: http://www.cmmarathon.com, sportin’ that TDRS shirt!!!
David Parker said
The ole history teacher and baseball coach is very proud of you. Keep up the good work and if you want some hills just come to Bell Buckle and get you some!!!!
peachyperspective said
When I saw Joe on the course, the only cheer I heard from him was … [birds chirping]. … I ended up yelling to get his attention … which I never got.
My First Half Marathon Experience: The Beginning « peachy perspective said
[...] Part 3: The End [...]