Charlotte 10 Miler

If my morning was any indication of how this race was going to go, I was doomed.
It seemed anything that could go wrong was going wrong.

5 am proved way to early.  I woke up late, choked on my applesauce, the dog wouldn't poo and it was damn cold.  Nonetheless, I made my way to pick up Michelle so we could start the 50 minute drive down to the far side of the city (well beyond my 2-exit bubble) to run a race that neither of us were too keen on.  In fact, we both confessed that we had fleeting thoughts of ditching the race to stay bundled and cozy in our homes instead of freezing body parts off running the streets of south Charlotte.  We both agreed at that moment, racing was a dumb idea.

I can't speak for Michelle, but I was not excited in the least to be running.  I simply just didn't want to.  But somehow, someway, I had to pull myself out of this funk.  And what better way to do that than to grab one of your besties and head out of town for what turned out to be a frigid and hilarious morning adventure full of bad decisions, hanger (hunger + anger = hanger) and Siri's mis-directions?

Michelle gave me a little crap for getting us there a bit early, but in hindsight I think we got there at a perfect time.  Rock star parking, minimal porta potty wait time with just enough time to grab our numbers and go back to the jeep to get a blast of heat (and some giggles) before the race.

After the announcer instructed us that the Start would start at the Start Line (nothing but brilliance in that statement), we got in a nice little warm-up jaunt before taking our spot amongst the 700 runners taking on the Charlotte 10 miler.

I had no race plan.  Good thing Michelle did!  I wasn't sure I could keep up with it, but I thought what the heck, I'll give it a try.  In my mind I thought that if anything, I can pace her for the first few miles so she wouldn't go out like a bat out of hell and then send her on her way.  Turned out to be a great plan and that is exactly what happened.  We ran the first four miles together and I knew she was going to have a great day so I urged her on.  She eventually decided to go on ahead as I watched her pull away around mile 4.5.  I smiled and thought to myself, "you go girl!"  And then I thought "thank goodness because I can't keep going at this pace!" HA!  I lost complete sight of her for about 1.5 miles.  I thought I was slowing down but when I looked at the watch, it told me I was actually running pretty consistent splits.  Huh.  I wasn't expecting that, but I'll take it!  I was running well.  I was working, but not over-working.

Then wait, do mine eyes deceive me?  Is that a familiar black pony tail and orange jacket I see?  Can I really be catching up to her?  Yup.  It took a little more time and a bit more work with some help from her fueling stop, but just before I reached the mile 8 water station, I spotted her slowing to get a drink.  I put some gas in the legs to get close enough to yell at her.  That sweetie pie waited a minute or so for me and we were off again!  We ran the final two miles together for the most part.  She was still ahead of me but close enough to where I'd catch up now and again.  Mile 9 was thee hardest segment of the entire day.  A three tiered hill brought to us directly from Satan.  Just when you thought it was done, it kept going.  Many cuss words were dropped, loudly.  I just couldn't hold them in!

With a mile to go, Chas, The Sockless Runner and Reckless Running ambassador, appeared with a camera in hand.  He also ran the 10 miler, but he's so speedy he had already been done for about 30 minutes and had plenty of time to scope out the perfect spot for this shot.  I wish I could say we planned this pose, but we just come by it naturally....

dorks.
but we own it.

We were in the home stretch with about a 1/2 mile to go and with Chas running along side keeping us going, er going faster I should say, Michelle pulled ahead to cross the line and I, just about on my last legs and last of my oxygen supply, crossed seconds behind her.

I couldn't believe it when I looked at my time.  Is it really possible that I just ran 10 miles at a faster pace then I did my 15K back in July?  Yup.  I know, right?  Surprised the hell out of me!!!  I guess I am getting some of my speed back.  And to think, I'm just seconds off from my half marathon PR pace and not really in race shape yet.  I hope that happens soon (damn those snack binges....#muststop).

4 weeks to go.  I'm looking at you, Wrightsville Half Marathon.

Let 'er rip!

The numbers?  I don't know if you really want to know them, but here they are just the same for inquiring minds.  There are a lot of speedy people out there!  So, I tend to hover just above the middle

Time: 01:25:44
Ave Pace: 08:34
AG Place: 20th out of 83
Gender Place: 100th out of 423
Overall Race: 241st out of 700

Not too shabby for this 'ol chick.  Absolutely no complaints here.  I'll take it!

This guy!
Photographer Extraordinaire AND he took home an AG award.
#RenaissanceMan

Congrats Roberta on your AG win!
Folks, she went on and ran another 10 after this.
#badass

Not a bad pic considering we couldn't breathe...

A big "holla" to all the folks we saw on the course.  The most fun was seeing speedy friends, old and new, blasting by.

And a shout out to all my Tri Team Ignite teammates who were there (but most I didn't see because I was hiding in the warmth!).  A good day for the Team, bringing home an AG award in the 10 mile and the men's overall in the 4 mile.  It's going to be a good year!  #ignite

Michelle and I opted NOT to have pancakes, but headed to an Irish pub for fish and chips and a pint. It may have been the best decision we made all day.

And...if you ever get stuck in a parking garage and need out, I'm your girl.
Don't ask.

Twilight 5K: The Day I Forgot How Hard 3 Miles Could Be

What to say, what to say.  It was a race.  We came. We ran. Some of us kicked ass and some of us lost a lung.  Or maybe that was just me that lost a lung, I'm not sure.  It's possible I still might be in a Papi Queso haze.

Do you remember when I said I was firing at about 85%?  Well, that theory has been proven false.  I think 75-80% is a more accurate assessment after Saturday's Summit Twilight 5K.  Coach Sarah gave me a simple strategy:  "I want you to build.  Half marathon (HM) pace for the 1st mile, 10K pace for the 2nd, 5K pace for the 3rd and kill the last .1."

So I ask myself, "Self?  What on earth does that mean?  How the heck do I know what my current paces are?  I haven't run more than a mile since September 17!"  Without much else to go on, I decided to use the paces from my PRs which would have shaken out like this:

What should have happened
1st mile - HM pace = 8:33
2nd mile - 10K pace = 8:18
3rd mile - 5K pace = 7:35
Last .1 = 7:15

What actually happened
1st mile - 8:24
2nd mile - 8:20
3rd mile - 9:25
Last .1 - 8:19

The Deets
Michelle found me at the start area about 5 minutes before gun time and we decided to line up just about mid pack.  She was coming off running the Savannah Marathon a few weeks ago so she was kind enough to stick with me.  Such a good friend!  It wasn't so much twilight by this time, but more like black-coffee-dark out and it was a little unnerving with the start so crowded.  We tried to get near some people with headlamps, but I don't think we had much success!  I know what you're thinking....why didn't we have headlamps.  Well, nothing like finding out an hour before a race that your torch is busted.  And yes people, I did try to change the batteries!  So, moving on.

