Cooper River Bridge Run 2019

Fun fact: This Run is a world-class 10K (6.2 miles) foot race.  It's the 3rd largest in the USA with over 30,000 runners and it's in Charleston, SC!

What an amazing day!  Although I dread waking up at the crack of dawn to run this race, once I'm out there, it's so worth it; I can always nap later!  I'm grateful for patience because you need it on race morning.  Traffic, parking and shuttles, oh my!  Thankfully, it is organized mayhem.  The directors of this race have done a great job over the past few years and I can certainly see the improvement.  Now if only the bus drivers can know the route to and from the race, that will work much better!  Just sayin.  

It's always so nice to see your people out there amongst the sea of people.  As we're all searching for our corrals, a few pics have to be taken because the likelihood of finding each other later is slim.  

A special thanks to some friends on the police force.  Chris, Mike and Dave, thank you for working and keeping us all safe!

The sea of people is beautiful!!!

 Here are just a few of my beautiful sole sisters!! Tisa, Khandi, Deborah (and Khandi's cousin)





And our beloved Kenyans who run like a 5 minute mile!!  As a matter of fact, the male winner today finished in 27 minutes and 58 seconds.  And the female winner finished in 31 minutes and 37 seconds!!  Outstanding job!!

As I made my way to corral D, I was just enjoying the sights and sounds.  My adrenaline was pumping because I was excited to get started.  Just before start time, the temperature suddenly cooled down which made me happy because I run so much better in cooler temps; I dread running in the heat!  The only goal I set for myself today was to make it up the bridge without walking.  I have realized I run much better when I don't hold myself to a specific finish time.  Again, it's all about enjoying the moment and the race.  I now run based on how I am feeling; it's that simple. 


I want to take a moment to recognize these people.  This cyclist is not allowing his disability to hold him down.  I have no idea who he is, but this photo of him gives me chills.  To the gentlemen bearing the weight of the cross, blessings to you all and thank you!

As my wave began at 8:14am, I turned my music and running apps on and took off.  People were speeding past me, bobbing and weaving through all those people, but I just kept my pace and focused on what was ahead...the incline!  From the start line, it's roughly 1.5 miles to the base of the bridge and as I began the ascend to heaven, I took a deep breath and starting pushing until I made it to the top without walking...I finally did it!!  Then something clicked, if I could make it to the top without walking, I could certainly keep running as long as I felt comfortable, which I did.  The descend was so needed and helped me catch my breath and regroup.  As I came off the bridge and turned onto Meeting street, I slowed down for some water and stretched both legs because my right foot was numb, but I felt great otherwise.  Before I knew it, my Nike app told me 5 miles were complete and I couldn't believe it; only 1.2 miles to go!  That was the push I needed to just keep my pace nice and steady.  As I turned off Meeting to get to King street, a nice young lady who wasn't paying attention threw her cup of water at me drenching my leg and foot.  I just looked at her and didn't have to say anything because the look of fear on her face said it all. I giggled inside and just kept moving.  King street was on fire with crowd support; I loved it!!  Non-runner friends, please know how much crowd support is appreciated.  I thank you immensely!!  I swear I felt like a gazelle running down King street, I totally shocked myself today.  A few more turns until I saw the finish line and I sprinted to pass the few people near me; something I do, don't judge me.  I finished, according to my Nike app in 1:10:25, but what shocked me the most was that I ran this race with all negative splits!  I've never done that before.  I am still very surprised at what I accomplished today and proud of my hard work and strong finish!

The finish line is near the corner of Calhoun and Meeting street and post race festivities are held at Marion Square Park.  I just grabbed a banana, some muffins, water and headed to the bus.  I can't do crowds like that for too long.  I'm sad I missed seeing most of my sole sisters, but here are a few pictures of everyone completing the race today.  Great job everyone, we did it!!!