Post Race Thoughts Following Tuscaloosa Half Marathon

Today running enthusiasts from all over gathered at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater for the 2nd Annual UR Fed Foundation Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. What a difference a year makes, instead of the frigid cold weather, wind and flurries from a year ago, today was sunny and warm.

When I was getting ready this morning, the thought of sunscreen crossed my mind for a hot second. I thought, nah, it's an early morning run and besides, the sun isn't that strong yet. Oh, was I wrong. I burned my face, bad. Here's photo I took later in the day. Sure, I added a filter to add drama, to make it look like I have some kind of nuclear radiation coming off my face.

Here's a shot of start line about 5 minutes before the beginning of the race.

Here's a picture from the road. That white line is from my ear bud.  Just look at the sea of people.

And this one... lots of construction around town. New apartments being built near downtown.  We've seen plenty of housing construction, even after being a few years removed from the housing devastation from the tornado.

Oh, here I come for some WATER! As you would imagine, I found myself pretty thirsty during this run. Meg Summers took this picture and posted it on the B101.7 Facebook page. I especially like the rays of glory present.  Funny, as I double fist water in one hand and Powerade in the other!

I tried compression sleeves on my calves, hoping to resist stuff like chin splits and maybe and extra bost of energy. It worked for about 9 miles of the race. Then, oh lookout, the cramps, the leg pains.  Ugh.

The last 3 miles I kept thinking, I'm thirsty, I'm hungry and my legs are killing me! Yeah, I kept thinking about all the different stuff I could eat very soon. I was hungry.  I mean major feast planning was going on.  By the time I hit the finish line, I knocked out granola bars like it was nobody's business.  Besides, the bender of water.

Normally, when you finish a race there is this powerful feeling of accomplishment.  A major adrenaline rush.  Especially, when it's your first time.  Then, your hooked.  Last year was my first half and by far the longest distance I've ever run.  So, the feeling was incredible, as if I climbed to the top of the mountain.

The second running of the Tuscaloosa Half and I crossed the line a bit disappointed.  I finished a couple of minutes slower.  Argh!  The last 3 miles were bad due to major leg cramps.  It's something work on.

I love running for so many reasons, from how it helps clear your mind to improving physical health.  You really get hooked from setting and achieving goals, to the thrill of competing against others and meeting really nice people that you share something in common.

Congratulations to the organizers and countless volunteers for a job well done!