It was dark which made it hard to keep an eye on what the good 'ol Garmin was telling me what my pace was.  We found an 8:30 at one point, it felt good and tried to hold onto it.  We know now that  was not at all what happened.  Still, all in all it felt pretty good and there we were, just like old times, chatting away!

And then as we start mile 2 I hear "HOPE!"  Pray tell who can see me?  It's pitch black out!  IT'S JACK!!!!  And then Michelle changed my name to Rose, we laughed about Titanic and then thought it best to get racing again.

Second verse, just like the first!  I looked down, saw the 8:20 and smiled..."Yes!  right on target!" This is GREAT!  We're KILLING IT!  We are AWESOME... and then I started having problems keeping my breath.  That's okay, you can hang in there....just 1.1 mile to go...

Then comes the greenway portion of the race.  This is the cool part.  It is pitch black and they light the pathway with luminaries on either side.  Such a neat sight!  But it caused a weird sensation that made me dizzy to be honest (And I say dizzy, not to be confused with ditzy as I'm normally known to be.  There is a difference.).

I was struggling by this point and Michelle was still happily chatting away, naming all the things we had waiting for us at the finish.  When I couldn't answer her, I knew I was in trouble.  I was wheezing and falling behind.  No matter how hard I tried to will it forward, my body slowed.  She tried to wait for me a couple times, but she was running so well I waved her on.  Then the hill we know as South Street happened.  Right at the 2.62 mark, my legs stopped moving.  I had no choice.  I was about to stroke out and had to get my heart rate back under control.  So, there I was, walking my not-so-happy ass up South.  After 10 minutes of walking (which was really only 30 seconds according to Garmin, but it FELT like forever), my heart calmed down and I started moving again.  I surprisingly felt much better and even passed some men that just passed me 30 seconds prior. I found my little motor and got myself up and over South Street to the finish line.

First race back since the surgery, first time running a full mile, let alone three, and first time running outside on the street and hills in two months.  Somehow I managed 11th out of 39 in my AG with a 27:01.  4 minutes off my PR but not too shabby if I don't say myself.  I guess it was folly to think I could hop right back in at a 7:30.  But I did.  HAHAHA!  This race was good for me.  Coach Sarah and I weren't planning on a race this soon in my recovery but it turned out to be a great way to accurately gauge where my current fitness is and what she needs to plan for me to get me where I'm heading. I mean...if I'm doing 8:40s at only 75% of my potential?  I suck at math, but it sounds like my future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.

Michelle promised me friends, beer and Papi Queso at the finish.  She didn't disappoint!  After getting some dry and warm clothes on, I found all my besties and was surprised by some Tri Team Ignite teammates!  DARTers and Igniters each had awards and PRs aplenty!  I love all my people.  Such a pool of fun and talented athletes!!  Special shout out to Igniter teammate, Doreen, for killing our AG and taking it for the win with a sub 20!  Girl...you SMOKIN'!  Imma gonna steal your Sketchers GoRuns!

Post-race festivities, PAPI QUESO (woot woot!), endorphin highs, dancing and shenanigans ensued, I assure you!

Until next time,
Keep moving.
Be strong and feel free.
And always let there be #shenanigans!

Me, Mr van Voo, Michelle and Matt!
trying to stay toasty before the gun went off
Why the hell are we wearing shorts in this weather??

Tri Team Iginite!!

#shenanigans

3 Weeks In!

Well folks, I'm about three weeks into post-knife training.  It really is amazing how fast you lose it...not that I really had that much to lose haha!

I was in computrainer earlier this week and I was killing it! Or at least I thought I was until I looked up and saw the pitiful example of watts I was putting out.  I really just had to shake my head and laugh.  A "WTF" or two may have escaped as well, but I assure you they were good hearted WTFs.

No, this is not me.
My toe stand is much more
entertaining.

It can get a little frustrating, I won't lie.  I say at least once a day, "I can't wait to get my legs back" or "I'd like to regain at least 2 of my 4pk" or "What the hell happened to my lungs?"  As frustrating as it is, it's fun at the same time.  I really am having a blast.  It's a little liberating starting back at square one.  It's like a whole new adventure and I keep surprising myself; trying things I wouldn't normally do and doing things I didn't think I could.
Things like this ------------------->

Now, mine doesn't quite look like this, but I think I am almost there.  I just need to get one more hand up off the floor
And then there is that whole getting-back-up part....

It's not sustainable yet, but it looks like I may have gained a little speed somewhere along the way.  I see glimpses of it in my run/walk intervals Coach Sarah has had me doing.  Now, if I could just run a mile without stopping......

We'll see what I can sustain.  My first "race" back is the last race in the Summit Racing Series this Saturday night, the Twilight 5K benefiting Movember.  I'd say I'm firing at about 85% right now, so this will be a nice gauge of what I'm able to do, or not do, whatever the case may be.

What I'm really excited about?  Papi Queso Food Truck will be there grilling up thee most remarkable specimens of grilled cheese sandwiches known to man.

Oh, and truffle chips.
Can't forget about the truffle chips.
Almost as good as tater tots.
Almost.

Rockin' the Schoolhouse Out!

Schoolhouse Rock 10K Recap

This past Saturday, against the smarter voices in my head, I ran the Schoolhouse Rock 10K; another Helfrich Brother's special in the Summit Twilight Racing Series.  I do love these guys, but dang they sure do know how to throw down a beating...and then throw a big party afterward!

With any race in the series, you can count on 2 things.  Heat and Hills.  I missed out on the last beat down  all the fun during the Summit Solstice since I was helping out the timing crew, so I couldn't, in good conscience, miss this one too!  

I had to throw on a couple miles each on in the beginning and end since we were using this race in place of my long run as part of my training for Chicago.  About a half hour before gun time, Michelle and I did what was supposed to be an easy 2 miles for a warm up.  Well, with energies high and lots of chatting, the little 2 mile warm up flew by and before we knew it, it was time to pick our spot at the start line where we met up with Coach Lolo (getting ready to Do the Choo, which is next weekend...GO LOLO!).  

With my new race strategy in place, we started off.  And I think everyone else had the same strategy because it seemed like everyone took off like a bat out of hell.  I was hoping that people would soon realize that they started off to fast and would eventually drop the pace.  Alas, that was not to be!  

Thankfully, the Somewhat Legendary Mr. McGonnell stationed himself with his camera at what turned out to be a very photogenic hill. I know...I didn't know there was such a thing either!  

