I have posted a video of the actual course we will be running. We received the video by email and it actually gave me goose bumps. I will admit that it seemed much longer than I imagined. Okay it seemed ridiculously long, but still exciting. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX so it’s always exciting for me to go home. Not only will we be running past the Alamo, but also my high school. I don’t know why I screamed out “my high school!” when I saw it in the video, but I guess I never imagined it would be on the route. It’s a chance for me to see the city that I grew up in – to run the streets of my childhood. I have an opportunity to show Rachel various places I remember and tell her the stories of my youth, unless we are unable to talk while we’re gasping for air. For me the run is a homecoming of sorts, which makes it all the more special.
Today is literally our last run before the ½ marathon on Sunday. It’s a bit of an understatement to say we are nervous. We have trained hard and well, but I don’t think you ever really know how prepared you are until you are actually running the race. Unfortunately, they are expecting thunderstorms on Sunday, which, with my luck, is really no surprise. Rain happens to be the one thing we are not really prepared to run in. No matter what, though, we both really want to run, so if running in the rain is an obstacle we must face, well, then it’s an obstacle we must overcome. Plus, we figure it will be yet another run to remember. We have already done a crazy 5k in ridiculously cold weather with 30mph winds and slight snow. We have also done a 5k in ‘hot as a sauna’ weather with the world’s craziest hills and managed to make it through that as well. It looks like we will try and find some way to make it through the rain.
After we run our 3-miles today the training is over with exception of the 2-mile walk tomorrow. I don’t really know how to feel about it. I have become accustomed to running so much, but I suppose we don’t have to stop. It is harder now, though, since the time has changed and it gets dark by 6:00 pm. Actually, it is kind of depressing. I don’t understand why they have to change the time. I guess that’s something to ponder later. For now my focus needs to be on getting through this ½ marathon. I not only hope we are able to run it, but also able to finish it and be proud of ourselves. I just need to tell myself what I always tell myself, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13
Running On Empty 
Wowser, good luck!
Thank You!
Having run three half-marathons in the last 14 months, I can tell you that training is 90% physical and 10% mental, but racing is the other way round. Your body is totally ready for this. It’s now up to your mind to stay strong. You’re going to be fine. Guard against starting out too fast (trust me, it’s really easy to get caught up in the start-line excitement!), do all the same things you’ve done in your long training runs, and you’ll do great. I look forward to hearing how it went next week!
Thanks Kirsten!! I know I have been caught up in the start-line excitment for my 5k’s but this is soooo different. With that I was running for speed and trying to actually win the race. We keep saying we will just start out slow like normal. Slow and steady doesn’t win this race, but it definitely helps you finish it. Thanks for the taper madness info…it definitely helps!!
That’s so awesome you have family in SA. Will they be at the race cheering you on?
I watched that video the other night, my goodness it has sooo many turns. There aren’t many straight stretches it seems like. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the rain stays away until the afternoon .. well maybe the evening so I don’t have to drive home in it either 😉 haha
Good luck to the both of you in the race!!
Thank you!! Hopefully the family will come out for us! I agree with you on the turns…we were like…what!! I really hope we are not running in the rain…but, well, I guess if we need a drink of water all we have to do is open our mouths right… 🙂 jk…but seriously! I agree…we don’t want to be driving in the rain either!! Again, good luck to you too!!!