Anyone else besides me yawning at the thought of a Patriots-Giants rematch?  Well have no fear, you can still have a super fun time for the Super Bowl this weekend in Nashville.

Limelight is hosting “A Super Bowl to Remember” benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation from 3-11pm Sunday.  Half of the huge venue will be dedicated to the game with the music turned down and the tv’s turned up.  The other half will be for those less interested and will be a social zone with music and dancing.  Bueller, an 80′s tribute band, will be providing the music as well as RedHat Events, both of whom are donating their time and talents for this event.  Food will be provided by Ellendale’s, Mirko, Blue Coast Burrito, Demos’, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and more.  100% of ticket sales go to Make-A-Wish, and children 16 and under are free with a paying adult.  Tickets are $15-$20 depending on when you purchase.

The National Underground downtown is also hosting a party with live rock music by Daniel Ramirez, drink specials, and burgers.

SoBro Lounge is having a party with DeeJay GhostDogg and Terry Hudson, with 50 cent smoked wings, halftime happy hour specials, and a dance floor after the game.

Other spots to watch the game include The Melrose Pub, Batter’d & Fried, Sam’s Sports Bar, and The Crow’s Nest.

This Friday, February 3rd, 6-9pm, Nashville Farmer’s Market is hosting Meet & 3.  The event will feature free music, art for sale, and 10 food trucks, plus beer and wine available for purchase.  Local artists will be selling handcrafted jewelry, photography, fine art, and more.  Participating food trucks include Grilled Cheeserie, Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, The Latin Wagon, and Love Shack.  Sounds like a super fun event!

A couple days ago, The Tennessean featured one of Nashville’s hip yet historic and re-developing neighborhoods, Salemtown.  Salemtown is Germantown’s neighbor, so close to downtown but with a somewhat quaint feel.  It is becoming a blend of old and new, with builders extremely optimistic about its potential.

Resident Viola Miller, who served in Governor Bredesen’s cabinet, told The Tennessean “Living in a developing neighborhood, it’s a fun place to live. We love the energy and diversity, and you couldn’t be in a more convenient place.” Convenient it is!  The neighborhood lies minutes from downtown, and borders Germantown with its popular and satisfying restaurants and city events. Also close by are Nashville Farmer’s Market (one of my personal Nashville faves), Bicentennial Mall State Park, and interstate access.

Salemtown neighborhood association president Molly McCluer describes the area she calls home as “a community, a front porch neighborhood where you can talk to your neighbors.”

Several developers have become attracted to its potential and are enthusiastic about the area. Kenner McLean Development believes in it so much that they are building four Energy Star-rated homes at the corner of 5th and Coffee Streets, with the first home estimated to be completed in the next couple of weeks. Prices here are well below those in Germantown, and a brand new build with 1500+ sq ft appealing to the energy-conscience consumer including cellulose and spray foam insulation, zip wall systems, tankless water heaters, and more, is available starting at just $211,000. The same developers are also eyeing other lots as they see so much promise in this up and coming neighborhood.

Read the full article published by The Tennessean.

Today’s home buyers have more access to knowledge than ever.  They do their research on the internet, they pick up tips from HGTV, and we’ve all learned from the mistakes that were made several years ago.  First time buyers are especially conscientious of their decisions.  They understand that they are benefitting from one of the most amazing opportunities to become a homeowner, with record low interest rates, great inventory, and extremely competitive prices. Plus they often pay less to own than rent.  

One of the things that both repeat and first time homebuyers are expressing by their decisions is that bigger is not necessarily better, not anymore.  Living beyond our means will have this affect on people.  We were able to make purchases for things we had no ability to pay for just a few years ago, and the outcome of that is stress and heartache.  We bought bigger and we spent more, because we could.  Then people started losing their jobs, those who kept their jobs stopped getting raises and bonuses, housing prices started falling, and we all realized we really don’t need all this big grand stuff.

This has lead to more and more repeat buyers coming to us to sell their homes so they can downsize, either by size, mortgage, or both.  We are all asking ourselves, do we really need all this space and all this stuff?  We are seeing more and more first time buyers who are pre-qualified for a lot higher amount than they actually end up spending.  We see tons of renters wanting to buy because it will actually decrease their monthly housing payment in so many cases.  And the trend seems to be leaning toward slightly smaller homes.

