. Run Buds or Run Solo...But RUN YOUR RACE!! I have heard the phrase RUN YOUR RACE a million times. This applies to a 5K, 10K, Half, any distance and even to life. It is so true and there is really no other way to approach a marathon. Tamara and I ran the first 13.1 together. We played games, enjoyed the crowd, talked, made jokes with the surrounding runners, and kept a steady pace for the whole first half. Shirmel was also in sight throughout the first half. We all parted ways just after the Half Marathon mark. I was feeling it so i sped up a bit. I told myself that the half marathon was basically a warm up. The 2nd have of the marathon I ran solo and it was JUST as enjoyable as running with a friend. I continued to enjoy the crowd, make jokes and laugh with fellow runners, pump my fist to the bands and music, and took my breaks when i needed to. Either way you do it is fine...just do you!! Just knowing that I had friends out there on that same exact course, in front of me and behind me was all the company I needed. It was a great feeling.