State #10: Mississippi
STATE #10 Mississippi: Mississippi Blues Marathon and half. Jackson, MS.
January 9, 2016
Overall 2,961 Finished. Finished Time; 2:06:18. Overall 383 out of 1,871 half marathon runners. 136 out of1,213 female; 22 out of 220 females 40-44
Highlights:
- Randomly met some BGR sole sisters who were heading to Jackson to run and do the back to back as well. Great to chat and network with some. A couple are doing a back to back marathon. Just wow.
- Glad dad rented a car because we are just far out and it's not like the east coast. Driving through downtown Jackson, I could not believe all the potholes.
- Best Swag gear to date. BGR was around and I’m in a southern city with a majority black population. This was my first southern run. I miss the politeness of the south. People just talk to you.
- I had a chance to go to Jackson State University an HBCU (Historical Black College and University) not too far from downtown. It was a sharp contrast to the private Mills College only several miles away.
- The restaurant we went to eat at was hosting race participants. There was a music/blues museum on the top floor of this restaurant.
- So would love to stay for the after party. But of course I have to drive off to Alabama in the morning.
- Day of the race it dark, cold, and super rainy. I thought it was always warm in the south. I got nervous because of the rain and the pot holes. Plus I had to strategize and not run hard because I had another race to run. I was mindful to really pace myself and super aware of all my surroundings.
- Before the race a group of black women got together for a prayer before they ran. I wish I could see more of that.
- We ran through Jackson State. To see the building, groups, and the Fraternity and Sorority row was priceless.
- Love my southern and black folks. I've never seen people carry umbrellas as they run. One woman told me that she was not trying to get her hair wet! Lol All kinds of shower caps and head scarfs.
- The route was mostly flat but then there were hills. Pissed and Pissed.
- As we left the city and went into the “suburbs” it became a southern tailgate-palooza. My southern people were out drinking, cheering, and looking pretty.
- First time the music on the race route was good. Blues and Jazz. There was a guy selling his CD, as if we could stop, purchase and continue to run?
- I was trying to take it all in. Around mile 4 the rain had stopped but the incline had started.
- Best Medal to DATE
Transition. Wetfrom rain and sweat. Time to shower and get ready for the drive to Mobile Alabama. While in Alabama we went 3 hours out the way to see the Edward Pettus bridge. I wanted to walk it and try to think about the sounds of screams, tears, shouts, dogs, water and smells of tear gas, blood, fear. And how Just 51 years ago this short bridge must have seen so very long for the right to vote. It was an experience that gave me chills. From there we drove another 3 hours to Mobile. This would be the first time this year that I would see a couple of my cousins and stay with them. A mini family reunion.