“I grew up in a large home, and my paternal grandparents built a 6-bedroom home back in the 1920s in Abilene, Texas, but my favorite home is the one I now live in (972 sq ft),” says homeowner Penny Lynn. She adds that “A smaller home certainly lends itself to less clutter–when a new item comes in, an older item leaves to be recycled, if at all possible”, and points out that using less gas and electrical resources is one way of being “green”.

One of our clients who also owns a small home has a plaque on her wall that says “Simplify Your Life”.  To me, that says it all right there.  Get rid of all the STUFF and JUNK that is bogging us down and holding us back from other pursuits and dreams, and keep what is essential and beneficial.  Our clients who decide to sell their McMansions often comment that they just don’t need all that space.  Maybe they are becoming empty nesters, maybe they bought because they thought bigger was a better investment, maybe they were trying to keep up with the Joneses.  I realize there are instances where you are a large family, work from home, maybe have a music studio, and simply require more space than most.  And we still have tons of buyers who are transitioning from their first bought homes to larger ones as their families and budgets grow, and needs change.  But many repeat buyers are deciding lately that less is more.

Although our numbers here in Nashville don’t necessarily reflect an enormously growing trend toward smaller homes, the mentality of our clients certainly has.  The Small House Movement that has swept parts of the country has not hit us yet, but we are experiencing our own downplayed version of that.

Benefits of a smaller home are not just in a lower mortgage payment, but it also usually means lower utility bills, less cleaning, and less upkeep all together.  Low maintenance living.  ”Unused space most likely equals wasted space. Who wants to pay for a space they never use?” wonders homeowner Beth Schackne, who loves her East Nashville cottage that is less than 800 square feet. “Once you start to rid your life of things you no longer need, you’ll never want to go back. Lack of clutter leads to peace of mind, and that is something on which you cannot put a price tag.”

Guest blog by Michael Butell and Dawson Ballard, are Nashville Theatre Scene NABors.

Here are some new shows getting ready to start that are well worth you checking into and enjoying a great time out in Nashville’s diverse theatre scene. Enjoy!

Christ Church Cathedral is performing “Crowns” which runs January 26-27 and again February 9-10th located at 900 Broadway with performances at 7:30pm. The funny and poignant gospel musical CROWNS, written by Regina Taylor, will be presented by Sacred Space for the City Arts Series in four performances. The production is based on the book of photos and interviews, “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats,” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. It is a musical tribute to church hats and the African American women who wear them as symbolic crowns and as a means of self-expression — their pride, beauty and endurance– in the presence of God. Acclaimed musical producer/director Ted Swindley (“Always, Patsy Cline,” etc.) will co-direct with Mary McCallum of SistaStyle Productions. “Church hats are a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion…. Ticket prices are $15 at the door ($13.50 in advance online) and more information is available by calling 615-255-7729 or visit www.christcathedral.org.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center is performing “Spamalot” which runs January 27-28 located at 505 Deaderick St in the Andrew Jackson Hall with performances at 8:00pm and matinee at 2:00pm. The second coming of Broadway’s #1 smash musical comedy! Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” now returns to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. But before they can find their grail, they’re taking a little side-trip to the fair city of Nashville. Ticket prices range from $28-$65 and more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tpac.org. They are also performing “South Pacific which runs February 7-12. This breathtaking new production of South Pacific is based on the 2008 Tony Award® winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. The beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” USA Today cheers, “Gorgeous! South Pacific doesn’t just float; it soars!” Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Ticket prices range $28-$65 and more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tpac.org.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre is performing “God of Carnage” which opens February 4 and continues through February 18 at 505 Deaderick St in the Andrew Johnson Theatre. This show is the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton. The other day in the neighborhood park, little Ferdinand whacked his playmate Bruno with a stick, breaking two teeth. So it is important that the parents of the boys set the right example and sit down to discuss the matter calmly and reasonably, right? After all, nothing will be gained by behaving like children…human nature, red in tooth and claw. Yasmina Reza—the writer who drew maximum laughs from Minimalist art in Art—uses her corrosive wit to strip away the thin veneer of civilization in this Tony Award-winning comedy of manners… without the manners. Ticket prices range $20-$47.50 are more information is available by calling 615-782-4040 or visit www.tennesseerep.org.

