Freezing cold. Pitch dark. Pouring Rain. Relentless Winds. Sounds like perfect conditions for running a marathon, right?
Not exactly. But those very less-than-ideal conditions did not keep my little sister, Hannah Kait, from running her very first marathon last weekend!
HK still smiling at mile 24, with super-pacer Faroukh!
Hannah crossed the finish line at the Houston Marathon in a very respectable 4:29 and she is already planning her next race!
But wait – cold weather at the HOUSTON Marathon?! Hard to believe, but yes! It was FREEZING. And guess who didn’t pack a single article of warm clothing? Rookie mistake! I really think I might not have made it to the start if not for the Good Samaritan who took pity on me and gave me his extra “throw-away” T-shirt in the start corral. Runners are definitely the nicest people EVER.
My mom and I survived the half marathon, thankful we had hot coffee and dry clothes waiting for us after just 13.1 miles. Ebeth threw down a 1:44 to win her Age Group and I somehow managed a solid 1:25. It was a good day for the Chura girls!
Ebeth, me, Hannah
Overall, I was very impressed with the Houston Marathon. The race was well organized, the course went through some really cool neighborhoods, and despite the rain, the crowd support was unbelievable! I think there’s a good chance I’ll be back, but next time I’m packing my winter hat! (And convincing my dad to join!)
