Jackie Runs The Grand Rapids Half Marathon

Sunday was the 10th annual Grand Rapids Marathon and Half Marathon. Along with thousands of other people from around Michigan and other surrounding states I laced up my running shoes and joined the madness! It was unusually cold for how it has been as of late and I wasn't exactly prepared. I am actually rarely prepared though so no surprise there! In order to understand how this race went down, I have to tell you a story.

I was very ready, I woke up early, ate my breakfast, got downtown with plenty of time- I was set! Well, with about 5 minutes til the start I decided, better use the bathroom before it's too late. I get in line, make it to the front and low and behold I'm in that damn port a potty and what happens? The gun goes off signalling the start of the race!
I ran out of there as fast as I could, around the block to the start corral. By the time I raced my way through the crowd to the actual start line I was over 2 minutes behind!
I ran guts out the first 3 miles, each one a little faster than the last, beginning with 6:50 on my first mile and gradually picking up til I was at a 6:40 pace. I wasn't even paying attention to the fact that I had 10 more miles to run!

I finally see someone I know, Eric Zane! I ran with Zane for about 4 miles letting him pace me and keep the whole thing under control! I realized I had more in my tank though and took off and raced the rest of the run.
I finished with my best time 1 hour 32minutes and I placed as the 13th girl overall! It was the best race I have ran in years! Pardon this trip to bragging camp but I was beyond excited!

Here are a few pictures from the race, if you ever decide to run a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon you should definitely check out this race!