Nashville Children’s Theatre is performing “The Watson’s Go to Birmingham 1963” which opened January 17 and continues through February 12 located at 25 Middleton St. It’s 1963, and the Watsons, an African-American family, are taking a road trip from Flint, MI to Birmingham, AL. Fourth grader Kenny’s older brother Byron has been hanging with a tough crowd and getting into trouble, so his parents decide to take him to live for a time with his grandmother down south. Soon, the whole family is crowded into the Brown Bomber, heading back to Alabama – and straight into one of the most shocking moments in American history. This show is most enjoyed by ages 8 and up. Ticket prices are $12 children ($19 adults) and more information is available by calling 615-252-4675 or visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

The Larry Keeton Theatre is performing “Kiss Me, Kate” which opens February 2 and continues through February 18 located at 108 Donelson Pike with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. Taking its inspiration from Shakespeare, Kiss Me, Kate recounts the backstage and onstage antics of two feuding romantic couples during a touring production of The Taming of the Shrew. Sparkling with 18 classic Cole Porter songs — including “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “So in Love,” “Always True to You in My Fashion,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” — Kiss Me, Kate epitomizes the Broadway musical comedy at its irresistible best. Ticket prices are $26 dinner and show or ($21 show only) and more information is available by calling 615-883-8375 or visit www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

Street Theatre Company is performing “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” which opens February 2 and continues through February 12 located at 1933 Elm Hill Pike. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum know as “the relationship.” This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?” It’s everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit. “This is a show for anyone who’s ever been in love, in lust, dumped, married, divorced, chronically single, happily alone, romantically confused or sexually frustrated. In other words, this is a show for everyone. Seeing “I Love You…” is perfect for a first date, a night out with pals, your 50th anniversary – everyone will love this show.” Songs like “Single Man Drought,” “A Stud and a Babe,” and “On the Highway of Love” will leave the audience howling and perhaps bring back memories of their own “unique” dating experiences. Reviewers have said of the show, “It’s SEINFELD set to pop music!” and “If this show were a blind date, you’d feel relieved, grateful and pleasantly surprised.” Ticket prices range $12-$16 and more information is available by calling 615-554-7414 or visit www.streettheatrecompany.org.

Our sweet and savory city is being featured in this month’s edition of Bon Appetit! The tasty article takes readers on a tour of some of Nashville’s most delicious restaurants, from trendy and high end to hole in the wall, and is lead by Black Key’s singer/guitarist and Nashville resident Dan Auerbach (whose song “Lonely Boy” I’m totally hooked on right now).

One of my own faves, Mas Tacos, is mentioned.  Man how I love this place.. it’s a taste explosion!  The very hot (literally) Prince’s was visited also, along with Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Capitol Grille, and Martin’s BBQ in Nolensville, which the writer described as “barbecue so addictive that states should regulate it.”  Gotta love that!

Read the full article here.  Disclaimer:  if you aren’t hungry right now, you will be.

Guest blog by Michael Butell and Dawson Ballard, are Nashville Theatre Scene NABors.

The holidays are now past us and it is time to go out and enjoy a relaxing evening at the theatre and the theatre companies in Nashville have started back up and have many offerings for you to get to, so what are you waiting for….enjoy!

Circle Players is performing “Company” which opened January 6 and continues through January 22 at 108 Donelson Pike in the Larry Keeton Theatre at the Fifty Forward Center with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:00pm. Company’s plot revolves around Bobby (a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage), the five married couples who are his best friends, and his three girlfriends. Unlike most book musicals, which follow a clearly delineated plot, Company is a concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, linked by a celebration for Bobby’s 35th birthday. Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult problems through its music. As Sondheim put it, “Company does deal with upper middle-class people with upper middle-class problems”. Broadway theatre has been for many years supported by those people. They really want to escape, and here we’re saying we’ll bring it right back in their faces … what they came to a musical to avoid, they suddenly find facing them on the stage. Circle Players is proud of its distinction as not only one of the Tennessee’s oldest community theatre companies, but Nashville’s oldest non-profit volunteer arts organization. For over 60 years, the company has produced more than 370 musicals, comedies, mysteries, historical dramas and classics, as well as cutting edge social dramas and recent Broadway hits. Ticket prices are $18 ($15 seniors/students) and a special price of $11 is available on Thursday nights and for more information please call 615-332-7529 or visit www.circleplayers.net.

