I ran a half marathon this morning!!!!

I know what you’re hoping. To see an update of how the race went. Too bad I have to recap all of yesterday’s fun first. I also wrote this post last night, so I don’t have all the details to give you just yet. Maybe if you’re nice and keep reading, I can sneak in a little hint on how it all went. I like to help like that. Regardless, a lot of great stuff happened yesterday, so let’s not waste any more time!

We got into Savannah around 11 am and headed directly to the convention center for the expo.

I picked up my bib number, then headed over to switch my corral. I made a very conservative finishing time estimate when signing up and felt the need to move to a corral more suited to my current pace.

After taking care of that business, Peter and I headed into the expo area for an hour of sampling fun and gathering up some race mementos.

The expos at larger races are pretty much a grab bag of numerous goodies. We got to try everything from protein samples…

…to beer! You won’t ever find me turning down a sample of beer.

I also scored big at the Larabar booth.

I mentioned my intense adoration of the bars and that I regularly use them before long runs, then suddenly found myself behind the counter “modeling” for them.

I had to sign a release and everything. So unofficial.

Once we finished at the expo, we made a trip on the ferry over to downtown Savannah for lunch.

We chose a little spot called B. Matthews that I found on Urban Spoon.

As soon as I saw the menu, I knew we picked the right spot. The restaurant served so many intriguing combinations and quite a few craft beers. I opted out of the beer, but into a sandwich combo made for me.

With a bacon and blue cheese pasta salad on the side.

It all tasted even better than it sounds.

Once we had full bellies, we went out to explore Savannah a bit. It’s one of my all time favorite cities! We walked around to different parks, down different streets, and chatted a few hours away.

We may have also made a pit stop at the renowned River Street Sweets.

Which means we definitely made a stop – for a hunk of PUMPKIN PIE fudge and a large chunk of pecan praline.

Did you hear that? Pumpkin pie fudge! aknvoadihfjadljdf <--- that’s me with no words to express how much I loved it

By this time, we were nearing 5 o’clock and had to make the decision on whether to hang around and eat dinner downtown or take the ferry back to our car. I knew I didn’t need to walk around for another hour or two, so we went to wait in line for the ferry. It was looooonnnngggg.

Luckily, the boat transportation control men helped find a remedy by opening up one of the huge river boats to shuttle people back over. What a nice surprise to get a free river boat ride!

Although not as nice as finally getting back to our car, then checking into our hotel room. By 7 pm I crawled into my pajamas, ready for a carbilicious dinner.

I didn’t know how well that decision would sit with my stomach. But it must have sat well. Let’s just say I ended up beating a secret little goal I had for myself. Hint hint hint. Any guesses?

I’ll let you know if you’re right come Monday morning. Have a great rest of the weekend, friends! Time for me to CELEBRATE!

• What are some of your favorite cities?
• Have you ever “modeled” for anything?

I have a slight obsession right now with tea.

Is it possible to drink too much tea? I find myself craving a cup of green tea to start my morning, a cup of Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie or French Vanilla in the afternoon, and then perhaps a cup of peppermint to wind down in the evening.

They say you can’t have too much of a good thing, right?

Although…could it be possible to OCD on holiday tea from last year? I hope not. I for sure won’t stop my habit, and you know I’m too cheap to throw it away. So, sip on year old tea I will. It still tastes mighty good!

This afternoon, I prepared a cup of the Gingerbread decaf tea for a little pick-me-up. While sipping, I perused the site Rock My Run for new race playlist ideas. That site is a gold mine. I came across so many songs that I kept forgetting to download!

I immediately hit up Amazon Marketplace and can’t wait to have some new tunes to power me through my half on Saturday. Speaking of which, thanks for all the support on the concerns I voiced earlier. You guys (<—rock). Just like my new playlist!

While I did add some songs by the likes of Pitbull, Rhianna, Katy Perry, and LMFAO for their perfect running beats, I also added some other favorite music – some of my favorite inspirational songs. People think Christian  music is all gospely and sing-songy, but I have to tell you otherwise. You can find some really great beats with lyrics that can get you feeling stronger and more motivated no matter who you are.

Check out my favorites below and see what I mean by the perfect lyrics to give you that extra oomph or help you push through doubt towards the end of a run.

Tunnel (Third Day)

I won’t deny the pain that you’re feeling, but I’ll give you the hope you’re waiting for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel, Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you, So keep holdin' on

Strong Enough – Mathew West

Well maybe that’s the point, to reach the point of giving up
’Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom
Well, that’s when I start looking up

The Light In Me (Brandon Heath)

This path is sure too hard, You are the hope that leads me out of the dark

When Everything Falls Apart (Fee)

When everything falls apart and my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong, you keep holding on

Burn For You (Toby Mac)

You got me higher than Kilimanjaro, Got me believin' I can "save the day"
I'm up and running like their ain't no tomorrow, I'd rather burn for you than fade away

Some other favorites for their great beat:

• Shine Bright (You Are The Way) – Jeremy Camp
• Symphony – Switchfoot
• Roaring Like A Lion – David Crowder Band
• pretty much anything Toby Mac

Apparently, I think you can’t have too much of a good thing when it comes to running songs either. I added quite a few to my library and I think I’m all covered! I’m trying to hold off on listening to a lot of it until race day. Have to make it special and extra leg-pump-worth.

• What’s something you have a lot of and makes you stick by the “can’t have too much of a good thing” saying?
• Where do you find ideas for music motivation? Do you like anything “different” than the standard pop or hip-hop?