Heads up, this one is a photo bomb.


So I wrote this ALL out, before I got my results. Definitely have to change it now!! (Hence my status)

When I first picked out this race, it was good. It was a non kid weekend for us, so I was able to just move at my own pace. Little did I know, my evil ex SIL decided to change, so we ended up having the kids. 2 small children, my brother who worked until midnight the night before, and having to be at a race by 8am in a town that is 20 minutes away kinda sucked. Luckily, the planner in me, laid out all of our clothes (minus my brothers) the night before. Rachel, the girl this race was put on for, commited suicide a couple of months ago. She was only 13. Her favorite color was purple, so of course we all wore purple. I ended up in my pink and purple running shorts, and a purple striped tank. Yeah, little did I know, it was only 50 degrees that morning. Well, that part I knew, but the sun that was supposed to be there was being shy.

Mya and I went to get my packet picked up, and man, they picked out nice shirts. Deep purple wicking shirts, Adidas brand. They even left the price tag in there (werid) and it was $33. That was more than my registration. I threw that on over my tank top, just to help keep me warm. They also have a nice, huge park there, so it gave Caleb and Mya something to do. Now, I don¡¦t mind smaller races, but its really hard to see where you are going. There was no map listed online, so I just had to go with the movement of the crowd, which sucked, since my brother and Mya were on the completely opposite end to watch me go. Plus, with about 125-150 people, they didn¡¦t use any microphone system, so no clue what they said. Just heard the gun sound and I was off. But, eh, those things are okay.

We took off winding through some neighborhoods and then off to a bike path. I kept looking behind me to see who was back there. After being nearly last at my last two races, I really didn¡¦t want that again! Luckily, there was plenty of people, felt like I was in the middle. I hit Mile 1 around 12-13 minutes, which is awesome! I felt like I was flying. I¡¦m telling ya, those shoes man, I feel like superlady. Once I hit Mile 2 and the water pit stop, I was starting to feel a bit run down. Plus, a little boy, probably around 9 was lost. They had arrows painted on the sidewalk, and he didn¡¦t know which one to follow, so I helped him. We stayed with each other for the end of it too. I know it¡¦s a very small town, but its kind of nuts to let your kids go on a race alone. There was another girl around us too, who had to be younger. Thankfully I brought my phone with me, just in case something happened. Plus I was texting my brother letting him know how far away I was.

Unfortunately, the only bad part of the race was running down the same street where my ex boyfriend lives. Not a bad thing, but he is a bit stalker ish so I didn¡¦t want to stay around long. I kept my head down and flew! We turned the corner and realized, the home stretch is coming! My brother texted me, saying I was 33 minutes in. I had probably about 6-8 minutes before I would even get there. By this time, my hip was feeling a bit rough, and of course that nine year old boy wanted to start a conversation. He was too cute.

Since my niece was with us, I told her she could finish the race with me. It¡¦s been our tradition. The first time failed miserably and she just about got hit, so I was hoping this time would be better. I yelled her name down the road so she would be ready. Of course, my nephew, who is my buddy, saw me and tried to come out too. Tom pulled him back though, just a bit too young for that yet ƒº He was less then pleased. Mya came out and we took off! YES! Finish line crossed! I was very overjoyed but wished I could of done more. Makes me thing I should of tried the 10K. Maybe. We went and met up with my brother and Caleb, who was bawling and got some munchies, and played some more, then headed out.


Results:
Finished Time: 36:55
11:54 min/mile (est)
110/148 women.
15/16 for the 20-29 women's age group.

(Not sure of the TOTAL runners, too lazy to do the math :D )



Am I happy? FREAK THE FREAK YES! I PR'ed! My god! I didn't think it was possible. I thought I ended up somewhere between 39-40 minutes. But under 37?! Freaking amazing. I am so happy. When I got the results, I screamed in my office and people stared. I am a nut. So excited, ahh, best way to start the weekend.

Here are the photos. I have one more at home I'll add later.




How freaking cute. I ordered the 8x10 of me and her. I had to.


Next race? I dunno, guess it's time to plan!!

-- E