The Center for the Arts is performing “Guys and Dolls” which opened January 6 and continues through January 22 at 110 W College St in Murfreesboro with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. The Center for the Arts opens another fantastic year of theatre with Broadway’s most bold, brazen, and charming musical, Guys and Dolls! The bright lights of the Big Apple will shine on The Center for the Arts’ stage, true love will be found, and the scandalous acts of gangsters and gamblers will be put to an end. You won’t want to miss the razzle-dazzle of this classic musical! Guys and Dolls tells the story of crapshooters Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson that live in mid-20th century New York City. All of the coolest gamblers are in town for Nathan Detroit’s newest gambling development “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York.” However, Nathan needs a thousand dollars to get the game started! So, Nathan bets a thousand dollars that Sky will not be able to take a local Salvation Army girl, Sarah Brown, to Cuba. While Sky attempts to woo Miss Brown, Nathan does his best to stay clear of his marriage-obsessed fiancée, Miss Adelaide. From these two story lines, a hilarious comedy ensues. In the fashion of Nathan Detroit, we bet you will love Guys and Dolls! Guys and Dolls features Broadway hits like “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Since its opening on Broadway in 1951, Guys and Dolls has received numerous awards and recognitions, and it has been a favorite of theatre companies across the country. This show has been an absolute favorite among audiences for decades! Ticket prices range from $11-$15 and more information is available by calling 615-904-2787 or visit www.boroarts.org.

Sista Style Productions is performing “Louie & Ophelia” which opened January 6 and continues through January 14 at 4610 Charlotte Ave in the Darkhorse Theater with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 4:00pm. Louie & Ophelia, Gus Edwards’ gently humorous tale of two people who fall in love and struggle to balance their romance with family and ambition. It’s a charming and realistic portrait of a working-class couple today: Ophelia, in her 30’s, is an ambitious woman determined to see her children become professionals, and Louie, in his late 40’s, is an easy-going family man who wants to build a home. Ticket price is “Pay What You Can” and more information is available by calling 615-476-6430 or visit http://web.mac.com/pkurland/Site/Darkhorse.html.

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre is performing “Modern Love” which opens January 12 and continues through February 12 at 8204 Highway 100 with evening performances at 8:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. It’s 1940, and Modern Love, a how-to-guide for Modern Girls is on the top of the bestseller list. But what the world doesn’t know is that its author, Rose Lavender, is really a handsome young bachelor! When a reporter from New York Daily Magazine comes to interview him, he recruits his modern-woman-on-the-go-sister to play the fictional and traditional Rose Lavender. But the reporter is an attractive young woman, and sparks soon fly as she’s too smart to be fooled by the ruse. Has the young bachelor met his match? Will the real Rose Lavender be revealed? And is romance in the air? Modern Love is a screwball circus of dressing, cross-dressing, and mistaken identity. The whiz bang battle of the sexes has never been more fun. Ticket prices start at $50 for dinner and show ($35 show only) and discounts are available for students and children and more information is available by calling 615-646-9977 or visit www.dinnertheatre.com.

American Negro Playwright Theatre is performing “2 Black TV” on January 13 at 1008 Charlotte Ave located in The Next Level Arts and Entertainment Mindset. This show is a sketch comedy show which originated out of the American Negro Playwright Theatre (ANPT) production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Cast members from that play formed a support group and named it “Friends of Theatre”. It is out of the Friends of Theatre Group that 2 Black TV was born. The series strives to produce comedy with a strong emphasis on Black subject matter. Moreover, it is addresses the duality of being Black. 2 Black TV is showing the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00pm. Warning: This show contains strong language and it not suitable for those under the age of 18. Ticket prices range from $10-$12 and more information is available by visiting http://theanpt.wordpress.com/.

Artist’s Cooperative Theatre (ACT 1) is performing “Master Class” which opens January 20 and continues through January 28 at 4610 Charlotte Ave in the Darkhorse Theatre with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm. Written by Terrance McNally, Master Class, won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1996, and takes place in a voice master class taught by opera diva Maria Callas, who is both dismayed and impressed with her students. Callas retreats away from her students and into the past glories of her life and career. Ticket prices are $12 (free to students high school age and under-if seating is available) and more information is available by calling 615-726-2281 or visit http://act1online.com/season.php.

