Race Report: Flying Monkey Marathon 11.18.12

On the 18th, I ran in the Flying Monkey Marathon here in Nashville at Percy Warner Park for the third year in a row.

I haven't really trained for a marathon, so running this race was sort of foolish... but you run this race because you love running, so I figured I could eek it out and have some fun.

It was pretty cold in the morning before the race, but it promised to be a gorgeous day as the temps rose a bit.  It was fun catching up with friends and hanging out before the race.

I love that there are a ton of Marathon Maniacs at this race.  It's always fun to take a group picture.

I knew that I needed to take it pretty easy if I wanted to do this race.  I seriously have not run more than 13 miles as a long run this entire calendar year.

My friend Liz and I started the race together and got to chat and catch up.  We walked up the big hills and otherwise kept a steady pace.  Our friend Amy hopped in with us for a few miles early in the race, and it was super awesome to have her company for a bit.  A little later, Liz's boyfriend joined us for a few miles.

Liz and I stayed together until about mile 15 when I told her to take off.  I knew she was in much better shape than me!  I managed to run a lot until mile 20 when I started doing more of a run/walk... I definitely didn't run up any hills!

I chatted with folks and enjoyed the beautiful day as I took it easy and pushed toward the finish.

Before long, I was done and had completed the race in 4:52:23 - a couple of minutes faster than when I ran it last year in the pouring rain!

I had some chocolate milk and socialized with a few friends who were at the finish.

I also got a 10 minute massage - I think this made a huge difference in keeping me from being too sore.

I went home and napped before we joined a bunch of other runners for pizza and beer at Mafiaoza's that night.

I definitely enjoy this race, but I'm not so sure I'll run it again.  It is definitely tough, but then again... I did sore of go out there and run it with very little training.

I was pretty sore on Monday, but by Tuesday I felt good to go!