"Life is not a spectator sport." Jackie Robinson

     I ran the 2013 Austin Livestrong half marathon on 2-17-13.  It was a well-organized, fun, but hilly event with 20,000 marathon and half-marathon participants.  It started and finished at the Texas State Capitol Building.  It was a gorgeous morning, sunny and cool at the 7 AM start.  Many thanks to my Austin family, including grandkids, who all got up at 4 AM to get me to the start on time and to cheer me on.  Alex gave high fives to all the passing runners.


     HIGHLIGHTS:
          A spectator in a gorilla suit handing out bananas

          A group of college-age spectators all costumed as hot dogs

          A juggling runner (running juggler?) who was much faster than me

          At mile 9, the Livestrong cheering section with at least 100 yellow-shirted college aged kids waving signs, filling both sides of the road, vociferously cheering on the runners. It is wonderful to have crowds of people cheering for you.  I was wearing my Colorado Runner shirt, and got lots of "Go Colorado", so knew they were cheering for me. It was a big boost at a much-needed moment.

          It always makes me smile when I pass runners wearing "Fueled by Beef" t-shirts  (why do I smile?  the irony of a vegan passing meat-eaters)



     FAVORITE SIGNS ALONG THE COURSE:

          Sydney's and Alex's  "Go Grandma" signs

          "Worst parade ever"

          "Free hugs"

          "Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much butt."

          "FU Cancer"

     TIMES
          I finished in 2 hours 58 minutes, not as fast as I had hoped prior to getting injured 2 weeks ago, but I am very happy with it.  I came in 49th out of 82 women from 60-64 years of age.  I came in 4663 out of 5351 women of all ages.  I came in 8416 out of 9326 half marathoners of all ages and both sexes.  However you look at it, I was not last, and beat everyone who stayed home on the couch.

     I am really sore afterwards and am going to take time off from running to heal.  It was fun and I have a real sense of accomplishment.  The bling (finisher's medal) is beautiful.  I am definitely considering doing it again next year.  Anyone want to join me?

     Pics to come later.