We are seeing Nashville all over these “best in country” surveys recently.  Not that any of us are surprised.. we know how much our city rocks!

In MSN Real Estate’s Best Old-House Neighborhoods for First Time Buyers, East Nashville is naturally on the list, described as “Mayberry with a twist” by East resident Carol Norton.  The article goes on to say the reason to consider buying here is “the sense of community — one seldom seen in cities or suburbs — and the creative energy and camaraderie of its residents and small-business owners.” I couldn’t agree more.

Read the full article here.

Guest blog by Dawson Ballard and Michael Butell, our Nashville Theatre Scene NABors.

It’s the holiday season, and it is time for you to see a show that will put you in the joyous Christmas spirit, and the Nashville metro area does not disappoint with a wonderful selection from which you to choose, so find some time out from all the hustle and bustle to go enjoy an afternoon or evening of great theatre. Check out all these options!

Pull-Tight Players is performing “Romeo and Juliet” which opened December 2 and continues through December 17 located 112 Second Ave South in downtown Franklin with evening performance times at 7:30 and matinees at 2:30pm. In this tragic tale of “star-crossed” young lovers, Romeo attends a ball where he meets the beautiful Juliet and falls instantly in love. But the road to love is thorny, for Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet-two families that have been enemies for generations. In the end we learn the lengths they will go to for love, and the high price of revenge. Ticket prices are $16 ($12 students, $14 seniors) and more information is available by calling 615-791-5007 or visit www.pull-tight.com.

Studio Tenn is performing “A Christmas Carol” which opened December 8 and continues through December 18 located at 419 Main Street in downtown Franklin with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. The retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel takes a miser on a journey of self-redemption, and coincides with Franklin’s annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival. Tickets prices range from $45-$55 and more information is available by calling 615-538-2075 or visit www.studiotenn.com.

Lakewood Theatre Company is performing “Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” which opened December 2 and continues through December 17 located at 2211 Old Hickory Blvd in Old Hickory with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm. In their poorest winter ever, when the crops have been devastated by locusts and the family must deal with the death of baby Freddie, Charles Ingalls backtracks his family to Burr Oak, Iowa, to take over the running of a hotel. Told with period songs, humor and depth of character, this tells a story of healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds. Ticket prices are $12 ($10 seniors/students) and more information is available by calling 615-847-0934 or visit www.lakewoodtheatre.com.

Encore Theatre Company is performing “Greetings” which opened December 2 and continues through December 17 located at 6978 Lebanon Road in Mt Juliet with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm. All the makings of a holiday disaster are on the horizon when Andy brings home his sweet Catholic mother, sour Catholic father and mentally challenged younger brother Mickey home to meet his Jewish atheist fiancé on Christmas Eve. The family is well on its way to a major blowup until Mickey, whose entire vocabulary is “oh boy” and “wow”, suddenly says “Greetings”! Ticket prices are $15 ($12 seniors, $10 children) and more information is available by calling 615-598-8950 or visit www.encore-theatre-company.org.

Larry Keeton Theatre is performing “Miracle on 34th Street-The Musical” which opened December 1 and continues through December 18 located at 108 Donelson Pike with evening performances at 7:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine “Miracle on 34th Street”, spreading a wave of love throughout NYC, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores, and convincing a divorced, single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth. Ticket prices are $26 dinner and show ($21 show only) and more information is available by calling 615-883-8375 or visit www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro is performing “Nuncrackers” which opened December 2 and continues through December 18 located at 110 W College Street in Murfreesboro with evening performance at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:00pm. The Nunsense Christmas Musical is the first television special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. Complete with a fabulous cast of singing and dancing nuns, plus Father Virgil, and six of Mount St Helens most talented students, this show is sure to make audiences feel the heartfelt joy of the holiday season. Ticket prices are $14 ($12 seniors/students, $10 children) and more information is available by calling 615-904-2787 or visit www.boroarts.org.

