is doing the same thing over and and over again and expecting different results. So maybe I 'hoped' for different results from the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon. It's Nashville (fun), expensive (not worth it...all total), hilly (seems to get worse each year) and hot (it is the South in late April). So why do I do it year after year (the 'half' not the full)? I like Nashville, good beer town, restaurants, and music. I have kids and grand kids in Franklin and it's a short hop from Birmingham. The entry fee is high, almost exorbitant - even with coupons which barely cover the 'online registration fee', the hotels only have a few 'marathon rate' rooms then they bend you over, the Expo and finish area are incredibly crowded, and they cannot seem to get the buses to the start organized. They did this in San Antonio too (true story, we were in line in San Antonio an HOUR before start time, we caught literally the last bus, they told the hundreds behind us they had to walk or run to the start and when we got there the race had started!). This time we walked out of our room in N'ville at 5:35 (7:00 start). got to the bus area, waited....and waited...and waited... finally got on a bus, it got caught in traffic (You mean they don't have a buses only 'loop' and the start is MAX 2 miles from the start straight shot from the bus staging area?!?), we off loaded, checked our bag jogged to the start and got in our corral as it crossed the start line. Now, I'm no genius, so if I can figure this out, why can't the organizers of Elite Racing? If they are going to charge 'primo' race entry fee's then there should be no glitches....ever! Especially in a race that's 10 years old!!! I'm sure we'll do this race again, but we know now we can walk to the start (not even run, walk!) in less time than it takes to catch a bus...literally. It's only 1.5 miles straight shot, we'll just run it; but for those already apprehensive about doing their first half or marathon, they should NOT have to go through that anxiety. The organizers OWE them the opportunity for a Class A event free of apprehension...You can't do anything about the hills, I mean, you know it's hilly going in so you really can't moan and groan about the hills; however for what organizers CAN control, I consider this (especially for the money) an extremely poorly organized from Expo to Finish Area event. It was nice to return home to power, Internet, and ability to use the cell phone from my home - I had hoped electricity would be restored, but I didn't pray for it. I'll save my prayers for something a little higher on the importance ladder, like for those who lost family and property, my friends who work for Al. Power, and my friends who lost business, like Yankee Pizzeria (temporary or permanent remains to be seen) and Hug Chiropractic Clinic. On a bright note - The Couch to 5K Summer Edition will have its first group meeting Monday May 9, 6:00 next door to Mt. Brook Y - so get your friends who envy your running to come out and prepare for their first 5K! E-mail me with questions.... So call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure I'll do CMM again next year - and HOPE for different results.