Mark Run a Half Marathon of My List

     On Saturday, Geoff and I went to pick up our race packet.  We drove downtown to the Sheraton to the AFC Expo, checked out the booths, and picked up our stuff.  I rummage through all these pretty cool running shirts for probably 45 minutes, and never did buy one.  They had cool things on them like; will run for beer, sorry honey not to night I have a long run in the morning, running cheaper than therapy, and will run for wine.  These were some of my favorites!!  Found some I liked but not the perfect color with the perfect phase, so not meant to be.  We then went to meet one of Geoff's buddies from the fleet for lunch.  We went to the San Diego Beer Co.  They had good beer and good food.  We were carb loading before our big race!  They had some interesting beer choices.  I was really looking forward to the Peanut Butter Milk Stout, but sadly they were all out!  I did enjoy the one with banana!!  It was nice meeting one of Geoff's friends, especially since he thought I was beautiful! LOL  I told Geoff he's a keeper!  I loved hearing the stuff Josh (Beef; cause big muscles they call him that) had to say about Geoff.  We then went home to rest, have some more beers, and some baked spaghetti.

                                                                        Expo!

                                         Getting my number #5666

                                                  Dorks taking a picture in a mirror!

                        Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout!! all out though :(

    Race time!

     We woke up early Sunday morning, to make it to the place to catch the bus to take us to the starting line.  This bus was an awesome bus!  I wish we had these things going to Laredo!  Nice seats with tables in between with four seats facing each other!  Serious card playing tables!  Once we get there there is still over a hour before the race begins.  Basically, I could have woke up at my normal 4am and had my run done by the time this race started!  It was nice to have my Sunday morning run with thousands of other people though!  I turned and looked around while waiting to start, and it was crazy the amounts of people around!  Once the race starts, I remember Sid's advice; don't start too fast!  There was no starting fast, I was too busy getting trapped behind people.  Geoff and I weaved in and out of people the whole first mile.  We stayed together for awhile and then I decided I needed to try to meet my goal time.  So, the crappy wife that I am, I left him and was out on my own.  I enjoyed playing the game with myself don't get passed more times than you pass people.  I think I accomplished this.  I didn't reach my goal, but I had some excuses.  I am disappointed in my run, but I will be satisfied enough to not run another one.  I hate excuses so let this be my explanation of why it wasn't my best run.  Yes, I know that is the same thing, but sounds a little better! :)

     1.  I had a hamstring issue and had to lay off running for 2 weeks before this run
     2.  I started my period this morning.  Yes, I was always the coach that said exercise helps, but really still  had cramps.  I took advil before we left but apparently they wore off around mile 10 or so...
     3.  I had to pee the whole time!!  As soon as we started moving to the start I had to pee!!  Of course, by then I wasn't going to go or stop during the race!
     4.  It was hot!  So, I'm used to running in the dark before the sun comes up in this nice cool weather, but today sun blazing in my face!!
     5.  Hills suck!!  I had been practicing hills, but seriously!!

     Again, not going to excuse the run I had with those reasons, but they sure played a factor in the run.  So, you ask how did I finish.... Well I ran a 1:42.40 and was over all 345 place, 79 among women, and 20 in my age group.  Not where I wanted to be, but not terrible.  Goal time was 1:38.  I won't lie and say I didn't walk.  I walked about 5 minutes, which hurt me.... Well it's over and maybe I'll run another one, but for now I'm good!

                                                                    DONE!

     This is the first race I have ran since my friend Meagen talked my into running some Cinco de Mayo run.  She forgot to mention everyone was running the 5K not the 5 miler which I signed up for!!  But I didn't back down!  Megan Miller, even though she had worked late the night before, stuck in the 5 miler with me!  I can still remember passing up Meagen on the last part of my race cheering her to keep running!!  She's like stay with me; push me, told her not to stop,  but I had to go with this thing!!  And I did; ended up 1st place!  We all drank some free beer to celebrate!!  Haven't ran a race since.  But today Meagen you were there cheering me on; I know you were.  Miss you and love you girl.

 Chipotle

     So, on our race bib there was a coupon for buy one, get one at Chipotle.  Geoff is always talking about how great this place is and I had never been to one, so let's do this.  We go all grunged out, but who cares we won't see anyone we know.  When we walk in, the pastor from the church we go to is there with some congregation members!!  Awesome, and we didn't go to church today.  But, of course, all nice people so we chatted.  I am rude though and went outside to eat my burrito!!