Ready to run!

I never thought I would ever run a half-marathon, but I did. Sunday I ran my second half-marathon. Okay, “run” is used loosely. I ended up walking quite a bit, which I am chalking up to my oh-so-recent kidney stone trouble. Still, it was a great day at the Dallas Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

The course started near Dallas City Hall with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, bands, and a parade of pink as the race benefited Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which calls Dallas home for its global headquarters. We ran past the grassy knoll and through the Turtle Creek neighborhood and picturesque Highland Park. Needless to say, rock bands were scarce through the miles spanning this third wealthiest city in Texas per capita, but the houses, many included in the 2011 Historic Home Tour, and the vibrantly lush annuals and perennials more than made up for the lack of blaring music.

The Highland Park Fire Department encourages the runners.

It was not long before we ran down Mockingbird Lane, right across Highway 75. Pretty cool, I must say. The race ended in Fair Park – complete with amazing Art Deco buildings, the Cotton Bowl stadium (which even boasted a smattering of the Longhorn Band playing The Eyes of Texas, making me feel right at home as I threw up a hook’em! a half mile from the finish line), and the Texas Star® Ferris Wheel, which the race medal mirrored. To top off the completion, Bret Michaels was there to rock, as well.

While a cold front dropped the daily temperature, the sideline high school cheerleaders, bands, encouragement signs and high fives from complete strangers lining the course pushed me on. My oldest sister also helped tremendously, running with me the entire way. Even though I had to walk a bit, I still set a new personal record, beating my first half-marathon time by 14 minutes.

My friends and family, many of whom also ran, joined me in celebrating the day at Twisted Root, which was absolutely fabulous. It was weird enough to make me think we were in Austin, but it was only cool enough for Deep Ellum.

I am sure there were many nursing professionals running alongside me. I only personally knew one other – Chip LeDuff – who blew the race to pieces with his amazing time. It was great sharing that connection with him, as well. So, who wants to join me next time and rock their own personal goal?

Dallas Rock & Roll Half-Marathon race medal