I started 2018 with the Little Rock Half Marathon. Why did I pick this one? Because of the big ass medal.

I honestly wanted to run the full marathon (and plan to next year) but didn’t run more than 5 miles at a time in the 12 weeks leading up to it so I was woefully unprepared physically. Mentally I was good to go though. The lessons I learned about knowing my bodies limitations from last year had been forgotten so I was “READY!!!”.

The expo was huge and conveniently located at the hotel I was staying at. (Which overlooked the finish line!)

I even saw people I know. The running community is huge and yet it’s amazing how often I see a familiar face even away from home.

The race weather was projected to be perfect. 50s and overcast with a small chance of rain. Unfortunately the weather men/women got it wrong. It was 40 at the start and then at about mile 5 or 6 it started raining. And not a light, cooling drizzle, it was the kind of rain that makes your socks squish and your hair stick to your eyes. And even though that part really sucked (I hate wet socks) I had the best time at this race.

I was really inspired by some of the other contestants. There was an out and back stretch where we were passing some of the slower runners and I saw a guy who was probably in his 80s walking the half marathon with a cane. There is not much that is more motivational to me than seeing someone push themselves to do their absolute best against odds that are stacked against them. He was dead last but was strolling along with a smile on his face.

Also the crowd support was awesome. So many great signs. I really like the interactive ones.

I had some tasty snacks along the way. My personal favorite, a lady literally handed me a box of tator tots from Sonic. You better believe I ate those right up. Carb loading is essential both before and during running after all. And it’s weird how I never question where food comes from or how sanitary it is in a race situation.

I ended up finishing in 2:16 something. Not too bad considering I wasn’t prepared and the weather wasn’t ideal. To celebrate I looked on Yelp and found that the #1 rated restaurant was walking distance from the finish line. So I strolled to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and ate….fried chicken.

Next up? Well I’ve got a few half’s in Oklahoma just for fun but my next new state is Nebraska in May. Before that I’ve got the T-Town Half, the Golden Driller Half and the OKC Memorial Half. The Golden Driller is the day before the OKC one so I’m sure that will hurt so good. I’ve never done two half’s one right after the other. Wish me luck!