It’s finally here my first trip to Nashville, Tennessee, home to country music. Do I need a pair of cowboy boots?

I’ve never been to Nashville and I’m actually pretty excited about it, I hear that downtown is quite the party even if you don’t really “like” country music. To be honest, I like all music, in fact my first job in radio ever was at a country radio station, I’ve even been to a few country music concerts. (If I wasn’t in Nashville this weekend, I would most certainly be going to the Garth Brooks concert in Champaign)

Why the country music capital of the world? St. Jude..DUH…and running of course. I’m running the Rock N Roll Half Marathon on Saturday morning but more importantly I am running it as a St. Jude Hero. This is my very first ‘St. Jude Hero race’. I know I run the Chicago-Peoria run each year but that is not a race and even tho everyone who runs it is a “hero” the races where you register, fund raise and RACE are the ones that you earn the actual St. Jude Hero singlet (that means a running tank top-see picture below).

I chose this race over the Memphis race because I like doing spring halfs much more than fall ones, plus I’ve been to Memphis a handful of time. I love to also do races where I haven’t been before and it’s a bonus if it’s a super fun city and within driving distance. I also had a friend who is doing the full that asked me if I’d be interested, plus, I’ve kinda been wanting that Hero singlet for a few years, I always put it off because I felt bad asking for MORE donations on top of the ones I ask for with the Chicago run. But, Reagan’s family (that’s the girl I always run in memory of) insisted I do it and they donate the money, I couldn’t say no to that, well I can’t ever say no to anything they want from me, I just love them so much.

So here I am, tomorrow I head down to Nashville. When ever I go somewhere new I’m a ‘go with the flow’ kinda gal, I don’t like to make plans (even more when I know I’m racing) because I don’t want to feel rushed or disappointed if I miss out on something. I’m going with my training partner and fellow Blues fan (bonus they are currently playing the Predators in the playoffs) for a girls trip (thanks friends hubby for letting me steal your wife). We both picked a thing we must do and that’s the only plan the rest is just go with it. In case your wondering, naturally my plan revolves around food-I have to go to the Pancake Pantry for breakfast (everything I’ve read says its a must do, so doing it Friday morning-carb load) and with her being a country music geek she has to see the Old Opry.

But the question remains…do I need cowboy boots? Everyone keeps asking me if I have them…nope. My friend told me she has her cute country dress and boots all planned….I went to the buckle and got a new tank top. Lastly, on all the lists I’ve read on “Nashville Must Do’s” is to stop into Robert’s Western World and get boots.

So…do I need to buy some cowboy boots or what?

Final thoughts…since I’m running 13.1 miles for St. Jude…how about you DONATE $13.10 to St. Jude…I mean its only 13 bucks…what kinda cheap ass can’t afford $13? www.peoriaruns.stjude.org/AnnaRunsForReagan 

~Anna Kinkade