A non-runner's running blog: Chickamauga 1/2 Marathon (11-12-11)

I'll start with the only negative thing that I could come up with for yesterday - the alarm that sounded at 0345.... Anyone that knows me, KNOWS I hate getting up early - but, this time I was glad I did. Thanks to Simple Fuel's DELICIOUS Granola for keeping me company on the ride up!

I arrived early enough to get a fantastic parking spot (Yes, that is the start finish line just a few yards away)

I crawled out of my toasty car and went to packet pick-up - which was in a toasty tent staffed with awesome volunteers. Got my number (1079, which kind of concerned me because of what it means in 10 codes - look it up and you'll understand) Was handed my race shirt (which was not white and was printed specifically for the half marathon!) Also received some cool swag in the form of a custom race belt with a pouch and thingies (technical term) to attach your bib.

(yep, that's a sneak peek at the medal too)

With about an hour before the start, I was able to crawl back into my car and stay warm for a bit longer (It was about 29 degrees at this point). I finally decided that I'd have to get out and start getting "used to" the temperature- Found my friends that I was going to be with for the next 13.1 miles or so and we went over to the encampment where the starting canon was located (yes, I said starting canon)

Finally, it was time to start (Start had been delayed because of soem crazy traffic back-up coming into the race site.)

We were off - a wonderful group with Cindy Ralson and her husband, Ray (it was Ray's first 1/2 marathon), Mystie Buice (it was her first race EVER) and Jonathan Wilkins ( (who was "taking it easy" before he did a 50K the next day).

Running and walking through the battlefield was an amazing experience - I'm not sure I'll ever get to go through a more scenic course...

Being in the back of the pack, we got to meet some really wonderful people - Jean was, by far, my favorite. She is 83 years young and started running at 82 (something about a double dog dare from a grand child)

A little over 3 hours later, the finish line was in sight -

I was really excited - realizing that I was going to meet all my goals for the day - to finish, to beat my time from my first 1/2 marathon and to break the 3:30 mark!

Before I started enjoying the after- race festivities, I took a moment to remember why I was there that day.

My friend Michael Keim is currently awaiting a double lung AND bone marrow transplant. He has fought harder than 99.99% of anyone would ever even think of fighting, all the while maintaining an exemplary attitude. I dedicated this race to Mikey, and can only hope to be half as tough as he.

Then, it was time for us all to enjoy some of the yummilicious soups, pizza an banana pudding (I could have dove into a tub of the pudding it was so good)

Throughout the event, there were some amazing volunteers who kept us hydrated, fed and in good spirits. They MADE this race what it was - and were very much appreciated.