Couldn't Have Done It Without My Team

The Go! St. Louis Half Marathon has come and gone, and I posted a PR!

I missed my goal time badly, but a PR is a PR and I will take. My official time in the April 10 race was 2:31:01, almost two minutes faster than my previous half marathon.

There were a number of 'pit falls' and troubles along the way for me, but I don't have the time to delve into that right now. What I wanted to say right now is thanks to my support team.

Running may be an individual sport, but I firmly believe one can not fully achieve their fullest potential without a support team. Having friends, family and loved ones to encourage you, stand with you and aid you along the way does amazing things for the runner ... especially on race day.

My Support Team!

I know my lovely bride thinks I'm crazy with all my half marathon and running talk. Genople makes no bones about it that she prefers to remain in bed sleeping when I get up for my 5 a.m. runs, but yet I know she's supporting me in spirit.

My kids are awesome as well. They are in awe at times at the miles I put in not to mention great cheerleaders. And I love the fact my son thinks the times I post are fast. He makes me think I'm a Kenyan.

They have done lots of things along the way to help me get to race day. They've bought me some running gear I needed as well as reworked their schedules so I can get my run in.

And I'm not sure I could have finished this last half marathon if it were not for them. It was a hard race. Yes, the course was hilly, but I'm used to hills living in southeastern Kentucky. But I was unprepared for the wind and heat.

For a week and half, I had been seeing forecasts for race day calling for rain with temps ranging from the 40s to low 60s. No big deal, I thought. I can handle that. But something happened to that forecast between the time we left for the race and when we arrived in St. Louis. Long story short, it was 70 degrees at the start of the rest and in the 80s by the time I crossed the finish line with wind gusts over 20 miles per hour at times. It was so windy, I thought my race bib was going to rip off my shirt.

Kelcey, me and Eric

I hadn't run in temps like that since November, and the going got tough.

Yet, I kept pushing on in large part due to my support team. They were there for every part of this journey, and there was no way I was going to let them down. Knowing they were waiting for me at the finish line was all the motivation I needed to push through the final miles of the race.

Having said all that, I say 'Thank you' to my awesome support team - Genople, Jayson and Haylee. I love you all so very much.

As an added note, it was great having two of my SID buddies there to support me as well. Thanks Kelcey and Eric!