STAR-SPANGLED WEEKEND

Weekends like this are few and far between.

On Friday, Hooch and I arrived to take my dad to lunch. Following that we went to the runner's expo and packet pick up. While we were there Hooch noticed a sign that was for a blood drive for the troops. She had never given before but was immediately drawn to it. On her own she filled out the papers then jumped in the chair and donated. We were so proud of her.

On Saturday morning, I awoke to the most perfect running day. Sunny and 45. I had no expectations going into this race. I really hadn't trained for it. I felt no pressure at all to do a certain time. After running this the past 2 years, I knew the course and what was ahead. I just wanted to enjoy it.

This is by far the best half marathon I've run for the experience of it. The support on the course is unbelievable. The first 2 miles are up a slow grinding hill. I could see the ROTC guys ahead of with with all their gear and heavy packs. They chanted as they ran. Water station after water station the cheering was overwhelming. I tried to thank every serviceman that I could along the route. Before I knew it , I was at the turn around. My pace was comfortable and I was enjoying each step. When I hit 9 miles, I knew the worst hill was around the corner. I decided to walk up and prepare for the finish. When I hit 11 miles, my watch read 2:28:10. I was surprised. I had 32 minutes to do the last 2.1 miles and break 3 hours. Most of it was downhill and I knew that I was fine. The finish line is spectacular. The last .25 miles it is like a runway through military airplanes on both side. The cheering is deafening. I saw Hooch and my dad-stopped for a high five and a hug- then finished. I could see the tears in my dad's eyes. To put the icing on the cake, was the medal put on by a colonel. Then the cherry on top was lunch at Frisch's Big Boy.

To complete this perfect day, we went to my cousin's daughter's wedding. I got to see alot of my aunts and uncles on dad's side. He is the oldest of 8 kids. Hooch enjoyed the wedding especially the part where the Groom pushes the bride around in a decorated wheelbarrow.

Sunday came quickly and it was time to head for home. Time flies. Last year on this weekend, my in-laws came down from Cleveland to meet us for dinner and celebrate my 50th birthday. Little did we know that within a month my father-in-law would be diagnosed with an agressive cancer and pass away the day after Thanksgiving.

This weekend and race will always have a special place in my heart.

Run : 13.1 miles / 2:56:55 / 13:31 pace

Waddling with alot of emotion......................