Sunday I competed in my fourth half-marathon – the LIVESTRONG Austin Half-Marathon. I still can’t believe that’s right – four half-marathons? I’ve come a long way, Baby. I set a new personal record, which was seven minutes faster than my last race in November.

Each race is special, but this one was different. There’s just something about running down the middle of closed streets – streets I typically drive on every day. It’s empowering in many ways. Of the four races I’ve run, this course was the best. It was the most challenging, with whispering inclines and screaming hills. And, it was the prettiest. The Dallas Rock & Roll Half-Marathon course is a close second, but Austin takes the number one spot. (Yes, I realize I may be am biased.) The race circled the Capitol, wove through downtown, and continued across South Congress bridge, and down eclectic and trendy SoCo past some Austin-original eateries and shops like Homeslice Pizza, Allen’s Boots, Hey Cupcake!, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and Big Top Candy Shop. We turned across the Highway 290 access road where folks from P. Terry’s Hamburger Stand (arguably one of the best burgers in Texas) handed out water in between the race mile marker water stations. Next time they should seriously consider teeny tiny versions of their amazing shakes. I’ll run for that! The course then turned onto South First Street. I never noticed Kreb Lane before, but I couldn’t help but laugh as I thought about the Krebs Cycle, mitochondria, and ATP. It was a nice mental distraction. The famous “Welcome to Austin” mural provided part of the visual inspiration. Color is everywhere on South First, and as I ran I wished I could stop at some of the street trailers. They were getting ready for lunch, and man, they smelled gooooood! The course crossed back over Lady Bird Lake, underneath MoPac Expressway, and back up 15th Street’s massive gargantuan hill, and circling back to the south side of the Capitol.

It was quite special. I’ll share a few more of the most meaningful race day moments this week. Needless to say, I will return to run this race again. Let me know if you’re planning to join in on the craziness fun. I’d love to see you there!