Full Race Recap

GARMIN: miles 13.2  Time:1:57:55
Official Race: miles 13.1  Time: 1:58:54

1:58:54. I finished running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tn. in under 2 hours!
Overall I finished 3386 out of 24,674 people and in my age group 30-34, I finished 242 out of 2803. I am still pretty stoked!
So here is how the day went.

I stayed at hubby's Aunt's house, who just happens to live 3 housed down from Johnny Cash's old place!! Very cool area!  I woke up race morning at 3:45am and figured that would allow me ample time to eat, park, take the shuttle to the start, and be ready to race by 7:00am.  Wrong!
I ate my oats, banana, and coffee and left the house at 5:00am.  My plan was to drive to LP Stadium(the finish line) and take the shuttle,which were supposed to stop running at 6am, to the starting line.  I got to the exit for the stadium at 5:15am and was excited to make good time until I saw the cars......it was gridlock! Cars were backed up for miles to get to finish line parking!!  What's worse is that there was no one directing traffic and I had to pee!  I finally made it to parking at 6:05am.  Thankfully they extended the shuttles until 6:30am.  So, I got in the 1/2 mile long line for a shuttle I asked the lady in front of me if she would hold my place in line while I dashed off to the porta-potties.
START
I made it to the start line at 6:40am and was just about to get in line for a second time at the porta-potties(I have to pee when I get nervous....kind of like a cocker spaniel) when I heard the announcement that because of the storms moving in they had moved the start time ahead 15 minutes to 6:45am!!  I decided I could hold it,  not smart when you are about to run 13.1 miles, but I figured I could always stop along the way.  I ran to find my coral, coral #4 and by the time I got there the runners in the front of coral #4 were already crossing the starting line.  I was so flustered! I tossed off my raincoat and sweatshirt, turned on my Garmin, and crossed the Start line.  In hindsight, the fact that it was so rushed really worked to my advantage.  I didn't have time to get anxious or nervous or freak out. 

Miles 1-6(according to Garmin)

Mile 1-8:29

Mile 2-8:31

Mile 3-8:54

Mile 4-8:54

Mile 5-9:01

Mile 6 -8:32

I felt fantastic the first 5 miles. The course had a LOT of hills which I was not totally prepared for.  At the end of mile 5 I started to feel my quads cramp up a bit, so I stopped, downed a water and GU and stretched for about 20 seconds at a water station.  Legs felt MUCH better after that.

The course was very pretty and the streets were completely lined with supporters cheering.  It was a really fun and exciting atmosphere.  There were bands every couple miles and cheer leading squads on almost every corner!  I welcomed the distractions.  

The roads in Nashville are pretty narrow and there were 24,674 people running so you can imagine it was pretty crowded.  I kept expecting it to thin out a bit but it never did.  There was never a point where I couldn't reach out and pinch someone...if I wanted to.......and I did want to a couple times...

Miles 7-10

Mile 7-8:56

Mile 8-9:12

Mile 9-8:45

Mile 10-9:05

As you can see my pace started to s.l.o.w. down.  Miles 7-10 I was still feeling pretty good though, the hills were starting to mess with me a bit.  I stopped again at 9.5 miles and stretched my quads. This time I stretched for about 30 seconds.  Stopping to stretch made such a huge difference for me this race.  Normally I don't stop.  I just try to run through the cramp which inevitably leads to injury...  I do believe I'm getting smarter!! 

At mile 10 I downed another GU and some cyto-max.

Miles 11-13.1

Mile 11-8:57

Mile 12-9:16

Mile 13-9:37

I really need to practice negative splits!!! In my defense the last mile and a half were up hill.  Okay so I need to work more on hills too.;)

I really don't remember much about the last few miles, I was so elated that I was on time for my goal.  I was already on cloud nine before I crossed the finish line!

After I crossed the finish line and stopped to get my medal and a water my quads locked up.  I went and got two ice packs and sat down for 15 mins and iced my knees and quads.  I think that really helped in my race recovery because the next day my quads were not nearly as sore as I anticipated.

After I had gone through the picture line, food lines, potty lines..line lines... and all the other lines I headed out to find my car.  I got in my car, shut the door and it started to POUR!! It rained and rained and rained!!  

Now, just so you understand, it was 100% chance of rain for Saturday.  It was also 100% chance that the rain would start by 8am.  Personally, I believe that it was an answer to prayer.  I prayed that the skies would be dry until I was finished and they were.  I didn't get one drop of rain on me! Praise GOD!!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I think the half marathon is my new favorite.  I am going to run the Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, Sept 25th.  I think an all women's race would be fantastic! I have already recruited my running buddy Angie(she just doesn't know it yet!)

Plus, look how cute the medal for the Women's Half is:

 Thank you all for your comments, encouraging words, tips, and advice!!  I am grateful for all of you!!!

 

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you're not new, thanks for stopping by!  I love reading your comments and feedback!

Grace and peace,