I Had to Walk in New Shoes

by Traci
(Nashville)

A few years ago I walked the ½ Country Music Marathon with a small group of friends. There were only 4 of us and it was the first marathon for all of us. We started training in January right up to race time.

The good things about training is bonding with friends, cheering each other on and losing some weight. I was really out of shape and training was hard. I lost 42 pounds that year. I need to train for another marathon (ha ha).

The day of the marathon, the temperature was in the 50’s and it was sprinkling the rain. I was freezing and thought I just had to have a jacket before the race. I had to be at the LP Field at 4:3o am so I could catch the shuttle to Centennial Park.

The race didn’t start until 7:00 and since we were walkers, we were in the last corral which meant that we didn’t actually get to cross the starting line until about 7:45. Ten minutes into the marathon, I was shedding the jacket. I had to carry it until I saw someone in the crowd that I knew and ask them to keep it for me.

During the race I met people from all over the country. People were cheering for us all the way through the entire marathon. You could hear music through the whole marathon.

All of the training recommendations that I read said not to train the weekend before the race so I went to visit my parents who lived 4 hours away. I left my walking shoes that I had been training at my parent’s house. I had to buy new shoes to walk in.

Yes, I had blisters at the end of the race. I was so proud of myself when I walked (limped) across that finish line. I still have my medal. I can’t believe I forgot my shoes.

I am glad I walked the marathon. It was a lot of fun. I watch the marathon every year. I find a spot near one of the bands and cheer for the marathoners. I love it and I keep telling myself, one of these days I will do it again.