I mean, LOOK! LOOK AT HOW TALL I AM!  Almost Amazon like...

I like how we are all making the same face here...

Of course, he didn't realize it was me, or he was trying to pretend he didn't know me, either way he almost missed me blazing by....

DUDE....!?!?

And then there is the Honey Badger.  

Then again, the Honey Badger always makes this shit look good.

Alright, enough of the photogenic wonders of McGonnell....back to the race.

With a less-hilly front half, my first three miles averaged out to be a sub 8:00 pace.  I tried like the dickens to hold onto that, but that back half of the course is brutal and with three substantial mountains hills that come to memory; Patrick Johnson Lane (a.k.a The Hill That Must Not Be Named), South Street and Spring/Woodland Streets, my pace fell off a bit.  I was able to achieve a personal victory over Patrick Johnson though....(momentary bravado and puffed up chest)  he ain't so tough... 

Bottom line?  I gave each hill my best shot, tried not to puke on the down hills (glad to report I was successful but not without some questionable moments) and used the flats to my advantage.    

51:30 finish time

8:18 pace
A 3 minute PR for yours truly.

38th overall

13th female

4th in a decade big 30-39 Age Group :p 

2 items on AG to note:

        I was the oldest to finish until you hit spot 12! Go me!   

        And if AGs were grouped by 5 years like they are usually, I would have placed 2nd :)    

The whole fam damily had a good night.  Here are some shots at the finish.

Say Congrats!!!
1st in her AG!

Mr. van Voo
as if he needed an introduction
killing the finish!

She's gonna
KILL THE CHOO

me = hot sweaty mess

And then we ate weird food truck concoctions, stretched and "hydrated." 

stretching and "hydrating"
#multitasking

And remember.  Racing is ALWAYS better with friends!
Next up?  Run for Green Half Marathon.
This Saturday.
Be there.

Race Recap - Cupid's Cup 5k

This past weekend, I left my two-exit bubble and ventured into the Queen City to race a 5K.  This was actually supposed to take place the day after Valentine's Day, but due to the Snowpocolypse the event was pushed out a week.

Coach Sarah had this race distance on my training schedule.  Some folks asked me why did she want me to do a 5K.  I don't really know.  What I do know is I do whatever Coach Sarah tells me to!  But, if I had to fathom a guess, I'm thinking she wanted to do a little time trial to see what kind of speed I had. It's been awhile since I've gone all out, more than a year actually, so I'm guessing she was curious to see where I was and to see if the workouts she's been giving me are giving us the results we want.  Makes sense in my head anyway!

So, after a restless night and an early wake up call, I inhaled my English muffin and peanut butter then rushed to make my beasties their breakfast and herded them out the door for their morning poo, (Yes. I just said poo.  Get used to it, because my life's schedule seems to now revolve around when my dogs need to poop.  My new tagline should read "a chronicle of mis-adventure within the world of running, triathlon.....and dog poo) and then was on my way to Charlotte.

I met up with some fantastic ladies I work with that happened to be doing this race as well, huddled around the outdoor space heaters to keep warm until the start.  We took our time to line up.  This was actually the first time that I had the nerve to line up closer to the front part of the crowd.  We chit chatted about what we were going to try to do, laughed a lot and then...oh crap we're moving!  So, off I went.

Since I had no idea of what kind of speed I had, I didn't know quite what to do as far as strategy.  Well, let's be honest, I never have a strategy!  But, a good friend and running guru suggested to hold an 8:00 pace for the first mile in which the first .5 mile was the course's only major incline.  If I could do that then just try to hang in for the rest of the relatively flat course and take advantage of the down hill finish.  

Yea..I think I can do that, Captain.

Mile 1:  7:45

What The Captain neglected to tell me was that there was another substantial incline at mile marker 1 for another .5!

Well Dammit.

Mile 2:  7:57

PRs for All!
That's me on the left, Jennifer, Kim and Sarah!

After mile 2 marker, The Captain's ears MUST have been ringing as I was doing my darndest to hang on and thankfully the course began to level out.  Then I felt a descent.

Mile 3:  7:19

The Captain was however spot on about the downhill finish, and it did NOT disappoint!

The Last .10:  6:02

Not too shabby.  I'm pleased and I think Coach Sarah is too!  

PRs abound, but sadly no Cupid's arrows to be had :(

The Actual Results:

2/48 in Age Group

12/350 in Gender

49th overall out of 552 finishers.

I'll take it.

This Girl's Recap of 2013 Richmond Marathon

In October 2012, I ran my first marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

This year I decided to run marathon #2 at the Anthem Richmond Marathon on November 16th.  I had heard great things about the city and the course from many folks and my friend Rebecca.  It was close to home and I discovered a bunch of my favorite people (who happen to be runners!) were going as well so choosing Richmond was a bit of a no-brainer.

Coach Sarah decided to take a different approach to this training cycle.  We concentrated on quality miles instead of quantity, only running three days and getting three rest days per week, throwing in a couple swims in there as well.  Not only did this approach give my body plenty of rest, but it gave my mind rest as well.  I was able to hit 90% of my training targets because my body was well rested for them and in turn, gave me confidence.  I went to Richmond with a healthy body and a quiet mind.

So, Jyl and Bonny picked me up and we were off!  GIRLS WEEKEND!!!!

The race was on Saturday, so we decided to hop in the car on Thursday night, after work.  It was a long tiring drive at night, but I'm glad we did it.  Being able to wake up all settled in Richmond kept all anxiety and chaos away.  We woke up, took our time getting ready, went on a Starbucks adventure and hit the race expo to get our numbers.  And I was able to find some pretty sexy compression socks.

The female version of the 3 Musketeers
Jyl, Bonny and yours truly

After the expo we did some race recon, checking out some of the course and seeing exactly how far our hotel was from the start and finish lines.  Shout out to one of the sweetest men I know, THANK YOU JACK!!!  That hotel was in a PRIME location!  I mean, think of rock star parking, and then translate it to hotel location.  And they had Gatorade in dispensers in the lobby.  Nice touch Crowne Plaza Richmond!!

Friday flew by, and before you knew it, it was time for the group pasta dinner at The Tobacco Company with quite a group of people.  (Holla to Jo, Marc, Rebecca, Jack and Molly!! They rounded out the group, making the trek to Richmond earlier that Friday) Dinner took a little longer than we all probably would have liked, but the food was fantastic and the building was exquisite.  Again, kudos to Jack!  The maestro of this orchestra :)  With our bellies full and our eyes heavy, we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the morning.  Rebecca was staying with us that night, and with as much giggling as there was going on, I'm surprised we got any sleep at all!  GIRLS WEEKEND!!!

