30 October 2023, Nashville, Tennessee (USA)

My dear fellow runners,

It’s official: I’ve completed my second race in the States, and it did not disappoint one bit!

The atmosphere and support were amazing once again.

From the modern architectural wonders like the towering Music City Center 🏙️, through industrial areas with an underground vibe 🏭, to the tranquility of Shelby Park 🌳, the race route was a visual and emotional feast.

My favorite part and technically the most challenging was crossing the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge 🌉, and the glorious finish at the First Horizon Park stadium ⚾.

I met a new fellow runner, Victoria from Arkansas, who kept me company before the race and during the first few kilometers 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️.

Performance-wise, I finished with a modest 1:51’. – satisfing enough, considering I was just returining from an ankle strain (which occurred at the end of August 2023).

I intentionally kept a moderate pace to preserve my ankle healing and even though it didn’t cause any problems during the race, I chose to be cautious as I really want it to heal well. (Sometimes, I surprise myself with how careful the adult version of myself can be 🤭…)

Additionally, my legs felt heavy and my stomach wasn’t in top shape – I didn’t digest well a pizza eaten the night before the race – American pizzas can be very different from European ones, when it comes to my delicate italian digestion system 😅.

These are elements I need to think about and improve for next time.

Plus: my periods right at their day 1 didn’t help either.

But now on the positive side: my breathing, cadence, and mental game were really on point 💪, and I’ll carry that confidence into future races!

The Nashville Half Marathon is a stunning race, renowned for its scenic route and lively atmosphere.

Runners experience the diverse beauty of the city, from urban landscapes to serene parks, making it a favorite for many.

The iconic Music City Center, Shelby Park’s natural charm, and the exhilarating John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offer a unique and picturesque race experience.

This race was not just satisfying and scenic, but also incredibly emotional for me.

I found myself tearing up for joy multiple times along the route 😢, especially at the finish line.

Even though I knew from the start that a PB was out of reach, being able to participate pain-free despite my ankle issues was a beautiful experience.

I’ve never shed so many tears of emotion in a race.

I am deeply grateful!

Thank you all for your encouraging messages on social media and to all the strangers who cheered me on along the way 🙌.

See you in the next one & Feel Your Run!

Ely