23 Mar St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon

This past weekend, I ran as a St. Jude Hero in the Rock N Roll Marathon. St. Jude heroes are those athletes who are dedicate to raising funds for St. Jude Hospital. It was no accident that this run was on the same weekend as the anniversary of the loss of mynephew, so I knew I wanted to run in his honor as well as help raise funds so no family would have to go through what we have. I was asked to talk on behalf of St Jude, so before the race I got to share very briefly about the program for all the runners to hear. Also, thanks to so many generous donations I exceeded my goal and got the top fundraiser! I highly recommend this program as St. Jude is great to work with and running for a good cause doesn’t make running nearly as hard.

Now onto the race…. The weather was much colder than it has been and it was 39 and very windy at the start of the race. Once again, I didn’t train for the half. You think I would have learned my lesson by now and I will say this was the worst I have felt during a run. They switched up the course from last year and well, let’s just say I can now vouch that there are hills in Dallas. By mile 6 I was hurting. I had a friend to run with, but at mile 9 I told her to go ahead. Physically I felt great, but it’s my legs that can’t handle it. The pain had already started before the race and between my glutes and knees, I had to walk (and I had to stop for a potty break). I ran the last mile, but I was struggling to cross the finish line. It’s crazy to me that I can run a half-marathon by myself in the neighborhood with no problems, and then months later, alongside thousands of others, it be so difficult.

Regardless, thinking of my nephew got me through and I knew I wanted to finish strong for him. As he is in all my races, Colby was a trooper and was with me at the beginning of the race, came to cheer us on at mile 3 (and take my jacket) and he was waiting for me at the finish line.

Another plus? Colby and I had a staycation all weekend and got to stay at the location of the race. We had never done this before and we had a great time. It was super helpful to wake up and take an elevator down for the start line. We were thankful to not have to worry about traffic or parking and to have a weekend away.

Staycation Date Night

Packet Pickup

On Stage sharing about the St Jude Hero Program

Mile 3

Finish Line

Our after party!

Headband c/o BB Arrow

If you want to see other races I have done you can see them below (only sharing half-marathons, triathlons, and Head for the Cure races)

• Chosen Half Marathon
• My 1st Triathlon
• My 2nd and 3rd Triathlon
• Rock and Roll Dallas Half Marathon
• March of Dimes
• Head for the Cure 5K’s
• Mckinney Half Marathon
• My 4th Triathlon

Do you want to become a St. Jude heroes? Look for an event in your area!

PS. Head over to instagram to win this mug!

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