For Lisa

Now, I'll be honest.  I wasn't sure how smoothly the morning was going to go being that there were 4 women in one small hotel room.  Needless worry! We weren't even rushed for the Sharpie tradition.  This is where we write motivational things on our arms and hands.  I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes we need a little reminder of just how awesome we are and why we are there.

Mr. Weatherman on the
local was WRONG.
But did that dampen
our spirits?

Everything was timed perfectly and excitement was brewing even though it was raining outside.  But that was okay, because Mr. Weatherman on the local said it was going to stop well before race time.  Sure it is Mr. Weatherman....

Jyl, Bonny, Rebecca, Jack and Molly were running the 13.1 and started a half hour before Marc, Jo and I.  Regardless of the cold sprinkle that turned downpour, it was a lot of fun to see all my friends off to their start.

Once they were off, it was time for me to find my corral.  I had a goal of a sub 4 hour marathon which put me in the 2nd corral.  This was feasible when I first registered for Richmond eight months prior, but a lot can happen in eight months.  I decided that I would ultimately try to get that sub 4 (I REALLY want that sub 4...), but I would be pleased as punch if I could get at 4:10:00.  If you recall, this was my goal for Marine Corp last year that I completely missed by 9 minutes.  So.  There I was, in the back of the 2nd wave...Ready...........GO.

Folks. I really wish I could say I did it.  That against all odds and opposition I pulled it off.  I had 3:05:00 at the mile 20 mark but I just couldn't hang on.  Mile 16 the struggles began, 21 the wheels started coming off…I know, not an original tale.  Since this is supposed to be a race recap, I guess I should talk about my race :) Here is how it went:

I thought I had a good plan, to do a 9:15 for the first 8 miles, then decrease 5 seconds for a 9:10 for the next 8 and a 9:05 for the rest.  No rhyme or reason for what actually happened.  I did a good job ignoring the rains and clouds and handling an early equipment failure. I know I spent too much energy around mile 7.5 when I saw Jo ahead of me. I tried to make my way to her but finally decided I had to let her go.  She had an awesome race, by the way!

Mile 16 saw a bridge and a nasty highway and that is when I started hating the world.  I want to say around 18 my calf muscle felt like it was going to snap in two.  I tried so hard to hang on but I finally broke down and walked around 21.  I couldn't take any more gels so I skipped the 3:15:00 and 3:45:00 gel and instead took Powerade from the stations from miles 21 on in.  22 saw my longest walk and lowest point.  People asked me what I needed (so nice!) and I said “a bike”.  All their giggles helped me rally to run to the next stop.  Then I decided to try to run to each water stop and then walk through them.  I saw Jyl on the course around 22.5-23, and that helped for a moment. 

I remembered Coach Sarah telling me to smile, it helps get through those down points.  I looked down at my watch and saw that I was going to miss both goals.  I thought to myself, that sucks but I can’t change that now, so what can I do to make this better for me right this moment.  So, I walked off the course to my left to a DJ stand, broke out into some serious dance moves and then went on my way.  I know I must have looked like a complete nutball and everyone most likely thought I was having a seizure and needed medical attention, but it must have done the trick because I think I ran the last two miles all in.   

The last segment to the finish is down hill.  Let me tell you what.  I flew down that hill whooping, hooting and hollering the entire way!  And then I heard Jack and then spotted him, Rebecca and Molly...I started screeching with joy and I don't know how but I went even faster. That part was SO MUCH FUN!  I really did not care about time or goals at that point!  And this might be hard to believe, but I honestly had no idea what my finish time was.  I stopped my watch, but I never looked at it.

Bonny was there at the finish to "catch me".  She was so patient and took such good care of me :) We couldn't figure out what it was that I really needed.  I knew I needed something in my body; remember, I hadn't taken any fuel since 2 hours and 45 minutes into the marathon, which by this time was at least 1.5 hours ago.  So I tried multiple food options but as soon as I took a bite I threw it away.  The only thing I could take was my NUUN and forced down the protein recovery bar we all got in our race packets.  Of course, the race doesn't count unless you take the finish picture!

sexy compression
socks

Bonny got me back to the hotel where we met Jyl.  I was able to get into the shower and warm up; and then I crawled on my bed and curled up with the sweet fleece blankets all the participants got.  I couldn't nap, I was way to wired.  So I propped up my feet, watched tv and spent a lot of time texting EVERYONE ON EARTH!!!

I have to say I was feeling pretty good considering what I just did.  I was slow moving, but I could still move!  No, I wouldn't be busting out dance moves anytime soon, but I could walk to our celebration dinner with Jo and Marc at the

Marc, Jyl, Me and Jo
Here's to our awesomeness!!

coolest British pub this side of the Atlantic.  Marc talked us into a shot of Fireball to kick off the celebration (named appropriately) and then I had the best beer, grilled cheese ever, some sweet potato fries and fried pickles.  And Coach Sarah, if you happen to be reading, just pretend you didn't read that part....

And that, my friends, was my experience during the 2013 Anthem Richmond Marathon.

Oh, and for inquiring minds that need to know, I ended up with a 4:09:40.  I'll be honest, it took me a few days to get over the stab of missing that sub 4, but the more I thought about it, the more pictures I saw, the more I realized that I did awesome.  And after seeing my race photos, it was proof that I really was having a blast.

Through this cycle,  I've learned a couple valuable lessons.
1) While it is important to have goals (I'm still shooting for that sub 4, people...), it doesn't mean anything if you can't share your experience with the people you care about and who care about you.
2) You are always stronger than you think you are.  In all things.

Who's having fun?  

This girl!

The Battle of Myrtle Beach

Sounds like a history lesson, doesn't it?

Well, I guess it is a lesson of sorts.  I know I learned a few last weekend.

Last weekend was the Myrtle Beach Marathon and Half Marathon.  I started eyeing this race for a few reasons; lots of good friends running, close to home, I've never been there (I know, right?!) and it is nice and flat.  I thought it might be the ideal spot to try for one of my 2013 goals, a 1:48 half marathon.  So, I hit that registration button and started the training cycle mid-November.  For those that note such things, that was only 2 weeks post-marathon.  I thought it would be easy peasy, coming off that marathon.  I was in shape, right?  What was 13.1 when i just did 26.2?  Piece of cake, right?  (and yes, it was exactly this attitude that led me to eating many pieces of cake....)

