I RUN 4 RON

Last week we got an e-mail from our Fleet Feet running group that posed the question, "Why do you run?". It was actually a segueway into telling us about Nashville's race series, 'I Run for the Party', but it got me thinking, why DO I love to run anyway?! I love to run because growing up it was something my Dad and I shared together, just us :) He was the first person I called when I finished my first half marathon two years ago, and he could not have been prouder. He was there to see me finish last year, and even though he is no longer here, I know my biggest fan is smiling down on me saying, "Come on lil' Jessi!". I feel blessed to have spent that time with him growing up and that he introduced me to such a challenging sport, and now everytime I lace em' up, I am running for Ron.

**This pic was taken at the last race we ran together! It was the Elvis 5K in Memphis, 2006. Please notice Dad's throwback Elvis T from the 90's...he never missed one! Please don't notice my awfulness in this pic.

And with race day upon us, next Saturday(eee!!!), I would like to share with you last year's race experience...

My original plan for last year's race was to run the full marathon with Team in Training. Unfortunately, I suffered an IT band injury 2 months out and ended up doing the 1/2 instead. I never thought I would be disappointed I could NOT run 26.2 miles... My parents were coming in for the weekend for the festivities and I was super pumped to have them at the finish line. They arrived the Friday night before the race, we went out for some 'carb loading', and called it an early night because the next morning was going to come early! I let my parents have my room and I slept on the couch, (something I don't recommend before a race). 5am came quick! My dad and I left for Centennial Park around 6am and finalllly made our way there. There is no telling how he got home, EVERY road was closed and he is directionally challenged, wonder where I get it from?!


The CMM is a fantastic race, I would highly recommend it for any first timer (although, it is a smidge hilly). The Rock n' Roll series does a great job. Everything is very organized, plenty of water and Cytomax along the course, and the volunteers and supporters lining the streets are unbelievable. You are so distracted looking at everything the course has to offer you might even forget you are running! Miles 1-4 are by far my least favorite, running wise. My legs haven't warmed up yet and it feels like i'm never going to hit my stride. Luckily, the first miles along the course are jam packed with spectators so it makes the time go by fast! Miles 5-9 are the bomb.com. It takes you down and back on Belmont Blvd. which I think is the most exciting part of the course. This is always the strongest part of my run. This is also the point in which I run by work peeps, so I have to at least appear like i'm running fast! Miles 10 & 11 suck. There's really not much else I can say. I don't enjoy that part of the course, spectators get a little scarce and I'm just plain tired. The last 'hill' around mile 12 is pretty brutal, many senior citizens were passing by me at this point. But once you get up to the bridge that takes you down to Titans stadium, it is smoooth sailing!! It is the most amazing feeling running that last tenth of a mile with people cheering you on - it makes all the grueling training, early mornings, lame Friday nights, poop scares, GU gels and injuries worth it!

Now, I told my parents very specifically, 20+ times where to meet me after the race. The GIANT purple Team in Training tent by the finish area. I would not have my phone, so it was very important they went there around 9:30 am and waited. As long as it took me to get there, do not move from that spot. I had a bit of a breakdown, knee wise, around mile 10-11 so I had to walk those 2 miles, which set me back a bit in time. They figured they had missed me, and strayed from their post. Let me just say hunting down my parents in a sea of people was the last thing I wanted to do after running 13 miles. I borrowed someone's cell phone and got a hold of my parents, who were up at the fences looking for me to come across the finish line and told them where to meet me. I remember sitting in the grass and seeing this lady in a rather large brimmed straw hat coming closer...

Ahhh...oh wait. Sorry Mom ;) Our next conquest was to find the car. We logged about 2 more miles trying to find where they parked only to remain gridlocked in the parking lot for another hour. Kill me. At this point the ol' bowels start a rumblin', (my dad was in the same boat). Not a good feeling my friends. In hindsight I could have probably walked home faster than it took to drive. We finally got rolling and were almost home when we realized all the roads to my house were shut down for the race. At this point, my dad and I were ready to park the car and run home to use the facilities. We parked a couple streets down and Dad grabbed the 5 gallon bucket out of his car 'just in case'...we rolled up to the front door and wouldn't you know it - no key!!! Locked out. We were on our way to use the bucket in the back yard when one of Leah's friends who was visiting opened the door and rescued us! Hallelujah - I didn't have to share a poop bucket, with my dad, outside, with no toilet paper, in my backyard. Never thought I would have to be thankful for that. Man, what a race day. All in all it was a great weekend and a great race experience that left us with many memories.

This upcoming race weekend also holds a special place in my heart because it was the last time, one year ago, I got to see my dad before he passed away. This race is for you Ace!!

Happy running everyone!