Today I went for a run and traveled to the Monmouth Racetrack to run the NJ Half Marathon. What a fun race! I arrived early in order to make sure I beat the traffic leading into the racetrack. By 7:30 the bugle sounded and the race began, with Born to Run blasting over sound system. In no time we were weaving through a tour of the ocean towns, high fiving a decent crowd and enjoying the 50 degree weather that was holding off the impending rain showers. I kept a pretty even pace except for around miles 9/10 when the course changed and the wind hit me from the wrong angle. But at mile 10 I smiled and found my groove again after reading the mile marker (each had different Bruce Springsteen lyrics) this one said, “can’t start a fire without a spark.” This was the second time I ran this race (the full marathon last time) and the crowd support was pretty great this time around. After making the final turn miles 11 and 12 were on the boardwalk. We passed by staple Jersey Shore institutions, McLoone’s and Max’s Bar & Grill, before finally hitting the finish line. My medal is pretty sweet and might be one of my favorites! It looks like a record and spins!!! Finally I got back to Lavallette and ate lunch with my Dad before the three hour drive back to Maryland. As I drove over the Tunney Bridge trying to catch a glimpse of the ocean in my rear view mirror, Bruce sang off his Greetings From Asbury Park album on my XM radio. “Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth, but I got me a nice little place in the stars….” Until next time, farewell Lava!