November was spent easing back into it, December started business as usual and then the holidays hit. What's a few pounds?  I'll work that off no problem, right after Christmas...then BAM.  Mr. Knee decided he wasn't happy.  And when Mr. Knee isn't happy, Mama ain't happy.  I was thankful for training runs when I could do them, and ecstatic when I could actually finish them which unfortunately didn't happen often.  So here I am, losing fitness, losing confidence, losing motivation, losing faith.  One week from Myrtle, I pretty much decided to just to go enjoy it, no pressure.  Eat, drink and be merry, and get through the weekend and to not worry about anything*.  (*yes, I realize that those who know me personally are laughing hysterically at that statement....)  Come Wednesday evening after I wrote this and after a session with my massage therapist/voice-of-clarity/guardian angel, I was actually beginning to look forward to it.  Thursday morning greeted me with a sore throat, clogged nose and that spacey sick feeling.  W. T. F.  Enter Zicam and Advil Cold and Sinus every 4 hours.

Friday I woke, vowing that I was going to make the best of it.  A positive attitude is what is going to get me through.  This was definitely a test for me.  I like to control as many variables as I can.  And when I can't I get very very anxious.  So, I promised I would do my best to just sit back and enjoy.  No stress, right?  So, off we went, the hubs and I.

Late travel start?  Charlotte traffic?  I handled surprisingly well (very proud of myself!) Myrtle Beach traffic? didn't see that one coming...but still, on time for dinner at 5 with my good friend, Rebecca and her hubs.  5:00 came and we're still in traffic but not far out.  We made it, I saw no line at the number pick up, so I grabbed my packet and we were sat down to dinner around 5:30ish.  I don't know what it is about getting your number and sitting down for dinner that makes me relax.  But it did and we enjoyed a nice quiet pasta filled dinner, saw more very good friends (shout out to Dave, Marc and Johane!!!), enjoyed more time at the expo (they had baby tigers!!!!!)  and ran into newly arrived Jyl and Graham (they got stuck in Myrtle Beach traffic too) and my new friend Bonny (holla!). Getting tired and wanting off my feet, we went to the hotel to settle in for the evening and get ready for the next day's 4:30am alarm for the 6:30am start. (zicam and advil are never an arm's length away)

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep.  PB and English Muffin with Banana time!  then crawl back into bed until it was time for the mad rush to leave the hotel (late).  Thinking we were smart we thought we'd drive the back way to the start.  EEEHHHH  Wrong answer.  I ended up hopping out of the truck and got my "warm-up" in by jogging to the start, which was a mad house, then frantically trying to find Rebecca and her hubs so I could tell him to call my hubs (they had plans to meet up at the start to head out to the course).  No dice.  I was able to find Jyl and Graham thank goodness.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy the nervous-tinkle-time-pre-race-porta-potty-visit.  The clock was clicking dangerously to 6:30, still no sign of Rebecca, we decided to go ahead and find our place at the start.  I was so frazzled by this point, that I didn't even see the elephant at the start line.  Leave it to me to be oblivious to the presence of a 4-ton animal.  Clearly my mind wasn't in the game.

Then, we were off.  Graham and I started together, but I got caught up in foot traffic and we got separated after the 1st mile.  Miles 2 was much the same, lots of people and I was unable to find my stride.  By #3, I was finally feeling okay.  So okay, that I thought, "1:48...should I? I mean, I'm here right....might as well give it a shot!"  I caught up with Graham.  He was looking comfortable and strong.  I was feeling decent, so after a quick check-in, I continued on and tried to get on pace for 1:48:00, which I finally was able to do around mile 5.  Mile 5.  Exactly the time I had to start my self-talks.  Exactly the time when those thoughts of "I can't" and DNFs enter the mind.  I took an inventory of how I was physically.  Legs, dead.  Energy level, dead.  The gel I took at the 40 min mark, not helping.  What is happening??  I was truly miserable for the next mile and half or so.  I did catch some much needed energy from seeing the faster runners after they made it past the turn around and cheered on as I saw Dave (who ran a 1:26, averaging 6:36 pace!!) flying by.  I got another gust of energy after seeing the hubs after mile 6 (I got so excited I almost cried!).  This helped carry me through to mile 9 between an 8:14-18 pace.  Then, it was all leaving me.  All the energy, all the will...I was leaving it in a trail of footprints behind me.  Nothing was working.  Gel, water, electrolytes.  Nothing.  Legs were like cannon balls, hips on fire.  Never have I felt this bad.  Never had I battled so hard to finish.  Finish.  I had to finish.  Just finish and then you can rest.

Hubs got this as I was coming in
at the finish.
Not the most flattering shot,
but you can see how ready
I was to be done!

Just keep going.

I don't know how, but I did.  I crossed the line with a 1:52:02.  Not goal, but it was a PR by just shy of 2 minutes.

After icing the knee (thank you Med Team!), some chocolate milk,  a little chatter and post-race photo op, we headed for the hotel.

me and Rebecca,
post-race photo op!

Hurricane Myrtle at
Margaritaville

post-race treat

Then after sending all the "i'm alive" messages to friends back home, it was time to get cleaned up for a much needed post-race lunch.  Thank goodness we made it just in time for Hurricane Myrtle.

I wish I had more pictures, of me and Jyl and Graham and Bonny and The Hubs.  But honestly, I was really digging on my post-race treat.





I learned a few things from Myrtle Beach.
1) Respect the distance.  There is no such thing as "just" anything.
2) You can't control things that are out of your control.  Control what you can and try to flow with the rest.
3) Attitude is everything.
4) Your body (and your mind) needs rest.
5) You can't be in top shape all the time.  And that is OKAY!!

Closing thoughts:
I did battle that day in Myrtle.  I fought harder for those 13.1 than I have for anything else, even the marathon.  Not my best day, but I think it might be a day I'm most proud of to-date.  The odds were definitely not in my favor.  I was afraid the knee would bomb, I didn't know if my calves would cooperate, I was sicker than I would let myself admit.  I was not in shape to run that race physically or mentally.  The fact that I finished is a victory and then a PR on top...I don't know if that was luck or sheer determination...or maybe a little bit of both?

What now?  Now it's time for a little break.  I've taken this week off to kick that nasty cold and I've decided to take a slight hiatus from running to let my knee heal.  March will be race free.  It's time to get back to strength training to help prevent against future injury.  My training schedule will be light on running but filled with more swimming and biking to start getting me ready for my first full sprint-distanced triathlon in May....where I'm sure there will be stories of transition areas, bikes with lots of people, a lake and possible wet suit fiascos to share!  Until then?

Do like Jyl says....just keep going.

It doesn't matter if I can do it tomorrow, because I did it today

Today, my friends, today I had a good day.  Something happened that I never ever thought possible.

