Last Saturday, December 5
th, was the day of reckoning! Could I jog all 13.1 miles in the St. Jude's Children Hospital fund-raising race? I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be able to! The weekend prior, I had jogged 12 miles, so I knew I was capable (a race atmosphere is very encouraging and motivating too); however, I also felt like I was on verge of getting a flu or cold a few days before we left (fabulous timing), I've developed a few minor runner's ailments (inflamed tendon, for instance), and the race course involved a bit of hilly terrain that I knew would tire me more than the flat school track I did most of my training on. Fortunately, after time off from work to rest, and encouragement from friends and family, I was feeling pretty good on race day.
The morning was brisk- low 30s- but sunny, so it ended up being nearly perfect running weather with the appropriate clothes. At 8AM, the first
group of runners took off! We started in waves, sorted by mile pace. I was pretty far in back since I'm a slowpoke, but the volunteers and spectators make you feel like you're the first people they see. Bands, people in costumes, belly dancers, etc. were arranged at various points along the route for morale, and residents,
shop owners, and loved ones lined streets in-between to cheer and offer words of encouragement. Patrick & Pat stationed themselves along with them, to cheer me & Jackie on and get a few pictures.
Well, I'm telling you- that kind of support feels so good that the first 5 miles went really fast and felt wonderful. But come miles 8 & 9, that was starting to wear off, and by miles 12 & 13, I was barely trudging along. My one goal in this was to jog the entire way though, so I knew I would be very disappointed if I had to join the many others around me who slowed to a walk when I was so close to the finish. It may sound a little dramatic, but I prayed several times to God that he would give me the strength and endurance to accomplish that last leg of the journey!
He delivered, because after 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 7 seconds of jogging, I crossed the finish line. I was feeling pretty out of it, but I had enough mind left to be proud of myself, especially since I thought I would take about 2 hours and 45 minutes. My place wasn't what you'd call stellar at #4659 out of 6845 finishers (placing me in the 32 percentile), but I'm not too worried about it, especially since I found out that I finished 6 minutes faster than Jackie (who I consider to be much more athletic and fit than myself) did in her first 1/2 marathon the previous year. Jackie was pleased to discover she shaved 20 minutes off her last year's time (her finishing time this year was 2:20:58)! In the fifteen minutes between her finishing time and mine, 1050 people crossed the line (which astounds me!), putting her in the 47
th percentile- good work!
As for the rest of the weekend, we drove and walked around downtown, relaxed in the hotel (all 4 of us were tired after the race), and delighted in the food of some new restaurants. On our way home (it's a 5-6 hour trip in the car), we made a stop at an ice cream shop with all sorts of scrumptious flavors served in generous helpings at a reasonable price. (Thank goodness Jackie & I burned like 4,000+ calories each the morning before!). But, I've carried on long enough- I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking!
Jackie and I just got done warming up, and are about to take our places with the rest of the runners.
Good thing I knew Patrick would be cheering me on at Mile 3- I had to drop off my coat!
Hooray! We did it! And all finishers received a medal for reward! I wore mine to work on Monday to show it off to my coworkers. :)
The same spot I dropped off my coat, we revisited later that night to see all lit up. I didn't realize it at the time, but how nice that a "Memphis" sign was right above us to commemorate our trip in this photo!
This restaurant was a perfect dinner choice for relaxing and unwinding after a hard day's work. Cushy leather seats, cozy
atmosphere, window view of downtown, a glass of wine and delicious Italian food!
Don't worry, I wasn't speeding!
A beautiful Sunday morning hike out.
Atalie at an overlook of the Buffalo River. Right behind her in the valley is Steel Creek campground.
Patrick at the Steel Creek campground for a quick break- we ended up coming back here to camp Saturday night.
Just before we headed out Saturday morning.
The group on the trail.
Atalie (left) at Christmas in 1989.
Surprisingly, Atalie won despite the two holes in the wall.
This is the dart board painted by Mrs. A. for me.
Mrs. A. made this for Atalie- it's an Aztec calendar that she mounted onto a small table.
Jackie and I just got done warming up, and are about to take our places with the rest of the runners.
Good thing I knew Patrick would be cheering me on at Mile 3- I had to drop off my coat! 
Hooray! We did it! And all finishers received a medal for reward! I wore mine to work on Monday to show it off to my coworkers. :)
The same spot I dropped off my coat, we revisited later that night to see all lit up. I didn't realize it at the time, but how nice that a "Memphis" sign was right above us to commemorate our trip in this photo!
This restaurant was a perfect dinner choice for relaxing and unwinding after a hard day's work. Cushy leather seats, cozy atmosphere, window view of downtown, a glass of wine and delicious Italian food!