What a fabulous time! Last year was my first marathon and I was bummed that I wasn't able to run it again. I wasn't motivated this year due to the lottery and honestly, I hadn't trained as I should have. So I switched to the half marathon only to find that so many of my friends were running the half! I really hoped to run this race in 2:15-2:20, but maybe next time. But I'm blaming it on being REALLY hydrated.... yeah, that's it.... I was hydrated!!!! :) But I felt really strong and was able to pass a lot of people.... at least the ones I could get around. I did see a lot of people noticing my Tri4Him shirt and smiling and one person passed me & said "I like your shirt". It was great seeing the Tri4Him tent. It was a site for sore, burning eyes. Just like in front of the cameras, I acted like my run was effortless when I really wanted to say "nobody would notice if I just sat for a bit, right?".
Funny story though. I battle with exercise induced asthma. I had about 6 puffs of my inhaler and still struggled a bit. About 2 miles from the finish line, I saw a lady putting out Coke on the table & passing it out. I thought to myself "Self, maybe the caffeine would be good to open me up instead of taking another puff". So I ran from the right side of the road to the left side, where she was smiling and I took the Coke cup and thanked her. Took a drink and suddenly realized it was beer! Total shock to the system! I thought again "Self.... maybe that won't help my asthma..." so I finished off the rest of the beer... :D and continued on my run. But the last mile in, I didn't have to stop and I blazed it in! Sorry Cindy that I didn't hear you. I was playing my run-it-in song to motivate me to stay strong, however, I was so glad you were there.

I had a great run on Sunday at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon!! It was such a blessing to be able to share this event with so many friends:) I took it easy on this run and had fun:) Funny thing I actually beat my time from the 2009 Aramco Half so that was an extra blessing. It was great to see such a great turn out at the morning prayer and to see several of the Tri4Him members on the run course:) I am so thankful for all the volunteers and everyone who came out to support us at this event:) Mile 11 was a plus because we came across everyone cheering us on a the Tri4Him tent:) Truly an amazing day even with the rain:)

There were lot's of things I loved about this race:

- The first thing we ran into when we entered GRB was a church service
- The whole event was well organized
- I heard a Christian band in the Heights
- I saw a lot of Christian shirts
- God gave us a cooling mist instead of Thunderstorms
- Even though I don't like running - I had a blast
- The first eight miles went really well
- The next three weren't so bad
- The last two - - no comment
- The crowds were so supportive
- A great tour of Houston
- My two sons surprised me and came home from college to cheer for me
- My wife got up early and was my support team all the way to the end
- I was able to find them three times on the course
- It was cool to see all the KSBJ prayer stations
- It was VERY cool to see the Tri4Him tent at a perfect location for a pick-me-up
- I wore my Tri4Him tri top for the first time at an official event
- Even though I slowed down, I still beat my goal by 5.5 minutes
- I never have to do this again

Sorry I didn't make the pre-race prayer. I mis-timed checking in my bag. I made up for it by praying on the course. Thanks for your prayers!

fun but wet race. feet got some blisters because of the wet shoes and socks. i always enjoy this race because it is a home town race, but it sure does stay crowded along the course for the 1/2. lots of great crowd support and a huge team presence.