Today I ran a 5K.

Fast.

So fast that I achieved a personal record.

Fast enough to place in my age group, something I've wanted to do since my first 5K.

Fast enough that.............well, shoot.  Fast enough to actually WIN my age group.

And what is even more cool?  Is that those women in the 30-34 and us in the 35-39, and 40-44...well, we were faster than most of the girls in their 20s.

It just goes to show that we're just like a fine wine...we just keep getting better with age!

As I just told a good friend of mine.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to do it again.....but I did it today.

Party on, Garth.

Ramblin' Rose - Where clunky bikes and doggie paddles make the best stories....

So, September was a big month for Team Peeta.  Graham finished the half iron distance.  Jyl swam with the fishes (and a dead whale?) in Boston Harbor.  And me?  Well, I tri'd the swim bike run thing at the Ramblin' Rose women's beginner triathlon.  You know, to see what all this triathlon hub bub was all about.  I decided back in July that I would do this.  You know, when I had a peg leg.  Because of course that's when we come up with all our goals and grand plans...when we're injured and can't do anything else but think.  So, it was then that it was decided that this 250 meter swim, 9 (ish) mile bike and a 2 mile run would be in my future.  And futures become the present in the blink of an eye!

Actually, this was why I started this love/hate relationship with swimming.  It took me just about a year, but I graduated from back floats and doggie paddles to actually looking like I know what i'm doing....kinda.

Biking?  Well, you never forget, right?  So, I thought I'd just take my mountain bike that I hadn't ridden in a year (and never on the road).  Should be okay, right?  I mean it's got two wheels, handle bars and a seat.  A bike is a bike, right?

Running?  I can do anything for 2 miles.  That's what I kept telling myself anyway.

So, on a dark Sunday morning in September, I woke up well before dawn, put on a borrowed tri suit (thanks Lori!), ate my English muffin and peanut butter with honey, loaded up the beast bike and my bag on my jeep and off I went.  Two pretty awesome ladies, good friends and fine athletes came to be my "crew" and cheer me on.  Rebecca beat me there, arriving before 6 a.m. to help unload and carry gear to the transition, Maggie came with coffee and bagels with cream cheese.  I had to wait for my bagel post-race.

It was a chilly morning.  Poor Rebecca, I kept throwing stuff at her to hold and to carry; clothes, phone, water, cap and goggles!  I was so fidgety, we both thought it best I get in the pool to do a length or two while it was open for warm-ups, just to calm the nerves a bit.  Finally the hour or so of waiting was over.  It was time for me to get to the race briefing and then line up for the swim.  It was Go-Time!

Damn I make a swim cap look good.

I felt confident.  I had worked so hard at this swim thing.  Coach Sarah thought I could put in a really good time.  I doubted her when we first talked about it, but I slowly began to believe her.  I still had nerves though.  I've never swam with people chasing me before.  After a bit of a wait, it was my turn to hop in and push off.  And me thinks I pushed off a little too fast.  By the third length I was starting to doubt I could keep the pace I was on.  I told myself that I could slow down a bit, it was okay!  So I did.  Too much.  At the wall at a lane change, I glimpsed like four caps in my lane.  All bearing down on little 'ol me.  Time to pick it back up.  So I did, but unable to get my breathing rhythm back I had a little bit of a freak out.  I ended up at the wall for a good 45 seconds to a minute trying to get my bearings.  All the while, cap after cap after cap went by.  Finally I was ready to get this thing over with, and then I realized I only had one more length to go.  SERIOUSLY??  YOU COULDN'T HOLD IT TOGETHER FOR ONE MORE STINKING LENGTH???  Boy was I angry.  I got out of that pool and made my way to transition, ripping my cap and goggles off and muttering choice words the entire way.  I hoped I used my inside voice, but seeing the looks on some faces, I'm sure I cussed in front of children.

I have no words
for this picture.

I think I yelled at myself the entire way to my transition area.   Things like "this is so NOT fun," "this absolutely sucks," "what on earth are you doing," "just quit and put yourself out of this misery!" I think that was the last thing I said before I got on my bike.

Oh, the bike.  I pedaled my little heart out.  I don't think I ever STOPPED pedaling.  And still I was getting passed.  Passed like I was standing still...or going backwards!  All that kept going through my head was "do I really suck that bad?"  I got decimated!  I think I may have passed one person, only to mess up a gear on a coming hill and she got me right back.  But there was one fleeting moment when I wasn't cussing or hating on the world in my complete loneliness and discouragement when it was actually pleasant.  Riding, the wind in your face, the landscape.  And then moment was broken as the words "ON YOUR LEFT" cut through the air like a knife in my back.  "yea yea...on my left.  Don't worry sweetie, I'll get you on the run."

Props to Maggie for her
mad photo skills!

I think these shades make
me look fast.

I don't know how many of you have tried running after spending 9 (ish...i think the course was short) on a bike pedaling your little heart out.  If you haven't had the pleasure, let me tell you that you actually have to tell your legs to walk.  After a wobbly 1/2 mile or so, I found my sea legs.  2 miles at 16 minutes 25 seconds, and a bunch of passes later, I was DONE.  It was over!  I'd never been so happy and angry at the same time.





Rebecca and Maggie were waiting for me at the finish...

Crew:  "How was it?"
Me:  "It sucked."
Crew:  "Ready to do it again?"
Me:  "Let me see how different a road bike is, and maybe then we'll talk."

And then I had the best damn bagel and cream cheese EVER.

Run for Green 2012

Last year at this time, I was getting ready to "toe the line" at the furthest distance I had ever done.  I had been released from my walking boot (for a stress fracture) in August 2011 and was determined to "toe the line" for my first 10K at the Run for Green in 2011.

What a difference a year makes!  It's hard to believe that today I ran the Run for Green half marathon without a second thought.  Without nerves, without anxiety...almost without excitement.  It was just going to be another long run, another training run, just another Saturday.  I had no expectations, no race pace or finish time in mind.  I just went to run.

I started off with what felt slow.  I was being passed by so many people.  But it was okay.  I wasn't trying to beat anyone; heck, I wasn't even trying to beat myself!  After about three miles and few runners passed, I looked at my watch and realized that I was keeping an 8:30ish pace.  I was a little surprised and began to wonder if I could actually keep that pace, but I honestly wasn't going to hold my breath...

About four miles in or so, I caught up to Lori, one of my training partners.  We ran, we chatted, we stopped at the water stop, we ran a little more, we LAUGHED.  Word of advice, when abbreviating the word "ridiculous" to say "ri-dic", make sure you emphasize and enunciate the "ri" that precedes the "dic", or nearby runners might think you are calling the lead runner that just past you all, very bad names.....

