So, today I ran a Half Marathon that was close to my house. Had 16 miles on the training plan.... so, why not run 3 miles, and then run the 13.1 miles on a different route than my usual long run route. It worked out PERFECT! Well, besides the fact that the Half was a bit longer than 13.1 miles.... let me explain...........

The course was an out and back. Easy enough, right?! WRONG!!!! Literally about a 0.25-0.5 miles from the start, there was a Y in the road, you could either go to the right or the left........ you say, "Follow the course signs?" Hmmmmmmm, yeah, if there were any!!!!!! Andddddd, a person that was at this Y- junction was sitting in his/her car!!!!!!!! I don't know how he/she thought he/she was going to keep runners on track. If there were others directing.... I sure didn't see them! Andddddd, the lead runners did not see them either!!!!!!!! Luckily, I only went off course about 0.25miles..... I heard that some of the lead runners went off course 0.5-0.8 miles off course!!!!! I know some of the leaders, so I knew when they came blowing by me that they had been off course too! UGH!!! I know they were frustrated! Well, more like they were P.O. (if you know what I mean). They probably still ended up with great finish times, but still! I really would feel bad for anyone who was running their first half. For me, it wasn't a big deal...... I mean, I was just cruising at my long run pace. I ended up with a total 16.3 miles at an average 9:17 pace. The weather was GREAT!!!! And, the fact that the run was close to my house..... just an added plus!

Bottom line...... the runners really needed Rudolph to lead the Red Nose Run today!!!!!!!!!!! Santa never gets lost with Rudolph guiding the way!!!!!! :D

There were quite a few of the Valdosta runners there too.....

Well, it was a good day......... I realize my last post to this blog was in Sept!! HOLY MOLY!! Time just got away from me!!!! I really enjoying writing.... always have..... hope to keep this blog a little more up to date ( I know, I have said that before)..... hope people enjoy it as well (sometimes I worry about annoying too much-- I mean, to have a blog, you have to take lots of pics/selfies (luckily, I think those that I know are tolerant... HA! HAHAHAHAHA! HA!) .... I should have a great deal to discuss over the next 11 weeks.... after all, I am training for the full marathon in Albany, GA that takes place in March. Working hard, trying to stay on track...... I have a time goal in my head-- not ready to say out loud, but I will tell you that I want (really, really want) to sub 4 hours! I appreciate all of you that will come along with me on this journey with me.......... you guys are the best!