mile at a time

I remember like it was yesterday.  The starting line of the Houston Half Marathon, January 2004.  My first half marathon race.

My running buddy Lee (Lisa to a few of you) and I booked a hotel room close to the starting line for the night before the race.  We did this for a few reasons:

 1)  We did not want to fight the parking traffic in the morning.

2)  It gave us the chance to sleep in a bit longer.

3)  It was a good excuse to have a nice pasta dinner downtown with a few other running buddies. 

4)  It gave us the opportunity to watch a chick flick, while telling each other how much we rocked!

We woke up on race morning to really, really cold Houston weather.  Standing at the starting line, decked out in ear cuffs and gloves, Lee and I snuggled together the best we could to help stay warm.  I remember turning to her after the National Anthem and we both had tears streaming down our faces.  To this day, every time I hear the National Anthem, I am taken back to this particular race morning.  I think of our friendship and our first race together and that makes me smile.  And it still brings a tear to my eye!

I thought this blog would be a good time to share a few of my favorite running memories.  These include race day as well as training runs.  Some funny, some sad.  All priceless. 

• My first year doing the Luke’s Locker Half Marathon.  I missed the memo that the race was three laps!!  Imagine passing the finish line twice before you can actually cross it.  AND most of the race took place on Allen Parkway.  The most boring road in the entire world!! 
• A few years back, while on a cruise, I decided to hop on the treadmill for a few quick miles.  Looking out at the waves I lost my balance.  My instinct was to grab the bar and hang on.  After a few bounces I finally released my grip and flew gracefully into the wall behind me.  After I landed the lady beside me told me I should have hit the stop button.  REALLY?  Maybe you could have hit it for me walker chick!!
• First day of garage running.  Missed the speed bump on the way out and hit the pavement.  Bloody knee and several cuts.  And scars to prove it!
• Why do I run?  So I can hear my hubby yell “TIM-AY….don’t forget your helmet” every time I leave the house.
• My first full Houston marathon.  When we reached the turnaround point for the half marathoners I swear I heard crickets.  I felt so alone as the crowd was behind me along with the majority of the runners.  Let’s get this straight.  I was not in the lead…..it was just the slow half marathoners behind me!
• It’s 2007.  Another hotel room and another Houston half.  Band kicks in at 11pm at the bar across from the hotel.  We are on the 112^th floor (ok, maybe the 8th) and we could still hear them!!  80’s music until 1am!  And then the parking lot fight broke out. …..NICE!  Didn’t they know I had an early morning wake-up?!
• The Hogs Hunt 25K with Ronnie and Brenda was my first trail run.  I loved the water stops!  They had peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, candy, chips, and coca-cola!  AND we got a commemorative coaster and camouflage t-shirt.  I put on the t-shirt and hid in the woods.  I think Ronnie and Brenda are still out looking for me.
• Amy, Shannon, and I did the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll half in November last year.  Shannon, as usual, was ahead of Amy and I.  When we got to mile 7 or so we could hear the Army doing a cadence call about dying.  Knowing Shannon had passed by them just moments earlier sent chills down our spine and brought tears to our eyes.  Shannon’s husband was in the Army and had been killed in Iraq the previous December.  I can only imagine what she was feeling at that moment. 
• The year Shawn Colvin sang the National Anthem and then lined up to run the Houston half.  I love Shawn Colvin!  More tears!
• I love spotting my hubby, friends, and family along the route.  Usually Jason is dressed in appropriate clothing as to not be missed.  My favorite uniform on race day?  His bright green sweatpants with the bright yellow shirt.  Even I can see him!
• Jason started somewhat of a tradition in our house.  After every half or full marathon he buys me flowers, a great card, and prepares whatever I want for dinner.  I am even allowed to curl up with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and a spoon.  Who in their right mind would give all that up?
• Last year Adrian, a Team Teen runner, decided he wanted to run the Houston half with me in 2009.  We spent many Saturday mornings running together.  As early as 5am which is not easy for an 18 year old!  Adrian trained hard and we crossed the finish line together this past January.   I love that story!

I have 4 friends that I convinced to do the Houston half in January 2010.  These are people that were not runners (now they are!) and I am so proud of them.  I cannot wait to see the excitement on their faces when they cross the finish line.  And I cannot wait to hear their running stories!

 Run on friends,

Karen