Just put one foot in front of the other

Yesterday was not only April fools day it was also a very big day in my life. It was the day of the Covenant Health Knoxville marathon 2012. I have been training since November to do the half with my teammates. I have to say that at first I was VERY scared and I also knew that when the race ended so did my team and I have come to the point where I have become almost like family with them and it scared me to think we might not stay together. I have never been good at good byes or even see you later as far as that goes. I love the people I have around me and I hate to think we might not see each other again. We have talked about staying together and we have made plans to do races and hikes and have set dates for them so that did make me feel better. Ok on to yesterday. I got up about 5:00 because we had to be at the expo center at 6:45 and I wanted to make sure that I had a chance to eat and take my drug of choice ibuprofen. lol I met my team on the inside of the expo and it was packed come to find out there were 7,242 preregistered for the races. 1,206 for the kids run,852 for the full marathon,1,827 in the 5k,620 in the four person relay and 2,733 joining me in the 1/2 marathon. So needless to say between the runners and their support teams it was very crowded.

Here is what a little of the crowd looked like passing the start line. When I had started out that morning I had it in my mind I wanted to do 13.1 miles in less than four hours. I know it sounds like a lot and I have been training, but I also knew if I set my goals too high for myself if I didn't reach it I would have been upset I didn't make the time not thrilled by the fact that I had just finished my first 1/2 marathon. My sweet husband had also made a shirt for me so everyone along the path would know it was my first big race and had my famous quote on the back. lol

front

back I started off strong strong with Missy Kane and Scott at my side for most of the fist half.

Me and Scott Then at about mile 10 I hit the wall and hit it hard. I didn't think about my blood sugar dropping and how I should have packed better, but with Scot's help I pushed through the leg cramps the hurting hips and the feeling like I needed either to throw up or to pass out. Scott was a big help to me and I am so very glad that he stayed back with me to make sure I made it to the finish line and he coached me the whole way. What a great guy. I also had people I work with who had cheered me on. Dr. Holloway saw me that morning gave me a hug and told me good luck, Donna Kedrow and her hubby had made a sign for me that said go Melody go and cheered me on and Mary Cate and Mary waited for me on the side walk. I'm a lucky girl to have good friends who know how important this was for me to support me. I managed to finish my first 1/2 marathon according to the email they sent me in 3:50:50. It was right under the 4 hour window I had given myself and the fact I pushed through and crossed the finish line made me so proud.

the girls in front of my sign.

Me and Scott crossing the finish line.

celebrating our victory!

The best part getting to share this wonderful day with my family. Looking back this has been a wonderful journey and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to be part of it. I have been able to work on Melody both inside and out. I hope that our team sticks together because I love each and everyone of them, but if I don't get a chance to see them again. Thank you for being their for me and for helping me see the person who was in me the whole time!