How to run a marathon...and enjoy it!

Well, he did it. My husband completed his 8th marathon on Saturday, along with two of his brothers. This picture was taken after the race. They all look like they're trying really hard to smile.

I've already established how much I love watching marathons. This was the first race (as a spectator) that I didn't spend the whole thing driving madly along the course to find a spot to scream at Joe as he ran by. Instead, my friend Katie and I slept in. Well...sort of. Joe thought it would be a good idea (before leaving) at 4:30 am to put Mr. Ornery Pants back on the mattress he'd fallen off of. Which led to the awakening of the Angel Baby. Which led to a party in our room for the next hour before everyone finally settled down and went back to sleep.)


Katie and I did Turbo Jam, ate breakfast, then shoved 5 kids in her van to meet our husbands at the finish line. I felt slightly guilty for not being more supportive. Until I found out that if I had been somewhere along the course, Joe would've climbed in the car and suggested that we go home. Starting at mile 13.


So yes, my friends, Joe survived. But if he'd actually trained (5 weeks really doesn't count), he could've enjoyed the race...not just survived it!


So here are some tips for any of you considering running a marathon...or a half-marathon...or any race, for that matter. (Since I'm so experienced with ONE marathon under my belt...next time I'll follow my own advice)! Read On

Country Music Marathon

Since my parents moved to Nashville, Joe's been talking about running in the Country Music Marathon. A few months ago, he decided that this would be the year. His training wasn't exactly up to par, so he decided to run the 1/2 Marathon instead.


I ran this marathon with Joe when we were first married. I seriously thought I was going to die during the race, but crossing the finish line made the pain of the previous 26.2 miles disappear. I started crying and felt like I'd just won $1,000,000. Seriously.


Joe has run in several marathons since, and for me this 1/2 marathon was no different--I always get choked up watching the runners cross that finish line. Especially the ones that look like they want to die. Kind of how I must have looked. I'm always a little jealous, wishing I were the one running. Not the one wanting to collapse, but the one crossing the finish line.


This has made me consider doing this to myself again. I have 5 days to decide. I'm leaving it to all of YOU to help me make up my mind. Am I crazy? Should I do it? Will I die? Should I be more like my husband? He doesn't look like he just ran 13.1 miles, but he feels pretty darn good! I probably won't win $1,000,000 anytime soon, but in October I can definitely feel like it! Help me out, people! And who's with me? I'll feel a lot better if others join the "fun"!

YAY MARCI!!!!

Yesterday Joe's sister, Marci, ran her first 1/2 marathon! It was 70 degrees outside, but super windy! We were so excited to see her run by! Way to go, Marci! Almost there...
After 13.1 miles!
Now 4 out of 6 of Joe's siblings are full blown runners. Matt and Brian are next to be converted! We're so proud of you, Marci!