On Saturday I ran the Suntrust Richmond Marathon. 26.2 miles. 2:23:58. The guy you see in the picture to the left isn't me. It's another guy.Thoughts and memories (in no particular order):
- At about mile 24.5, after I turned onto Grace street, I heard some bagpipes playing. It took me back to Virginia Tech, when some guy would occasionally walk around campus playing the bagpipes. I think I could listen to bagpipes all day. I love 'em. That got me fired up.
- I beat my previous half-marathon time!
- Around mile 7 ish, Brian Beasley came up beside me and ran with me for a little bit. That was awesome. Much needed!
- Towards the end, circa mile 24, I started to walk for a sec, and some guy behind me said "hey, keep running. I'm following you." That was really encouraging. So we ran together for a little while, talked about life.
- I saw a friend from Virginia Tech on the sideline cheering her sister on. Towards the very end of the run, but before the finish line was in site, she jumped on the course and ran with her sister. She encouraged her to keep running. That was so cool to see. I started to tear up a little.
- After turning off of Boulevard/Hermitage, after Boulevard mountain (a little hill that felt like K2), my mind shifted to "I'm gonna finish this thing." I hit a few cramps after that, but it didn't really matter because I was gonna finish. Coach Chelle ran alongside for a little bit and said "drink poweraid!" and I said "ok."
- After mile 18, a group of friends and my parents cheered me on towards the beginning of the Boulevard leg of the race. I got flashed by Jason and Brian, high-fived by a few, cheered on by all. It was awesome.
- Some made it to the finish line and yelled out my name as I was making the last few strides. Oh so encouraging!
- The last couple steps across the line. I can't even describe the feeling. All the training, all the support from friends and family, the people I've met along the way. It's like it all culminated into those last couple steps.
- I had a slice of pizza afterward. Who would have thought? Pizza at the end of a race. Yes please.