Nashville Children’s Theatre is performing “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” which opened November 1 and continues through December 18 located at 25 Middleton Street, check with theatre for times. Ah, Christmas through the eyes of a child. Only problem is Junie B. is not just any child. The precocious and outspoken first-grader helps spin a holiday yarn. Ticket prices are $19 ($12 for children) and more information is available by calling 615-252-4675 or visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

GroundWorks Theatre is performing “The Very Different Christmas Dinner” which opened December 9 and continues through December 18 located at the Darkhorse Theater at 4610 Charlotte Ave with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2:30pm. Rob and Laura Dish pray that their dinner party guests could be more interesting than their usual friends, and are surprised by the arrival of guests Abe Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Oscar Wilde, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin, and Jesus. Ticket prices are $12 ($10 seniors/students) and more information is available by calling 615-262-5485 or visit www.groundworkstheatre.com

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre is performing “Boeing, Boeing” on the mainstage and ”A Country Christmas Carol” on the backstage which both opened on December 1 and continues through December 31 located at 8204 Highway 100 with evening performances at 8:00pm and matinees at 2:00pm. Ticket prices range from $30-$50 dinner and show ($25-$35 show only) and more information is available by calling 615-646-9977 or visit www.dinnertheatre.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Guest blog by Emily Daniel, our Home Warranty and Team in Training NABor.

It felt a little strange not to get up before dawn for a race. But the marathon wasn’t starting until 10 am and our hotel was only a couple blocks from the start line, so there was no need to get up extra early. This is the first race I’ve participated in with such a late start. I must say, I liked it.

After we got ready, we met some of our Team in Training Teammates for breakfast in our hotel. This gave us plenty of time to go back up to our room 7 times for all of the things we’d forgotten or changed our mind about taking with us. We walked over to the start line about 9:30.

As we are standing there waiting for the race to start, I had a thousand different thoughts. Everything from admiring the great city to sheer terror and panic. At the expo I had picked up a pace bracelet to finish in 5:30. Honestly, my main goal was survival, and by survival I mean crossing the finish line upright and smiling. And I really hoped for less than 6 hours. I kept looking at the bracelet wondering if I could really finish and if, by some small miracle, I could do it in 5:30.

Go TEAM!
Next thing I know the gun is going off, and we are running. I’d planned on running 3/1 intervals for the race. But I wanted to warm up with just a slow jog. It was several minutes after I’d crossed the start line that it dawns on me I haven’t started my watch yet. Well crap…the usefulness of the pace bracelet is pretty much gone now. I knew I’d started with about 14 minutes on the clock already. But I had no idea how long I’d run before I started my watch. Geez. Not the best way to start the race.

It was easy to forget about my timing problems as I’m running by Trinity College, the place Bram Stoker grew up, and all sorts of other beautiful places. As I see the first mile marker, I remind myself my goal is slow and steady. I spend the next mile going deliberately slower. I didn’t even look at my pace until around mile 4. Surprisingly and a little concerning, I was under the pace I needed to be at to finish under 5:30.

Mile 4 also started the part of the race that was in Phoenix Park. This is easily one of the most gorgeous parks I’ve run in. Two other things happened at mile 4. I turned on my ipod for the first time, and I finally felt warmed up. Feeling pretty good, I ran through most of my intervals miles 4 – 10. I was also still pacing to finish under 5:30. Which is great, but I didn’t put much faith in my projected time at this point. I was sure the end was going to kick my butt.

One of coaches said she would be between mile 11 – 13 and would run with us some. So when my feet cramped and I really wanted to take some pain medicine (no lectures here please, I needed this), I bargained with myself that I would wait until after I saw her or at 13 whichever came first. At mile 13 I hadn’t seen her yet so I took some Tylenol knowing it would give me a little boost.

At some point here or just after several of the water stops were running out or had run out of water. The previous stops had been giving out bottles of water and sports drinks, so I had some fluid. I ran through 3 stops that were out of water. Just as I was getting really concerned and thinking about ducking into a store and buying some, the next stop had water (thank goodness).

I tried very hard at mile 13 not to think about the fact that I was only halfway through the race or that if this was a half marathon I’d already have my medal and be on my way to breakfast/lunch. This is also the point in the race, where I know I have to start sticking to my intervals and not running extra because I’m afraid I’ll burnout otherwise. Sometime between 13 and 17, I pass a building that has a sign advertising Tennessee Fried Chicken! What?! I was so excited. I stopped to take a picture (the picture didn’t come out, ugh). The owners of the building came out and I’m pretty sure I babbled something about being from Tennessee. I think they were a little surprised by my excitement.

