I'm a little behind in posting this. But I stayed at my sister's house last week to keep her boys while she and her husband went on an anniversary trip. I had all sorts of grand ideas of what I would do while the boys were in school/daycare. But I accomplished nothing. So here we go...
I loved this event. It was great! I loved that it took place in my little town, I love that it benefitted the local animal shelter. I love that there were a plethora of dogs about. I did not bring mine though, although I hope maybe to bring Bruno next year- if we can get a lot more practice/training around other dogs. He can be kinda spazzy.
I arrived early after dropping Hannah off at work. I easily found a parking space, which I was worried about! I popped in picked up my packet and then sat in the car for a little while reading. Closer to start time I wandered around the event grounds for a bit, they had some venders and food trucks. I spotted one selling dogs treats and decided to pick up a treat for the boys after I finished the run- to make up for leaving them home.
I made my way across the bridge to the start and settled in, leaning against the fence to wait, watching people (& dogs). I was starting to feel a little lonesome. It's the first time I ever did a race completely by myself. But just as I was texting my sister this, a facebook friend came running up and gave me a hug! I barely know her in real life, we met years ago when her son was attending preschool at our church- (said son is now a senior). She also sold Tupperware and I think we swapped a couple parties. We follow each other's running adventures via FB.
Anyway- I immediately felt less alone and it made my morning.
The whole race was on the canal path- just an easy out and back. I was concerned it might feel crowded but it didn't. It was such a lovely sunshiny day.
Mile one I was feeling pretty good. Passed the water stop and continued on, by the time I hit the turn around I was thinking maybe- just maybe I could run the whole thing! I bypassed the water stop on the 2nd pass as well--- which I later regretted. But it wasn't very runner friendly (in my opinion, my only complaint about the event). They had very large cups, no trash can that I saw and were not making any effort to hand cups to runners- so you would have to stop and drink the water... not a big deal I guess but if I stop its harder to keep going. :P It was also right before where we had to cross the street and a police officer had traffic stopped...so I felt bad stopping to drink water while people were waiting on me- but that's on me I guess :P The whole thing just felt awkward to me.
 |
| Attempt at a sneaker, fall leaf shot, while running. |
Mile 2 was alright, but slowing down. Mile 3 I ended up taking 4 walk breaks and I seriously thought I might throw up at the finish. (I didn't). I gladly accepted my medal and water.
I walked slowly after the finish looking for a shady spot to chill a little. Didn't really find one. But consoled myself with thoughts of grabbing an iced coffee at Serendipity on my way home. =) I made my way back to the booth to get the pups their cookies.
And then the coffee shop!
I love the shirt, it fits perfect and is so super soft! My new favorite!
 |
| Chance anticipating the cookie here.... 😆 |
The boys loved the cookies I brought home for them!
The results!
I came in 57 out of 84 and 5thin my age group. Overall time 37:57.44 Pace: 12:15/M; I feel pretty happy and proud about that. My splits were 11:18, 12:11, 13:11 and the last little .13 mile- 11:44, clearly I started too fast for me and the pace deteriorated with each mile, but I still feel good about the overall. I had a great time and would 100% do this event again.
I always love checking out the new recipe collection. Doesn't that chicken look delightful! Wondering if I can get brave enough to spatchcock a chicken 😬