After running through a residential neighborhood I like to call the Hotel California (because you can never leave...), we reached a nice little green way almost to the halfway point and turn around.  Turn arounds are fun, but disheartening at the same time because you get to see every single person that's running faster than you!  It was at this point I saw a face I thought I recognized. It was Coach Sarah!  My gosh I didn't know she'd be running today!  That was a nice surprise.  She was going fast.  No surprise there ;)

The second verse, same as the first.....

I won't bore you with the rest of the deets.  Bottom line, somehow I was able to hang onto my pace through all the rolling hills and climbs and averaged an 8:41 pace per mile.  I finished in 1:53:51, a huge PR by about 10 minutes.

After the race I enjoyed a bagel and coffee with Jyl and her mom (hugs to you both!).  And a special shout out to Jack, a fine gentleman I met at the finish line.  I hope to see you out on the DART runs soon!!!

Next week....we'll go for a trifecta...I'll be doing the swim, bike, run thing at the Ramblin' Rose.  We'll see how that goes.

I guess it's time I actually GET ON my bike......

Summit's Tacky 10K: A Birthday Miracle

When I first received news that the next installment of the Summit Racing Series was on my birthday weekend, I thought to myself that "ooh!  That sounds like a fun way to celebrate!"  So, I signed up, early bird style!

Next time I decide to sign up for an evening race at the end of August in the North Carolina heat to celebrate without knowing what the course would be, someone kick me.

If anyone wants to ever do some challenging hill work, come to Davidson and sign up for a Helfrich Brother's Special.  Then throw in high 80s/low 90s temps with close to 100% humidity just for kicks.

I've run half the course numerous times as it's in our group's route arsenal, but the second half was new to me.  I had never been on that side of town, so I looked at it as an adventure.  I didn't go into this race with any real strategy (not that I really do with any race!).  I was using this as my long run for the week by adding a 2mile warm up and a 2mile cool down.

I knew the hills on the front half and decided that the hills on the second half were going to be just as bad if not worse.  So, at the start, I decided to just take it easy.  Starting at the mid to back of the pack, I was getting passed plenty!  I looked over my shoulder and realized that I was close to bringing up the rear.  It was so tempting to pick up the pace, but I knew I needed to play it safe in order to face the unknown, and was able to keep myself reigned in.  There was still LOTS of race to go!

The first mile brought me to our first hill.  It was one of many that I run week after week, and oddly I felt like it was my old comfort blanket!  I was able to hold steady and as people tried to bite off more than they could chew, I picked them off, slowly but surely.  I was feeling confident that I could hold a comfortable 9:15-9:20 pace through this part.  And that was my first three miles.  The next three brought me into the unknown.  I was welcomed by a very nice down hill.....but where there is down, there is an up.  Lots of ups. It was like I was in the belly of the earth and I had to climb my way out of hell!  Okay, I may be exaggerating slightly, but folks, it seemed like a constant climb without much relief.  Thank goodness for the spectators and the volunteers, and friendly familiar faces at one particular water stop (Randolph family, you were a sight for sore eyes!!!!).  Two more hills, that's all needed to get through before the last .5 and the finish.  On that last climb out, I looked at my watch and saw an alarming heart rate.  Holy hell.  I would expect to see that in a 5K running all out, but not now.  I needed to get that down.  So I brought it to a walk for what seemed like forever but I think it only lasted for about a minute?  I saw it come down 20+ points, I smiled and said "Okay, now get your arse in gear and finish this thing out!"  And so I did.

Somehow, I PR'd!  It was a birthday miracle!
Old:  01:02:00 (September 2011)
New: 00:59:39
I didn't shed that much time off, but on that course, in that heat?  I'll take it!

And as a bonus, Jyl threw me a little birthday party with mini cupcakes and everything!  Once I no longer felt like I was going to toss my cookies, I grabbed that little chocolate and peanut butter bundle of scrumptiousness and ran.  Well, no.  I just sat there and ate it, but I was really stealthy with the grab!

Thank you Jyl, Graham, Thomas and Lori for my birthday celebration!  And Helfrich Brothers, though I'm cussing at you, it really was a great race, a great post-race party and thank you for hiring a band for my birthday :)

Blue 5K - Racing, Reflections and Bagels

Speed work has not been included in my marathon plan, but I have been doing a good amount of cross training instead.  My "coach" wanted me to do a speed trial to see where I was and to see if the cross training is doing its job, so I ran the Blue 5K in Charlotte this past weekend.  I don't run in Charlotte often; only twice actually, once with the Fund Racers and with the Do-Life Crew.  So the third time HAD to be the charm right?

Let me say this.  There is absolutely nothing charming about running up Morehead St.

Jyl and I arrived about 45 minutes before the start to get our chips before the lines descended, and to just have enough time to relax and get a little warm up in before hand. Then we found Graham, the third musketeer of this trio and "ran" into a good friend, fellow DARTer and total running guru , The Sockless Runner.  He gave us the run down on his preview of the course, which I very much appreciated.  I normally don't have a race plan, I just go.  So it was very good for me to hear what I would be facing in the miles to come.

Runners began to find their spots for 7:30am start, already humid with still air, temps slowly climbing and a little bit of cloud cover.  Not a bad sized local race, almost 700 runners come to find out.  The Trio (that's us!) lined up towards the backend of the middle. Ready....Set....Run Like Hell!

And we did.

Here is the abbreviated version.  Why?  because that's how I roll sometimes.

• Mile 1 - fast and fun.  Of course, Mile 1 always is, isn't it?  And then the realization sets in that maybe you set off a little to fast....
• Mile 2 - less fast and still fun.  You're working hard, and you can feel it, but you're still under the delusion that you can maintain the pace you're on.
• Mile 3 - if Hell was a hill, this would be it.  A "terraced hill"  with more hill than terrace.  Not much relief and you're thinking, "I can't take another step."  "Omigosh I'm gonna die."  "Is that my lung on the side of the road?"
• The Last .2 - downhill....  can I kick it in?  If you do, you can be done faster...... Engage Turbo Finish.  The internal voice is saying "almost done, keep going....don't puke, don't puke, don't puke...." 
• Cross the Finish - STOP THE GARMIN AND GIVE ME GATORADE.  And race volunteer, if you want this timing chip off my sneaker, you best get it because I can't bend over at the moment, or we both might have a problem.....

And then we were done!  YAY!  After checking the boards for chip times, Graham headed out so he could start getting ready for his triathlon the following day and Jyl and I headed straight to Bruegger's Bagels, which is fastly becoming a favorite of ours!

