Woke early & jetted to Louisiana’s State Capitol – 7am start time for my 3^rd full marathon (only 47 states to go).

After enduring snow last month in Tucson, wore a blue running suit this go-around.  Had a lotta competing colours going on this day (crazy look)…but gotta say, [the running suit] did the trick.  Awesome Christmas gift – many thanks!

National Anthem, starting gun blast by Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor & off we went – my largest marathon to date (or at least it seemed that way – both marathon & half-marathon races started concurrently.)

Sunshine poked out early in the run.  Still smiling at mile 10, enjoyed running lakeside through LSU campus.

Started dragging just past mile 15 – kept thinking how much I needed a potty break.  Unfortunately all outdoor johns were lined with female participants.  And no aim-n-shoot opportunities available on today’s course, race principally meandered throughout Baton Rouge suburbia.  Argh – new thought.

Saw M at mile 17 & then again at mile 20.  Re-energized.  I can do this thing…only 6 more miles.

Hill at mile 24, not pretty but kept running whereas other marathoners chose to walk up the I-10 overpass.

LOVE LOVED the many residents cheering us on – helped boost my energy level.  Thanks Baton Rouge!

Last mile – tired, but no excuses.  And still felt fairly good — even picked up pace at the end.   7 minutes slower than last month’s run in Tucson but finished so much stronger.  I-EEE!

Next month – Austin 🙂

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