Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Count Down

One of my many new year's resolutions this year was to run a 1/2 marathon - in particular, the Hartford Half Marathon.  The event is now just a little more than 35 hours away and I am practically counting down the minutes.  If you have spent any time around me lately, I apologize for how insufferable I've been.  I completely under-estimated how nervous I would be - although my training has been solid, thanks in part to a fabulous (and fast) running partner, the 1/2 marathon distance is still an unknown.  From the time I hit 10.6 miles until the finish line, I will be in unknown territory and it completely terrifies me!!  Today, I went to the race expo and picked up my race number and free stuff.  For the first time, sheer terror was replaced with excitement - I'm still nervous, but I'm also starting to get very excited!!
I work in Hartford and over the last week or so, the city has been plastered with banners.  There is also an electronic billboard right outside the city that, for the last month, has counted down the days, hours and minutes until the start of the race - I see it every morning.  Beginning yesterday, the DOT signs outside of the city started providing information about exit and road closures on marathon morning
Sidewalk signs welcoming runners. 
Waiting in line to pick up my bib number, t-shirt and swag. 

3 comments:

Janet said...

Good Luck in the race this weekend Maureen! I know you'll do great!

Anonymous said...

Yeah Maureen! Good luck, have fun and smile, smile, smile!!!
Love Kathleen

Anonymous said...

Smiling is important...you never know where those race photographers are going to catch you...just remember not to get caught up in the hoopla at the start and run your own pace and you'll have a great time. Big races are an experience in themselves. Cheryl