I don't know if I like the actual racing part, but I do love the pre- and the post-!
 
My results in case you were curious.

chip time: 26:00
age group placement: 7/61
PR: 24 seconds (Corporate Cup, March 2012 - 26:24)

Boilermaker 15K & 5K Road Race 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012.

A day that will go down in the history books, well...for the Family Dunlap at least!

It was about a year ago my mother told me that I should run the Boilermaker.  She also told me that I should run it with my nephew, Adam, who is on his school's cross country team.  I had grown up hearing about the Boilermaker, but I never really paid attention to it...until about a year ago when I really started running.

Mom was onto something (moms usually are though, aren't they?).  My sister-in-law thought so too and she got in on the action as well.  And so, running became a family affair and Team Dunlap was born; and for the first time ever, not one, but three Dunlaps heard the bagpipes and crossed the finish line after running 9.3 miles in the 2nd largest Boilermaker on its 35th anniversary!  Registration was capped at 14,000 runners for the 15K event, and 11,360 crossed the mat.  By far the biggest race I've ever participated in, and so far the most meaningful and FUN!

I don't know if you want to hear about all the family fun time, so I won't recap that part except to say THANK YOU MOMMY AND BROTHER for making sure I had enough snacks and dinners and snacks and peanut butter for the yummy goodness that I know as carb loading.  And thank you sister-in-law for introducing me to what I like to call, Cherry Yum Yum.

Moving on.

Race weekend for me actually started the day before.  On Saturday morning, I joined sis-in-law, Jenn, and nephew, Adam, for an easy mile run with their running group, the Utica Roadrunners.  

Jenn, Adam and I (in the middle)
pre-run.  We're having fun :)

Me.  Post-run.  Oh my.  Aren't
I colorful...

A big shout out to the Roadrunners!  They are a great group of folks, who made this stranger that talked funny feel welcome AND they know how to treat their members post race...under the tent...with tomato pie...and right close to the porta-potties (this may be more important than the tomato pie....).  And for those that don't know about tomato pie....well, good.  That means more for me.  But I digress....

The Utica Roadrunners!

  
After the run, it was time to hit the expo

Me, getting my number.

Adam doesn't look as happy as I do...
He must be troubled by the
baby poop brown color of the bibs...

and preview the course.

driving down the Parkway

going into the golf course

a pretty view from the top of the golf course.

a wedding party thought so too

My niece, Jordyn.
She's having fun, trust me!

It seemed my camera skills were
suddenly lacking.

Then, after some family time, good spaghetti and meatballs (MEATABALLA), we hit the sack.

Race day saw the family up and about earlier than maybe it ever had before!  I don't know if we were all awake, but we at least were conscious.

a shirt we saw at the starting line.
a runner armed with her iPhone
sent it to me when she heard
"dang, i wish I had a camera...
that would have been perfect for my blog..."

I tell you, you have never seen so many people IN YOUR LIFE!  And they were all in line for the porta-potty before the gun went off.  We were probably in the middle of the 11,360 people...us with the baby poop colored bibs, waiting somewhat patiently.  We sang the national anthem, had a prayer and then we were OFF.  Well, the Kenyans and the Ethiopians and the Morrocans were.  It took about 10 minutes for us to actually cross the starting line.


The first 3 miles were filled with runners and spectators. Heck.  The course was lined with spectators for the ENTIRE 9.3!  The road had a very slight incline, but not so much to cause anyone any problems.  We then took the Parkway, tree lined and gorgeous, to the humdinger of a hill, the one that I was most worried about, going into and then another inside the golf course at mile 4(ish).  We made it back down from the golf course and back onto the Parkway.  It was at this point I looked to the heavens above and said "Thank you, dear Piedmont of North Carolina!"  I met those hills, the heat and humidity with little to no problem.  This is when the suffering of southern training became completely worth it!


From here to mile 6 or 7 was level for the most part.  The scenery here, not so nice.  We were on a highway for some and then behind a college for some.  But the people, oh the people, they kept you going with their shouts and clapper hand thingys and their tireless enthusiasm. Around mile 6 or 7, the course begins to take you into the belly of the city.  And it was at this point I was starting to fade.  You see, as much as I was worried about the hills at the golf course, I should have been worried about this little silent killer.  You know the ones I mean.  The ones that when you're driving don't seem like much of a hill until you get out of your car, lace up your shoes and run it.  That's when you learn about gradually increasing elevations.

By mile 8, that misery is behind you, you may (or may not) hear a drum line (I either lost the drum line, they were taking a break or they just weren't there...very sad...I love a drum line), and then mile 9 comes out of nowhere, you hear the bag pipes play (or a note...before they take a break.  sigh), and then you RUN LIKE HELL for .3 miles.


And then.  Just like that, after the months of anticipation and training, it was over.


And then you ask yourself, "Did that really just happen?"  "Did I really just do that?"


Hell yeah you did!


So next year, I invite you all to run or volunteer or spectate the Boilermaker 15K & 5K Roadrace.  It's an experience like none other.  And then...party at brother's house :)

Adam at the Finish.
Putting in a fantastic time of 1:21:40

Me at the Finish.
Ready for my half moon cookie
time:  1:29:45

Jenn got a little emotional :)
She started running in the winter,
Her first big race, and she chose a 9 miler.
You go girl!
So proud of you!!!
1:57:16

Post-race party at a brewery = a shit ton of people.

Yes, this is what a shit ton looks like.

Race Best-ofs

• Doing it with family, hands down.
• Running on the Parkway...just wish I could have gone to the zoo, I love the zoo.
• The amount of entertainment on the course, from porch djs, to belly dancers to live bands.  Fun, Fun Fun!
• The spectators.  Simply awesome.
• I got a pint glass instead of a race t-shirt.
• The winner was a male from Ethiopia this year (it's usually Kenya) with a time of 43:01, that is a 4:37 pace if anyone is wondering.  The first female finisher was also from Ethiopia with a time of 49:26, a 5:19 pace.  If you'd like to see all the results/times whatever...you can find them here:   http://www.leonetiming.com/2012/Roads/Boilermaker/

Race Not-so-cools

• Some runners were not so familiar with race etiquette.  I have no problem if you have to walk, I would just rather you not do it in the middle of the road where I trip and almost fall so I don't run you over.  Walk, please do, just do it on the side please.
• Navigating water stops.  You could never tell when they were coming up until people all around you were running you over while making a mad dash for the sides.  Big flags up up in the air would have been most helpful.  
• So, you had mad water dashers and walkers in the middle....you had to pay attention and it was pretty hard to keep a consistent and comfortable pace.