Sunday, May 03, 2009

PERFECT DAY


After a restless night, it was 5:30am and time to get up and get ready. Snips and I went through the ritual and had everything laid out and ready to go. This year instead of the chip for your shoe they had the new orange tags. They did not need to be clpped off at the end. The weather was beautiful. Sun was shining and temperature was approaching 60. The perfect weather for the half.









I was excited to wear my new shirt. Snips and I laughed everytime that we looked at it. I hoped it would bring a smile to others also. I ended up having converstions with many who would have just ran by me.
The race began with the release of 15 or so hot air balloons. It took us 42 minutes to cross the starting line. I couldn't believe that the weather was as perfect as it was.
Mile 1 = 11:54
Mile 2 = 12:08
Mile 3 = 12:23
Mile 4 = 12:44
Mile 5 = 12:48
Mile 6 = 13:48
We met this cow on the way into the track and tried a self portrait. Got the cow and part of Snips but only got the tip of my hat. I think we need to work on these skills.
On the track:
Mile 7 = 13:08
Mile 8 = 14:39 (pit stop for Snips and I)

As we left the track we cam upon a group of firemen doing the race in full gear. I was in awe that they also had on their masks with oxygen and used it the entire 13.1 miles. Big thumbs up to those heroes.

We were heading back to downtown and feeling good. We stopped at every other water stop. We were using Shot Blox for nutrition.
Mile 9= 13:23
Mile 10 = 12:51
Mile 11 = 13:18
Mile 12 = 13:11
I could tell Snips had a surge of energy. I told her that I was fine and to take it home and I would neet her at the finish.
Mile 13 = 12 :54
I crossed the line and looked at my watch 2:52:33. It was 1 minute faster that 4 years ago but several hours more fun.
I can't imagine a more perfect day. We both felt great and enjoyed every minute out there.
Waddling with a smile and a medal.........................

14 comments:

TRISHARKIE (AKA Ronda) said...

What a fun day....I'm sooooooooo glad the weather was just perfect for the race. You guys deserved a perfect running day considering all the bad weather we been experiencing in the Chicago area. Great pics...love the cow!

Unknown said...

Yay!!! I'mm so happy for you. Fun is GOOOOOD!!!

Rachel said...

Thanks for the race report (I hope to run that one some day). Sweet medals too! :)

Duane said...

Very cool!

Calyx Meredith said...

Oh so glad it turned out to be perfect!! Congrats on a great race.

ShirleyPerly said...

Ooh, I'm so glad the weather turned out to be nice!! (fingers crossed the same will happen for me in Fargo)

Nice race and race report. I've seen firemen do races in gear but not with O2 masks on either. That is amazing.

Irene said...

I still love that shirt!

I'm not good at the self portrait thing, either. I don't know how some people do it!

It looks like everything fell into place on race day -- the weather, how you felt, and your time! I hope you have more races like that in your future!

Congratulations!

TRIHARDCHIK said...

Congratulations! Sounds like you had a great time. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?!

Vickie said...

Sounds like you had a great weekend of memories!

Lindy said...

I totally forgot that another blogger I follow was going to be there! Congrats on the run! I too saw the firemen, just before entering the racetrack. I also saw the cow.

The weather did suck on Friday, I thought for sure it was going to be horrible on Saturday. Glad it wasn't.

Dori said...

Congratulations on your race! It sounds like you had a lot of fun. It's incredible that it took 42 minutes to cross the start.

Sunshine said...

Yup! Your butt definitely looks fast!!

We enjoyed the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon/ Half Marathon on November 1.

Congratulations!

Joe said...

Nice race! Yes, the day really worked out nicely, waaaaaay better than the forecast.

I was with you all the way on your course description...solid, even splits!!

Glad you guys had a fun time. It is quite the event!!

RBR said...

Great report, great pictures and AWESOME race! Fun is why we do all this darn stuff in the first place! There is nothing better than a day with beautiful weather, a great run run and great friends to do it with! Congratulations!

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