Pittsburgh 13 Miles

0 miles — Karina texted me and asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon with her at Pittsburgh Marathon. I said “Yup.”

1 mile — Just an easy jog. The crowd seemed even more excited than we were.

2 miles — We settled into our own pace. People were cheering all along the streets, and there were several saxophone bands! I never knew saxophones were such a popular instrument in this town.

3 miles — Passed by an old lady holding a sign. I felt so touched that I couldn't help turning back to take a picture of her.

3.5 miles — This was my third half/full marathon. I honestly haven't been running much since the Honolulu Marathon last December, but the moment I got back on the course, that race feeling came back — very familiar, yet somehow a little different. Different road, different people, different atmosphere, and even the weather was different.

Pittsburgh were cheering like you had just stepped off Artemis II or something. All you did was run, but everyone made it feel like a huge celebration. Honestly, I guess people might just use marathons as an excuse to throw a giant party together.

4 miles — Feeling good. Had “Valentine's Day” by LANY in my ears — “He is not as good as you.”

5 miles — Saw a dad pushing his kid in a stroller. I was touched.

5.5 miles — Why is there beer in the cup? Opened my arms and laughed right there in the middle of the street. If I wasn't allergic, I definitely would've had one.

6 miles — Started getting into the flow state. Almost halfway there. First 6 miles just having fun with people — high fives, taking videos and photos, enjoying the views. Want to keep the second half for myself.

7 miles — Thinking about work lately, and all the little moments from these past few years since graduating. It's hard to describe the feeling. Stepped on the bridge — the view was stunning. Couldn't help stopping a while to take a photo.

8 miles — Downhill. Getting cold with the wind. Missing the jacket I took off at the beginning.

9 miles — Were there two pickles inside? It made me want water even more after eating them. Saw a banana on the side of the road and had to kill the urge to go full marathon raccoon mode.

10 miles — Sitting on the side of the road stretching my legs. A guy stopped and asked me where to go. I was so confused until he told me he was running backwards on the course. An interesting guy.

11 miles — Sat by the bridge for a bit and took in the view. It's the highway I normally drive on to Costco. Took some candy from a really nice stranger — I've seen this kind of candy in convenience stores so many times but never actually had a chance to try it. It's good. I like it.

12 miles — Another saxophone band. Oreos this time — tasted extra good! Almost there. Weirdly, I don't want this to end too soon.

13 miles — The last mile is always the longest. The crowds came back again — it feels like the Olympics. A loooot of people. Gained a burst of random energy and finished Pittsburgh half.

Thanks Pittsburgh. Thanks YINZ.

13.1 miles — Feeling strangely calm. It's very weird that every time I finish a race, I never feel excited or exhausted — all I feel is calm. Very calm.

This time, I felt something that belongs uniquely to Pittsburgh. I can't tell what it is. But the weather is cold, and I feel warm.

The best medal ever. Very beautiful design.

13.2 miles — Banana fest. My favorite fruit. Good thing I didn't pick that random banana on the side of the road.