The first of my three major events in this whole “Operation Marathon” is today. I have another half in Tucson in a few weeks and the full 26.2 in New Orleans in February. But the first one? Is today. 13.1 miles through part of Huntsville. The race starts at 8am and I’m proud I slept until 5am. I already have my number and my shirt, now I just need to cross the finish-line to get my finisher’s medal. I’m scared shitless and also really emotionally overwhelmed that I’m actually doing this. ME? ME! 13.1 miles! That’s a lot more than once around my block.
The weather is going to start out chilly and wet and get cold and dry:
Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then cloudy skies this afternoon. Cooler. Morning high of 59F with temps falling to near 45F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60
The detailed forcast shows the rain letting up between 9am and noon. About the time I’ll finish. I’m averaging 12-minute miles on my long run, so if I keep that pace, I’ll finish around 10:37am. But with the cold and the rain, I’ll probably go even slower. I just want to finish. Alive. My blisters are still causing me issues and I’m sure 13 miles on them is going to make it worse. That’s my biggest concern, my poor blistered feet. After that its my right knee and right hip which like to take FOREVER to warm up in warm weather, if its cold and rainy it may be mile 4 before they start function normally.
Wish me luck. I’ll try to upload a picture using my cell-phone of me with my finisher’s medal…so, if you don’t see an updated entry – check the Flickr box on the top of the sidebar because that’s where the picture will show up.
sigh, is it too late to back out?
You can do it!!! I can’t wait to check back this afternoon and see you with that medal. I ‘ve been running for 17 years and never even thought about a half marathon. You are really amazing!
Best of luck! I can’t believe you’re doing this. You rock!!
Good luck!!! You should be just about starting now!! 🙂 I know you can do it! I hope its not raining too bad, actually i hope it isn’t raining at all!!! 🙂 that the weather is perfect!!
You’re probably about five miles in right now! I’m rooting for you.
Run Zoot Run. This IS so amazing. I will be rooting for you till I see that photo!
This totally rocks!
My thoughts will be with you today!
Good luck!
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be great!
Go Zoot! You are AMAZING.
You will do it, and you will feel so unfreakingbelievably awesome when you’re finished.
Congratulations.
Go Zoot Go!!!*
*cheering remotely 🙂
Good Luck!!
I will be in Tucson cheering on my partner,it you want me to holler for you too, let me know. I also carry extra Gu.
Go, Miss Zoot! You may be finished already!
Go Zoot! You can do it!!!!
Wow! You rule (posted as I sit on my ass on my couch). Seriously, though. Way to go!
YAY!! Go Zoot! That is something to be SO proud of – CONGRATS!!! Just wondering, have you thought of doing a tri, ever? You could even do a relay one , since you rock so much at running , if you didn’t want to do the swim or bike?! Anyway – Yippee!!!
Just saw the pics on Flickr, and YAY! Congratulations! And even outside of the monster accomplishment of running 13 miles, you are so skinny! Now you can shine your medal and be proud of yourself, and rightly so.
Good luck! Well, I guess you don’t need it, since the pictures show that you’re done. Yay, you! I’ll be happy to cheer for you when you come to New Orleans in February.
NICE JOB!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID IT!!!!! REMEMBER THAT CONVERSATION WE HAD ABOUT YOU AND HOW 4 PEOPLE EAT MORE THAN ONE DONUT WHEN YOU BUY 12???? AND NOW YOU DID A HALF MARATHON!!! YOU RULE!!! TUCSON 2006!!!!!
i’ve been trying not to read your blog because it’s all, like, inspiring and crap.
you almost make me feel like i could…exercise.
anyway, congrats!
i don’t think i’ve ever commented before, but i’ve been reading and i think it’s really great that you’re doing this for yourself.
Congratulations! That is a major accomplishment! I’ve always thought about attempting this but never had the courage. Now I guess I’ll have to try! Way to go, Zoot!!