The Journey to 13.1 Miles

About 6 months ago my good friend Eleah Lehnen and I embarked on an adventure to run in our first ½ marathon. I have to admit that at the time I didn’t even know how far a ½ marathon was, but once we learned of the distance we were not deterred.

After buying my first pair of high quality running shoes we began the challenge. First 1 mile, then we were up to 2 full miles and trust me that was a challenge 6 months ago. We then joined a training group that sent out weekly homework which was completed, or you heard it from Eleah. Our training progressed and I was happy to learn that many people I know were also beginning to take on the challenge of the Dallas Rock and Roll ½ Marathon. Both of my sister in laws, Melody and Jennifer began to train and it wasn’t long before I was surrounded by a great support group.

As training progressed I started spending less time on the couch and more time racking up the miles, over 200 total miles ran during our training.

Race day was bitter sweet since my “running buddy” Eleah was unable to run, becoming ill just days before our big race. I was able to rely on my support group and my sister in law Melody and I took on the challenge together. We ran 10 miles the week before the race and at that point we knew we not only could but we will finish the race.

Race day was chilly and boy was I nervous! I tied and retied my shoes at a minimum of 30 times before I got the perfect tie on my trusty Nike’s.

The Start: After waiting for the thousands of people in front of us to be systematically released in corrals, next thing you know it was lucky number 13’s time to start. We kept a great pace leaving the downtown area and moving into the absolutely outrageous area of Highland Park. When I say outrageous I mean the homes were outrageous, the landscaping was outrageously beautiful, and the streets were lined with people having their morning walks with the finest specimens of pure bred dogs available. That’s why I was so excited to see a piece of reality. My precious and very pregnant wife holding my little black mutt, Snoop, while cheering us on.

Milestone: Crossing interstate 75 was a big milestone since that indicated that we were moving into our 7th mile. Our momentum was great and next thing you know we were at mile 10 where we were once again heard loving cheers from Marcy, brother in law Jeff, and now the group included Dad, Zack, and little Ethan. This gave us a shot in the arm to finish strong! We cruised pass mile 11 with the thought of the finish line in our near future.

The Wall: Mile 12 marker…..where is it at??? The mile marker finally came and the last 1.1 miles was all that was left. I made the suggestion to Melody that we keep our pace for the first .5 mile and then we start to make our final push. What that really meant to say was “I can’t run any faster” as we entered Fair Park for the final leg of the race. At this point no motivational music, or “just a little bit farther” spectator chant could bring me energy. I was running out of energy and I mean fast. There was hope of the mystical finish line in every corner we turned and trust me there were lots of corners we turned.

The Finish: I must preface this by telling you that at mile 11 I boldly told myself and Melody that we know we are going to finish, so now we have to make sure we leave it all out here on the road. The final corner was maneuvered and TADA the finish line appeared. All running partner communication had halted and Melody shot out for the finish. That gave me the boost to sprint the final 30 yards, which I would later regret. I stepped over the line, made a quick deposit in a trash can, and collected my participant medal.

Post Race Wrap Up: We quickly found Jennifer who led us to our group of family supporters where the reality of finishing and the pain that it brings set in. We made our way the Café Express for a bite to eat, reflect on the race, and take inventory of our aches.

I was so glad that I took on this challenge and I have a new appreciation for my health. My family has been such a great support and it really made my day to see my father proudly cheering me on and my wife scurrying around, while doing the math to find out what mile they can catch us at.

As I look at our crowded calendar of the upcoming weeks I am glad that this is checked off and now we are in full on baby mode!

Amen and Pass the Butter,
Clay