Race Day!

Race day started with a 4:00 am wake up. We got dressed and met the team in the lobby, then met our shuttle to the start line. It was absolutely pouring rain, so we bundled up in our fashionable garbage bags and waited under trees. By the time we made it to the start corrals, the rain had died down to more of a drizzle, and by the time we got started, it had stopped, leaving behind perfect race conditions - an overcast sky and cool breeze. The race itself was incredible - the sidelines were lined with Nashville residents, family members, cheerleaders, and local bands (we heard "Sweet Home Alabama" 3 times!), and they provided awesome motivation as we ran the 13.1 miles through the city. A course highlight was Music Row, which is an impressive row of recording studios. Course lowlight: running past a KFC at mile 12 - that smell is so not what you need when struggling up the final hill of a very hilly race course. Best sign of the day: "Run like you stole something!" It was an incredible run - definitely the best in my 5 months of training, and a personal best in terms of time: we finished in 2:29 with a negative split (the last half was faster than the first half, which was what we were aiming for so we could finish strong). James was the best running partner I could ever ask for, and he stayed with me at my pace through the whole thing. At the finish line, we received our medals, ate a lot (I think that PB & J I ate was made by the gods), and just took in the whole experience. An incredible day.