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.
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