Top Ten List

Distance: 13.1 miles
Start time: 7:18 am
Run Duration: 150 minutes
Average Pace: 11.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 51 degrees
Humidity: 59%
Location: Houston, TX


Today was the day. Just over 250 miles of training led me to the starting line of the Aramco Half-Marathon. I wasn't nervous. I felt ready. It took 8 minutes to get from my position among thousands of runners across the starting line. I glanced at my watch, 7:18. I could remember that. I wished I'd started running when I was 18 years old. Remembering the time would prove very important to me. Here are the 10 things that stand out most about today's run. Oh, and thanks again to those readers who've left comments here or emailed me personally. Much, much appreciated.

10. Sleep counts, but not as much as I might think it does. I set my alarm for 4:30 and I woke up at 4 instead. I'm glad I got up and had a breakfast of scrambled eggs and half a bagel instead of trying to rush around. I managed to score a great parking spot downtown and didn't feel rushed. I came home after everything was over today and slept 2 blissful, deep hours. I haven't appreciated sleep and slept so well until I started running regularly.

9. I have to ask for help when I need it. Odd that my left knee started hurting (HURTING!!!) at mile 4. This was a new pain, a different pain and it had me worried that I wouldn't finish the race. I tried to run through it, passing a medic station. At mile 9, I stopped and asked if they had anything that might help. They had Icy Hot topical cream. I quickly applied it - liberally - to my left knee and leg and kept running, reminding myself not to touch my eyes with my left hand. I don't think I would have been able to finish without that bit of help. It still hurts. Ice is applied now. Hopefully tomorrow will find some relief, if not...I'll ask for more help.

8. When you gotta go you gotta go. I stopped at a port-a-john at mile 5. I got a big kick out of seeing the men bypass the facilities to, um, water the trees along White Oak Bayou. Oh, to have a camera. It was a missed photo opportunity, for sure.

7. Experience has its benefits. I overheard a very old man, I mean very old man, ask some of the volunteers for a lift to the starting line of the marathon. He was wearing a "Veteran Runners" Bib. He'd run in over 20 marathons. Wow.

6. Contacts may not be good for driving, ordering off a menu, or operating on a neck, but they are great for running. I wish I had realized it sooner.

5. Even when I read directions, I can make mistakes. I attached the directions portion of my timing chip to my shoe. There is no electronic record of me crossing the start, finish, or any other line during the course of the race. The timing chip portion was neatly attached to my belongings bag the entire time, safely on a shelf in the convention center. I'm laughing even as I type this. At least I had the presence of mind to wear my watch and notice what time I finished the race. I'm glad I don't do this to compete with others.

4. Clothes make this woman. We had two "coupons" attached to our bibs - one for a hot meal and one for a finisher's shirt. I couldn't have cared less about the biscuit and sausage. I wanted that shirt. It's a nice one, too. I will absolutely wear it with pride.

3. I need new shoes. Oh yeah, I've decided I'm still going to run. But I don't know if it will be for distance. I know my shoes have enough miles on them now to justify a new pair. I also like what the running has done to my body. Vain one, I am.

2. Friends matter.Seeing a friend standing along the route, where he said he'd be meant the world to me. Thank you, Matt.

1. Tears happen. Hardened soul that I am, when the finisher's medal was placed around my neck, I actually teared up. I was surprised at myself. Really? Really. Tears happen.