In addition to the full marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 10th (10-10-10, how cool is that?), there will also be a Tyler Rose half marathon and 5k.  Formerly known as the Tyler Half, this is the new and improved 2010 version complete with a new name, new course, and new full length marathon, the first full length marathon in the history of Tyler.  But wait there’s more…  The courses will all be USATF certified, and the marathon will be a Boston qualifier!

The courses have been mapped and will be finalized once they have been measured and certified by the USATF.  The marathon course will start in downtown Tyler, head west on Hwy 31, loop behind Tyler Pounds airport and head back east on Hwy 64.  The course then runs back in to Tyler through some of the Azalea District and finishes at Ferguson and College.  There will be 18 aid stations along the course.

Anyone who can participate definitely should.  Even if you are unable to run in the race, offering support and encouragement from the sidelines is a great way to get involved in this really cool event.  For those of you who are interested in running, more information can be found at www.tylermarathon.com.  Also, don’t forget that the Azalea 10k is coming up at the end of March, and it is a great race on a beautiful course through the Azalea District during the peak of azalea season.  You don’t want to miss it!

We lined up at the starting line, and after waiting for the race officials to lay out the starting mat (why they waited until 8 am on race day to do this I do not know), runners were yelled at to make sure their chipped foot came in contact with the mat, and at 10 minutes after 8 we were off.  The first 3 miles of the course wound through campus, and due to some road construction, things were a little confusing.  However, once we got off campus and on to the main roads, I found the course to be well marked and even beautiful in certain areas.  We ran south on Old Omen, and at mile 6 came upon the dreaded hill I had heard tales of.  I’ll admit, I honestly believed people were exaggerating the hilliness of this course, but as I ran straight up hill from mile 6 to mile 7 and my pace fell from 9:15 to 11:06 I realized the tales were all true.  We made it past the hill though, and I picked up my pace and it was smooth sailing.

I had made it through the first 9 miles without stopping for water, and I was starting to feel tired so I decided I would stop at the next aid station for some water.  The entire course was well stocked, and all of the aid stations were well equipped with plenty of water, Powerade, and friendly volunteers.  I was really impressed with the support on the course even though there weren’t many spectators.  I stopped and walked the water station at mile 9, and would end up stopping at almost every aid station from this point on.  It was becoming clear that my lack of long run training (specifically, neglecting to do any training runs longer than 9 miles) was beginning to take its toll.

Miles 10 through 13 were a blur of pain, cursing, desperation, and occasionally a little pride.  I was, after all, on the verge of completing my first half marathon, and though I was really feeling the pain at this point, I knew I would finish, and I was coming in close to my goal time of 2 hours, 10 minutes.  I had passed the mile 13 marker, and I was back on campus.  I knew I was almost done, but I couldn’t see the finish line.  Finally, as I rounded the final turn I saw the Mellew Production finish line arch, and I knew it was almost over.  I crossed the finish line at 2:13:56, and was greeted with a finishers medal and many smiling faces and congratulations.

Not long after I finished did the awards ceremony begin.  The issuing of awards was handled quickly and efficiently.  I want to offer a huge congrats to all of my fellow East Texas Striders who participated in the race on Saturday.  Members who competed include Adam Booth, Beth Filla, Brent Smiley, Clay Emge, Jimmy Williams, John Camp, Karla North, Katie Haugland, Larry Dillon, Laura Roquemore, Matthew Madison, Rick Uribe, and Royce Read.  My first half marathon was an experience I will surely remember forever, and I am happy I chose the Tyler Half to be my first.  I am already looking forward to the White Rock half marathon in December!

Members receive an East Texas Striders technical tee or singlet, a 10% off discount card for Racquet & Jog, and discounted entree fees for local races.  Members also get to enjoy various group activities, like the recently held Prediction Run which took place at the South Tyler Trails.  Perhaps the most valuable perk of membership is all the helpful knowledge and insight from some of East Texas’s most highly acclaimed runners.

Anyone interested seriously needs to check it out.  ALL runners whether beginners or veterans are welcome and encouraged to join.  Visit www.easttexasstriders.com for more info, and we hope you join us for a run next weekend!