Around mile 17, I found our coach, Sami, and she ran with me for a mile or mile and a half. It was so great to have her run with me and distract me from the fact my feet and legs were yelling at me to stop. And it was so much better having her here than it would have been having her at 11. A funny, unexpected thing happened here. I passed two of my teammates who I thought were way ahead of me. This gave me a much bigger boost than I could have anticipated. I was feeling great and still pacing to finish under 5:30.

At mile 20 it started to rain. I can’t complain too much. I did choose to run this race in Ireland, rain would most certainly be part of it. I was ok with a little rain. At first, it felt pretty good. Then it kept raining. Then it rained harder. I’m not going to lie the last 6.2 miles seemed really long. The rain made it even longer. But I was still feeling pretty good.

I’m not sure I ever hit the infamous “wall”. But when my watch died at mile 24, it was pretty disheartening. I was mostly disappointed that I didn’t have set intervals anymore. So I would run and then walk. Then walk some more, then run. I’m quite certain at this point I’m kissing 5:30 goodbye. The last 2 miles were ridiculously long. As I mentioned our hotel was only a few blocks from the start and even closer to the finish. So imagine my surprise when I pass our hotel only to see the mile 25 marker. What?! NO. I know exactly where the finish is and I’m moving away from it! This was the worst feeling I had during the whole race. But it didn’t last long. The reality and emotion knowing I’m just a mile away from finishing my first marathon set it.

Elation is what I felt for the last half mile or so. I’d gotten some great advice a few days before the race. It was to pause when I’m sure I’m going to finish, to take a couple minutes to reflect on my accomplishments, the work and sacrifices that has gone into preparing to meet this goal and to really be in the moment of realizing I’d met my goal. I’m not sure I have words to describe crossing the finish line. It was amazing and possibly the best feeling I’ve ever had. And I finished in 5:22. I’m not sure exactly how that happened. But I’m so happy with my time!

It pretty much stopped raining about the time I finished. I walked back to our hotel hoping I could change and get back down in time to see Mark come by our hotel. The timing of it worked out perfectly. He came by the hotel just as I walked out. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get back to him at the finish line. When I told him I would meet him at the hotel, I could see the disappointment in his face. So I decided to go back to the finish and see if they’d let me in. Luckily, I got a great spot and where I could see him finish and actually crossed the finish line with him.

I’m so proud of him! He finished in 6:09 and he’d been worried he’d need more than the allotted 7 hours. He’d also been injured during training and didn’t get in as much training as he’d like to have done. But he was able to run his intervals the whole race, and he finished strong!

A few things I want to mention here. If you are running a race in a different country or far from home, I strongly suggest you do it with a team (preferably Team in Training). They had staff support people along the course cheering you on and they had supplies if you needed anything. They also had coaches on the course. Two coaches, in addition to our coach, ran with me during the race. It was a huge mental boost.

There were definitely places I think the race officials could improve. In my opinion, there is no reason to ever run out of water. Also, when I finished they only had small and extra small finisher shirts left. There was almost 2 hours of official time left at this point. When Mark finished, they’d already taken down the backdrop for the official finisher photos. It was a little disappointing. If the race has a 7 hour time limit, I’d like to think the people who finish in 6:59 get the same as the people who finish in 3:00. But, I’m definitely not focusing on these things.

The spectators were awesome!! They yelled out “well done” as we passed them. It was great. It helps that I love their accent so it was fun to hear the whole time. There were lots of kids along the course giving high fives and a few really great kids with fruit and cheese.

I was under the false impression that the course was flat. It was definitely not flat. They even had signs printed and posted as we were going up the hills. However, the hills weren’t as bad as they could have been. Strangely, it was kind of a nice break to go up and, especially, down.

The race course was awesome. It was beautiful. And it helped that I was (mostly) unfamiliar with the course. I think the new things to see around every turn made great distractions. Before the race, I was sure by the end I would swear off ever doing a full marathon again. But I actually had the exact opposite feeling. I’m excited to plan my next marathon. And maybe someday an ultra marathon.