I was determined to finish Nashville under three hours. I had a year to focus on that course.. and think about it.. I was ready. I knew what I needed to do. It was cold at the start.. 56. Cold. It took 56 minutes to be off the line and we were off. Traci stayed with me for awhile then said.. Go on I will be fine. So I went. I went and I went. I drank cytromax at every water station and I was focused. At hour two I knew i needed to get 6 minutes back.. I did. It was hilly. I don't remember it being that many hills but apparently there were. It was a beautiful day. Traci kept running up behind me and checking in.. at mile five she said.. Karla is coming up get on the left. And I saw Karla and my family... Phil and the boys had drove up to Nashville to cheer me on..Then I knew I HAD to do this thing under three.. I ran on down Belmont .. up to the industrial area. through the streets of Nashville. At one point Traci ran up to me and said I am going to change my socks Ill catch you later.. I ate GU went down a huge hill and felt good. Ran when I can.. read signs and enjoyed the crowd. I kept thinking about my boys and how I love that they will remember trips taken so Mom could run. I love that they will see me like that. Around mile ten I saw T again.. she ran up and said she was getting tired . I told her I would see her at the finish line.. I didn't see her again until then. I heard an ambulance at one point. I was scared it was for her.. But I ran on.. Mile 11, and then I saw 12 I was there.. almost. I felt good I picked up the pace felt that familiar leg cramp and stretched it out.. I was ready to be done.. I saw LP field. Up the hill and I could see the stadium.. I was going to do this.. I was going to be under 3.. under 3 . I was so focused. I started to run.. I was looking for the finish line. mile 13.. where is that dang line.. Ok I see it.. Run Run Run.. And I was done.. Under 3.........in my mind.. I looked around for Phil and the boys. I checked my watch.. I walked to the picture line. I was so happy. I did it. NO I didn't.. I found Phil and he said.. 3 28 really 28 seconds where did you come from.. So I didn't do it after all. Except I did finish. I now have 11 under my belt. It was fun.. Well if you think running for three hours is fun. I loved that my family was there . It meant a lot to me . I love that Phil wants to see me run. I love that he times it and knows where I am. I loved crossing the 10k sensor thinking.. here you go Phil.. I'm coming home.. I love the boys see me trying to get under 3. I am glad they see me as an athlete.. In my own way. They said Oh my gosh mom there were so many people behind you this time. Well now its time to train for a full marathon. Am I goofy?
