finis

It's 3 days post-race and I'm still getting complaints from about a dozen muscles in my legs. The first day was really painful but now it's more of a subtle reminder that I'm a super-cool athlete now!
If you don't know what I'm talking about, I must not have had a chance to talk to you lately, because I was probably getting a little obnoxious telling people that I was "training" for this race. It was the Route 66 Half Marathon. It took place Sunday, in Tulsa. Krista and I have been training for months now, working up from our first grueling 2 mile run-slash-walk and topping out at 10 well paced, comfortable miles. In fact, the last time we ran 10 miles, we both were like "eh.... 13 miles?? Bring It ON!!" Then Sunday we ate our words.
I was so excited for this race! We worked so hard and I have grown to love a sport that made me want to puke before. It's been a wonderful experience for me, and I'll love Krista forever for inviting me to do it. Anyhow... we made it a fun trip, getting a hotel in Tulsa and bringing along the families. We "carb-loaded" at Olive Garden the night before and then got up bright and early Sunday to head out. There were so many runners waiting at the starting line! They ran the gamut from elementary kids to grandparents- and I'm not talking the typical 40 year old mormon grammies. I'm talking 70 years plus! It warmed my heart to see how many people were on the same journey we were. I had only vague, wispy thoughts about winning the race and being carried around on the shoulders of sweaty strangers-- but mostly, this was a race just for me.
So we started out strong and the 7ish mile water station with the Hooters girls came and went pretty quickly. It was a perfect day, breezy and overcast- I swear I even felt mist at one point. Anyways, around mile 9 or 10, things got mean. We were running through GORGEOUS neighborhoods (the Watts and the Cronks will retire in Tulsa) and it was fun looking at the houses, but they were all on HILLS. They were kicking my bum in a hurry. By the time that finish line came into view and I heard Eric yell my name, I wanted more than anything to just STOP running. And then we did!!!!! It felt wonderful. And I got a legit medal! (apparently that's what my $60 was for).
People have asked "so...are you going to do a full marathon next?" and all I have to say is HE#@ NO! I'm going to stick with the halfsies for a while.