Betsy's Take On It: Rock'n'Roll 1/2 marathon-Nov.

I made a New Years Resolution to run the Ragnar and two halfs. After this weekend I'm 2/3 the way there. I decided a while ago that if I was going to be a runner I only wanted to run the fun races. So, when I read about the Rock'n'Roll race series I was hooked. Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful historic city and music makes everything better.
So, my mom and sisters and I decided to make it a girl trip. Unfortunately, Karen's in-lawsbooked a cruise for the same weekend. Meaning, she had no babysitter. My mom pincked a nerve, and Becca was just along for the party. Alone again. Oh, well. I made a goal and I was going to do it. Plus, I had already registered and booked a hotel.
Esther said she was up for a weekend get away. We left Friday at 1?39. I wanted to be gone by 12:00 but life takes longer than I think it should sometimes. We had to get to the convention center to pick up my # before 7:00. Every traffic obstacle that could happen, did. Poor Suzanne!, my GPS. She kept telling me to turn off the freeway. I kept thinking she was lost, until traffic slowed and we were stuck. Sorry, Suzanne, I should give you more credit.
Anyway, we made it with just moments to spare. We picked up my packet and our shuttle passes and left for the hotel.
I just have to say that taking the shuttle instead of driving to the start was the smartest thing I've done. We woke up at 4:45 AM caught the shuttle at 5:45 and arrived at the start at 6:30. What a zoo. There were people everywhere! It was super cold and I learned a new runner tip, Trash bags! Who knew, right? The smart people were wearing trash bags like ponchos to keep the wind out and body heat in. Note to self, add trash bags to race day checklist.
23,000 runners were in Savannah on November 5, 2011 for the Rock'n'Roll marathon and half. It was an incredible and inspiring sight. Many people had a "United Way" race bib ontheir back honoring someone they love who had died from, is fighting, or defeated cancer. I ran in honor of Susan Headley. I gave Savannah the race bib when I got home.
There were lots of runners in costumes. Lots of tutus, beaker the muppet, waldo, and Elvis were amond the crowd. my favorites were the groups of friends that wore matching running outfits.
Part of the "Rock'n'Roll" draw is that they have bands every mile and 1/2 to keep you going. It was fun. My favorites were the cheerleaders of the local high schools. "R-U-N-N-I-N-G Keep on Running!" The people that live in Savannah have true Southern hospitality. As we ran through the very poor neighborhoods of Savannah many of the residents came out to enjoy the parade. Most of them were greeting the runners with a friendly "good mawning y'all." "Welcome to Savannah".
When I reached the 2 mile marker I was well over my cold temperature issue. So, I took off my jacket and threw it off to the side of the road! Don't worry, I knew that it would be picked up and donated to a homeless shelter. If you have been worrying about the poor people of not having coats or gloves, you can rest easy. I was not the oly one to donate that day. I saw hundreds of jackets, gloves, hats & head bands.
Around mile 4 we were told to make way. An amublence was coming through. I found out later that a runner actually died during the race. I never heard the details, but it makes me sad to think about.
I passed Esther at the 8 mile mark. She was wearing a shirt that said, "13.1!?!...Heavens to Betsy". I love that lady.
Here's where it gets tough. I was running by a mad that hollered to the crowd, "Cheer for me!" They responded. The lady next to me confided that that's why she usually runs in a costume. "People think you're crazy and they cheer you on."
I saw a mom spot her husband and kids. She sighed and veered to the left for a hug and kiss. The rest of us let out an sudible "oh". I was a little sad my kiddos weren't there for me.
We passed a woman that was yelling, "YES YOU CAN. DON'T YOU SAY YOU CAN'T CAUSE YOU CAN. TODAY IS YOUR DAY. YES YOU CAN." I wondered how long she had been standing there. I didn't really care, but I did appreciate her words.
The full marathon and the half follow the same course for 11.5 miles. At that point the marathoners take a sharp left to enjoy their extra 13.1. About 1/4 mile before the break-off the volunteers start prompting the "fulls to the left. fulls to the left." I couldn't help giggling to myself as I watched all the FOOLS turn to the left.
At mile 12 we could hear the finish line party. We heard the announcers congratulating finishers. And I saw the WINNER of the full marathon as he blew past me. He ran 25.2 miles in the time it took me to run 12.1! That's just disgusting. He won a chunk of money and an opportunity to compete in the olympic trials in Houston.
And then, it was my turn to finish. I DID IT! 13.1 in 2 hours 12 minutes and 15 seconds! I felt great. I wasn't hurt or sick or anything. Until my body temperature came down. Then I was just cold. Again.
The race ended at a huge park and they had a band performing on the stage. I kind of felt bad for them. they were trying to get some rock'n'roll reaction out of a crown that had just run 13 or 26 miles. It was a fun race. I would like to do it again. I hope to have a friend or two join me next time. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge.