Space Coast Half 2013

Matt's 1st Half!  CCs...10th?
2:26:30

I had picked up our packet at Running Zone earlier in the week.  We made the trip up to Kennedy Space Center on Saturday for the expo, just to check it out.  I think it was a great idea to have the space coast marathon expo at the space center, However -- that was the most crowded and smallest expo ever!  I liked it WAY better at the BCC auditorium.  I have to say, other than the WOW factor of the space center itself, the expo kind of sucked. Melbourne Beaches has a MUCH better expo. The best part of our trip was stopping in Cocoa Villiage on the way back, finding a sparking spot for race morning and having a late lunch. If you are ever there, Ossorio is a great restaurant for a light meal or coffee and snack.

Last night we went to bed at 8pm to get up at 3!  I have been getting tired with the time change at 6:30pm each night (lol) so I didnt think it would be a problem.  Well... I laid there, and laid there, ANDDDD laid there.  At 11pm I got up and took a benedryl. the last time I looked at the clock (still awake, counting sheep!)  it was 1:13am.  We were up and at'em at 3am!  Did everything the same as our 3 early morning runs, no coffee, luna bar, etc... we did add fuel shot this morning, I didn't find that it made a difference - more on that later.

We got to Cocoa early - around 4:30 - no issue parking at all in our little parking space.  We walked back and forth from the car into the park to get jackets because it was just a little too cool for comfort, and then to put them back.   After putting the jackets back in the car we went straight to the start line and waited about 10-15 minutes for the anthem and lift-off!  The mic/speakers weren't working well, the crowd helped out with the anthem, that was super sweet.

I didn't think the beginning of the race was so bad!  Everyone seemed to take right off at a good pace!  There was a Galloway pace group (2:15) beside of us for the first couple of miles. Let me just say, that was the most annoying thing EVER.  It was a pretty huge group and the course was still pretty packed, so they ran through us all, then walked so we ran through them, then they ran through us again, and walked, so we had to run through them.... this continued on until I couldn't keep that pace anymore, I think we were on mile 4 but I have to tell ya, I was just happy to not have to run through them again.  It was super distracting.

After slowing down a bit and having a GU the run went pretty well again.  We ran on, I started looking for Jeanine was we neared the halfway mark, in the crowd passing us with a faster pace. I spotted her right behind the 2:00 pace group.  I knew she was going to make great time!  2:07!!  I definitely can't hang with her anymore. LOL.   Anyway, back to us.  Matt had a really strong run; he didn't seem to be struggling much at all until I had to stop for the bathroom :(  Yes, stupid IBS hitting again, between mile 7-8, and I had to wait on a portalet.   We ran the rest of the race with no real issues, only slowing a couple times to grab a water/gatorade.   I saw Matt high stepping it around mile 11-12 so I knew his knees were starting to have issues and my hip flexors were threatening to stop pulling my legs forward. I was seriously counting down the last 4...3.1... 3.... 2.1... 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.8....0.5.... I told Matt to take his headphones out to absorb the finish line and hear our names called out!  I still didn't hear them (for the second time!) but I heard everyone else's!
I grabbed his hand to come across the finish line! I hope we have a decent picture :)

Make It By Midnight - July 2012

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Very late blog, but I just wanted to make sure I remember this one when I am counting up my halfs :)   Jeanine and I drove to Macon, GA and stayed in a room about 30 minutes (?) from the race start. It was the wrong hotel branch! LOL...but we liked it!   It was surrounded by dunkin donuts, ihop, starbucks, etc so we had everything we needed. ;)  

Went to a bbq hosted by Becki, and just hung out in the pool and chilled with Wendy, Darcy, Suezette, and I dont remember who else was there -- Sueann came with her boys for the race, but left shortly after.  We met a bunch of awesome GA runners and had a lot of fun.  Darcy won first place in the women's division!!

The race itself was ...scary!   it was in a huge wooded gated neighborhood, in the middle of the night. It was dark as hell, and hot as hell.  that's about all I remember.


Overal Time: 2:56:34

Mercedes Half Marathon 2012

I flew up to Birmingham early the day before the race in order to get my packet picked up, secure my hotel room, meet up with mah girl Steph, and have some food with my mom <3   Both of my connecting flights were great, no problemo. The shuttle picked me up at the airport and carried me to the most fabulous hotel.  I stayed at the Hampton Tutwiler Hotel. Beautiful building, old historic, right up my alley!  The attendants were super nice and helpful, but said my room wouldnt be ready until 3pm (almost 3 hours to wait!)  so I moseyed over to the Boutwell Auditorium for the expo.  It was a great expo, everything you would expect!  There was a GREAT sale on sports clothes (50% off!) Lots of food samples (but none to take... booh).  I found a new fuel belt that is PERFECT for me - it is big enough for my phone AND it holds water bottles. (love!!)  Picked up packets for me, Steph and Johnboy.

Steph showed up as I was about finished, so I walked around again with her. Then when we were finished we saw another girl that works with us come in while we were waiting for my mom to get there.  Everyone was navigating with a Garmin - and with the roads closed, it was taking a long time to find your way around. Mom finally shows up and we decided we must have PF Changs  for our carb loading!  So away we went..... and it was so good!   Then we went to cheesecake factory for dessert.... but it was an hour and a half wait - WHAT? No... we got our cakes to go, laughed the entire time (Steph was driving, nuff said...), dropped my mom off, went back to the hotel to figure out how to NOT freeze on race morning when the temps are low twenties but feels like teens.   This is when I discovered that I hadn't put either pair of my race pants in the suitcase!  Terror and horror struck immediately!  What to do?!?!  and finally I had to let Steph take control and guide me to the nearest Target at 8pm the night before the race. Crisis averted!  Thank you Target <3

Have I mentioned our room was nice? I was so super impressed with this hotel.  Comfy beds :)  I slept better than I can remember ever sleeping before a race.  Could be the 2 benedryls that I took before going to sleep since my face was pouring (thanks Bama, glad to be back in Alergy country!).  That's not to say I slept all night, but I got in a few good hours and was so happy about that!   Steph and I both was up before the 5:40 alarm. Keep in mind it was FREEZING, we had no intentions of getting down to the race course until it was time to go!  However, Johnboy was coming and I had to get him his bib so we went down around 6:40 -- and couldnt find him!  The music was pumping and the runners were lining up, you couldn't move! Drama when they are down to 3 minutes and I am still holding John's race bib in my double gloved hand!  Finally, he found us and yet another crisis averted!

We said our parting words and he took off, while me and Steph hung back.  I advised her to stick to her training even though she wanted to keep running after half a mile.  I think at the end, she was glad we did!  We peeled our first layer between mi 1 & 2.   I was glad she talked me out of wearing music because the course was so awesome!  there were a couple of really big hills, filled with smaller hills in between.  I did NOT expect the 'filled with smaller hills' part.  I was glad I was running a slower pace so I could enjoy the course instead of curse the course! haha! It led us though old downtown with huge brick and concrete buildings. One in particular had the windows broken out.  I get sad when I see this. I love old buildings. If I was a millionaire, I would spend my money restoring these beautiful pieces of architecture!

229 2757 1303 CC  37  227 1:07:23 10:53  2:31:25 11:34 

2013 Melbourne Beaches / Florida Today 8K

This morning started off trying to convince my teenage son out of bed!  It was a chilly morning and we all wanted to stay in the bed...but.... eventually we made it up and to the race start with enough time to easily park and make our way around before the national anthem was sang. The lady did a really great job singing it too, btw.   The picture of the guys to the left is while we were waiting at the start line... my boy was trying to look grouchy. I think he did a good job (:

The three of us ran together for the first couple of miles.  We say Gma C & Papa on the first and second mile.  that was an awesome surprise!  The got a couple good pics that I am adding below.

Just getting started!  

Mile 2 - Still Smiling :) 

This was a really fun race, and we made great time....only to realize the great time was due to the course being almost a half a KM short!  7.6 km was my total distance.  We did great though and had a good time, so the only thing left to do is really work on our time so that next time, we can still beat our time!

When the hubby and i got to the finish line, our son, my inlaws and my awesome friend J was all waiting on us!   The temp was still too low for us to comfortably hang out in our wet clothes, we were all freezing!!!

Sorry this isnt a fabulous RR....my daughter brought a cold home to me this week, so I feel like crud. :(

Extreme Mud Warrior 5K

Saturday, October 20, 2012 - 

This was a really fun race.  The hubby and I have ran the trails a few times in preparation for this and I've been going strong at the gym so I felt like Im pretty strong and fit enough to take on this challenge.

Ah-hahahaha---- Well... we got up early, drove up around Daytona to the farm the course was on. It was a beautiful day. Check in took forever, it took so long, they were holding up the waves which caused major confusion.  Luckily, we were in the second wave so we were not affected that much.   The run itself was tough!   the hubby was looking very strong, but I knew right up front i was in trouble... crawling on the ground hurt my knees, climbing the dirt hill was fun, but plummeting into the mud at the bottom, not such much.  Then we had to run down a 'mud creek' which STUNK! no, really... it smelled like cow dung.  And there was a lot of that running in knee deep mud.  I enjoyed the obstacles - except the monkey bars I slipped right off of and busted my arse... The ropes were awesome and I loved going over walls, etc.   My hubby stuck by my side the whole time, it was awesome. We make a great team.  

There was an open swim across the pond which almost killed me!  I learned quickly that tennis shoes is not good swimwear and I sank almost immediately. Vibrams for this girl from now on for any trail run or warrior.  After the finish, we got a couple beers and celebrated our finish!  It was the hardest 5K i have ever ran.  Not sure on our finish as I havent been able to find it posted anywhere - or race pictures. :-/

Turtle Crawl 5K

Save.  Get pictures from Monica (:

  Rank 265/614  Number 1319 Age 38 Chip time 31:36 Pace 10:11 

This was a really fun race. I went with J and we met up with Moms Run This Town group.   The course was beachside, around the neighborhood; starting and ending at the boardwalk.  The party was pretty big too and weather was perfect. 

This was my first 5K in forever because of my spinal leak I havent been able to run at all. Happy with the results :)   

Emerald Mountain 7.4 Mile Warrior Challenge

This was the most awesome race.  Several reasons why.  The biggest reason is because we are in the middle of the hottest summer ever and I was worried we would all die, but I got in the car and it was a nice 70 degrees outside for the 6:30am start.

I followed traffic into the neighborhood - thank goodness! I thought I knew where I was going but found out quickly that I would have been very wrong! LOL, anyways, when I got there I saw a co-worker right off the bat, went to packet pickup, and got in the potty line. And waited. And waited. And waited...another co-worker found me and talked for a while...while they did the announcements...and while they said the prayer...and gave thanks to the military....and through the pledge of allegiance...and the national anthem...and I was still standing there when everyone lined up for the race... and just made it out when they started.   Thankfully it was a narrow path with a couple hundred runners so I was able to run down to the start line right at the back of the pack.

The first couple of miles were really difficult!  Heart Attack Hill was the worst. I had a hard time walking up it!  There was a couple more steep ones too...I only ran up one of them.  I ran downhills and flats. I spotted my co-worker around mile 3.5 and walked/jogged the rest of the way in with him since he was having a rough time (normally he is way faster than me).  The course was really shaded on the course.  It was beautiful.  and the company was nice too.  I liked not having to kill myself.  We finished the 7.4 in 1:21:25 unofficially.

The fruit and snacks at the end were great <3.  Everyone was super nice.  There was drinks about every  half a mile.  I got lucky and didnt have to go to the bathroom again, the only complaint I had was the shortage of restrooms at the beginning/end and during the race course (I only saw 1 portable potty on the course).

I was only a wee bit sore for the rest of the day :)   Pics to follow.

Hurricane Hustle 5K

Sat, Jun 16, 2012 7:30 AM

My boy volunteered for this one, so he road with me out to the Ted Whitlow Community Center where the race was being held.  We got there really early, Jeanine wasn't far behind us.  It was a nice morning, warm but not wretched. I'm trying to remember if we took any pictures.  I dont think so... hmmm.  Slacking.

Jeanine did really well and took 3rd place in our age group.  I was 4th, but about 5 minutes behind her. 

31:25 was my garmin time.   They did this race the old fashioned way, where you put your name and time on a card, this way of recording is before my time....I found it very interesting!! 

J and I followed the race up with a mile jog just to get in 4 miles.  I was pretty proud of that, just because it was so voluntary. :) 

Eye of the Dragon 10K

Feb. 25, 2012, 7:30pm
CC (Time) 1:14:09.5 (Pace) 11:57 

Boy volunteered today and I ran the 10K with my friend J and her neighbor. I felt pretty good in the morning. I started taking Advocare products this week (a cleanse) that started 2 days ago, but that wasnt an issue this morning. I had brought some Spark (energy drink by that same company) to really give me a spark during the run since I have not properly trained for 6 miles.  I found in the first mile that I could not run the pace that J is running now,  so she ran ahead and I hung behind with her neighbor which was perfectly fine with me.   Except the newby runner neighbor was kind of kicking my arse too. We went out and back on Pineapple Ave, the 5K mark was around the start line, there is where I saw Boy handing out drinks. He's so cute and I felt better for a little while. :) 

The first cross of the bridge was not a problem, but the way back I start getting a pretty bad headache. I thought that it is either dehydration from the cleanse (even though I drank plenty) or too much caffeine / taurine from the new drink. We didn't stay long after the race; Boyce was still at the finish line and by the time I was finished, he was done. I came home to nurse my headache, but ended up keeping it for 3 weeks,  until I was in the hospital to figure out what was wrong. Looks like another long recovery. Unfortunately no pictures were taken at this event.

Melbourne Music and Beaches 2012

On Saturday, I went to the expo early in the afternoon. I couldn't help but snap a picture of the venue on the way in. Mel. Beach is so pretty! The expo could use a couple more signs - there are people there to direct you, but who wants to stop and ask directions when an arrow would do the trick! The bib pickup is SUPER EASY with SHORT LINES...but fighting to get to the goodie bag is challenging! I think they do it on purpose so you have to pass by all this stuff to get to the bag!

So... Here's my loot! I joined Space Coast Running Club for the hats on the left; the visor was bought, The state farm bag, the publix bag, the tech shirt, mel beach hat, sunscreen, lip balm, pens, pencils and clif bar were some of my freebies (not to mention all of the free samples I enjoyed at the expo and coupons in my bag!)  The gecko is a gift for signing up for Eye of the Dragon 10K and Space Coast Walk of Fame 8K.  We (me and the girl) also got the bondi bands and Mila.

I cheated the night before the race and took an Ambien because I knew that I wouldn't sleep. Sure enough, it was only strong enough to last 4 hours and then I was wide awake from 3am til I gave it up at 4:45. Which was fine, because I was, indeed, WIDE awake! I jumped into the clothes I set out and tossed my water and stuff into my bag, penned on my bib and waited for J to get here at 5:40. No coffee, no food - trying to control IBS (didn't work). Jill was riding shotgun when they arrived and we chatted all the way to downtown. Lively folks that early in the morning! Parking wasn't all J dreamed about, but honestly it wasn't bad (at 6:15 when we got there... ). We only had to walk a block to the race start.

Before the race started I was feeling really good! Oh, there is nothing I hate worse than standing around freezing before a race starts! We walked over to the happening spot, waited in an extremely long but fast potty line, found Suezette, lost Suezette, found her again. The music was going but wasn't BOOMING like it has in the years past. It was WARM! I was in heat gear tights, shorts and the race short sleeve tech shirt and I was warm just standing around. (ut-oh! I see trouble ahead!)

Right before we took off I met the legendary Dave Mari and we got our pic taken with him! YEH!! Ok, so the first 2 miles were great, at 2.5 I was thinking it is going to be a LONG run! The water view was just so awesome on US-1, I love that view but dang, that bridge looked so far away! Now, as far as the causeways go --- oh, I rocked them! Plowed right up Eau Gallie! It was around this time (mi 6) that I realize I'm getting a rash, so I took several moments at mile 7 to adjust (no TMI here!). I was really struggling before we stopped and Suezette passed us around now! J said after the break that I looked like I had cooled off some and wasn't beet red anymore. But still I had to slow down, take more walk breaks for the remainder of the race. I really wanted to catch up with Suez, but I just couldn't pull it out of me today. Riverside drive was killing my knees and feet. I told J to go ahead and she refused! She just stayed with me and coached me all the way to the end! (Awwwah, I know! So sweet!) My walk breaks were pretty much co-in siding with water stops, except for The break I took at the end of mile 11, right before the Melbourne causeway. Which (BTW) I commanded!! A mile later, at the base of the other side, (I was dying) one more walk break at the fuel station on mile marker 12. And then it was all in from there! oh wait... It was suppose to be and then there popped up another fuel station I had to take advantage of. I'm sorry peeps, but it was flippin hot (did I mention that?). It was a short little pit-stop and THEN it was all in the rest of the way. We finished strong and spent, and that is what it is all about!

Here we are in the finish shoot, right before we hit the post-race festivities! Pizza and beer before 10am never tasted so good! The race was really done extremely well; there were water stations around every corner - I think they were closer together the farther we went (maybe it was just me?!) The port-a-potties were plentiful...The music was good. And the bling...ohhh...

THE BLING IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

Overall time: 2:31:40 A new personal worst! But, considering I had back surgery 4 months ago AND I really haven't ran but 5-6 times in 10 months...coupled with the suckish heat and humidity today, I think this is not too shabby! I'm very proud of myself for finishing.

World of Beer 5K

On Sunday, January 15th my brother in law picked me up and we headed off to get his friend and run the WOB 5K. If you knew my BIL, you would realize that he was 100% behind this effort to raise money for the WOB charity fund. I had told him I wanted to go the Wednesday before....while it was warm! We had a cold front come though this weekend and I was no longer interested in getting up early and having my nose run along with my feet. Sigh, what to do? I decided that if my super spastic BIL forgot I said anything, that I would happily not remind him. But he did, and showed up at the house looking like he just crawled out of bed - bare feet and all! (I later found out he did indeed just jump out of the bed!).

We got to WOB about 30-45 minutes before the race started. I was dressed in a tank, long sleeve shirt, and light jacket, along with long thicker running tights and my Ghost 4s, and my black running cap! When we started the run, it was a bit snug weaving through the crowd to find space for a pace. I was behind the two I came with for the first mile, just jogging/getting warmed up. At Mile 1, my BIL's friend walked for her first walk to catch a breath and he stayed with her, but I ran ahead feeling pretty good. I ran the entire 5K literally holding the stupid earphones in my ear. I borrowed them from my boy on the way out the door because I couldn't find mine. They SUCKED! But I was determined to listen to my tunes after I stayed up late to install Google Music and setting up my running playlist!

The run was pretty, the course started and ended at The Shoppes and was an out and back to the big square fountain. You would have to know the area to understand the course and how pretty it was. There was a good turn out for it, people on every corner to direct traffic, lots of cheering. I haven't ran a 5K in a while, and it seemed really short to me. You know what that means! haha -- I haven't ran hard enough :P

A full breakfast was catered and handed out at the home base beginning at 10am (the race started at 9), and the free beer line was hopping when I finished the race - I am sure it started up when the first runner came back in 18 minutes after the start! Wow, that is fast. Just a quick word at this point, it was extremely congested at the beer line/food line/result posting area. Hopefully a lesson was learned this year and if we are lucky enough for this awesome race to be repeated, these 3 major areas of post race popularity will be separated in the future.

So, my time ended up being not my greatest time ever, but met my goal of beating the time from my last 5K which was actually running/walking injured. WOB5K time: 31:47.8 10:15

Makin' Waves 5K

RACE DATE: MAY 8, 2011 (Mother's Day)

I have planned to run this 5K for a couple of months because Holly and Sueann have planned and directed this entire race to benefit Leukemia through Team in Training.  All of the profits will go directly to their pledge.  Not only that, but the entire run is on the hard packed sand of New Smyrna Beach and I get to see my NSB running peeps! <3

Snag......my sciatic nerve has been giving me fits lately and I've been told not to run at all until my back is straightened out.  I find out later not only do I have degeneration, but also a herniated disc, a bulging disc, stenosis and arthritis.  I decided that I would walk it; it's a great cause and....

As an added bonus, I have guilted M, B, and H to run with me as a Mother's Day gift.  I must be the HAPPIEST MOMMY on the earth this day because I cannot imagine being more proud of my family! We woke up early, drove to NSB and got signed up.   These girls were doing a jam up job running the registration and packet pickup early this morning! The only negative is that the city never came to open the bathrooms that were there, so we had to cross the road and borrow the one at 7-eleven, which wasn't so bad.   The awesome things that Holly and Sueann had at this race (besides the perfect location!) was a great photographer,  a water stop at 1/3 and 2/3 the way, and lots and lots of door prizes at the end of the race - H won a poster of the race logo and I won a free year of Road ID!

The race itself was great!   There was an official race clock, but no chip timing, which was completely fine because it was a small manageable (and laid back!) race!  The first mile was pretty slow, but then M & B started to jog a little....and I was raring to go as well.  But H...not so much!  She did good for almost a mile and then she sat in the sand and said she was quitting.   B offered to stay with her and M & I jogged on.  We actually jogged for the rest of the race, even though I wasn't suppose to! It just felt so good to me :)   It was so much fun!!!!

So, after we crossed the finish line, we were headed to the pavilion to get...something...next thing I know, people are yelling at me that B&H are crossing the finish line.   I missed it! But the photographer got a fantastic pic of them!  I am so proud of both of them.  I am proud of my boy for being patient with his sister and coaching her to the finish line. I am so proud of my girl for running her first 5K :)   I dont remember our exact times, I think that M & I had a time of about 36 minutes and B & H was around 38ish, I think.

It was such a wonderful day for me.  The fact that they woke up before the crack of dawn, and spent the morning doing something that wouldn't be listed on their top 10 things to do this morning, just warms my heart more than I can explain.

After the race, we hung out for a while while they were drawing the prizes and chatted with a few friends that I know from sparkpeople.com.   This is what the end of the race looked like.  

Iron Girl Half Marathon - Clearwater

RACE DATE: SUNDAY APRIL 10, 2011

This race is something that I signed up for on New Year's Day because it was only $35. Who can pass that up!!?! I thought at the very least I could drive over the morning of, to save me the cost of a room... Or Matt and I could make a weekend of it... Or I could find someone to split the cost of the room with me.

As luck would have it, Holly and Sueann split the room with me and Holly was kind enough to make all of the arrangements. On the day of the expo/packet pickup, I met them in downtown Clearwater where traffic sucked! The expo kind of lacked, in my opinion -- Holly and Sueann were able to get their Rock Tape applied, but other than that, there was limited amount of clothing (that i needed) which was surprising since the main sponsor was Athletica. It was hot and there was a small tent for juice samples on the far end of the park that we didnt know about... But if you were looking for a headband you were in luck. I wasnt. After getting a little sun and being a lot thirsty we left for the hotel.

We had our choice of 1st floor with a 'pool view' or 9th floor with no view. We chose the pool view. First, she told us the wrong room - our key didnt fit - then when we did get in our room, our 'pool view' ended up being a 'shrub view' with a pool behind the shrubs, then someone else was trying to break into out room because they gave them the wrong room number too... and then, there was an awesome wedding and party that lasted all night - on the first floor - right around the corner from our room :(

During the evening we went to have dinner with friends that I met of Holly and Sueann's. We had Italian and I had a very large calzone.  I only ate half of it and a salad.  Then Melissa and her daughter Katie came to hour hotel to hang out after dinner.  I was sooo sleepy, kind of a party pooper. 

Race Start

 We decided to walk to the race start when we found out that, even though this was a host hotel for the race, there was no tram/trolley providing transportation to and from the race.   The biggest issue was the large bridge between the hotel and the start/finish line.   It was a lovely walk over.  The morning temp/humidity was very nice.   We were all pretty pumped I think.   Here are a few picture of the race start and us hanging out pre-race.

 

Holly, Suezette, Me (CC) and Sueann

Everybody.

Our matching tattoos

  

Holly, Sueann, Suezette and me started together, and when Holly and Sueann walked for their first 4:1, Suezette and I pulled away. We ran the first 4-5 miles together. Suezette just got out of her air cast, so she needed to stop for an interval at that point, where I trudged on feeling fantastic. The bridges, neighborhoods, etc was beautiful. I haven't really been running like I should (but I have been working out) and I was just feeling spry and ready to GO! I did really well until around mile 7.5-8 where my toes started really screaming at me after the decline on the second bridge. It felt like I was slamming a car door on my foot with each step and by mile 9 I had shed my new Mizunos and was running the course barefoot. Somewhere between mile 12-13 my toes started bleeding and were hurting like hell but I knew there was only 1 mile left! I wasn't so bad off that I didn't pause at the top of the last bridge and take in the beautiful experience. That I am fit enough to run a half marathon, without training, and didn't quit even after I lost my shoes. I got a lil choked up but not too bad since people were looking at me and offering me their shoes. On the last mile I kept thinking the pain is temporary but the pride of finishing would last forever. And I did finish, in about the same time that I finished Disney in January. Honestly, it was harder to finish in January.

I felt very strong finishing the Iron Girl today!
I stood outside the shoot and waited on my girls to finish. 

I'm DONE!  With no shoes :)

Bib: 499 Age Group:

(

F35-39) Placement:

777/1635   Time:

2:25:49   Pace:

11:03

Our Journey to Donald - Disney Half Marathon 2011

I'm trying to figure out where to start. Last year, when Boyce said that he would like to do the Disney Half Marathon with me, I knew that it would touch my heart. I was so excited that we would be spending all of this time training together, I never really thought much about the race itself! And so now the time has come for the race.

I picked him up from school so that we could head over before Grandma, Grandpa, Matt and Hannah came so we could go to the Expo. It was packed but well organized. It took no time at all to get our registration completed and head over to pick up the tshirt & goodies from the expo. Wow, it was very busy in there! We ran right into Holly while buying new pouch with new drink containers to fit on it and a couple of cliff bars, and I made a sign to hold up for the marathoners on Sunday. I was hurried out by the impatient one though...in the most affectionate way :) Afterwards, we went to downtown Disney to meet up with my friend Bekka and her family, Sueann, Holly, and some other sparkies that I have never met before! I instantly made friends with Bekka's baby boy - He is SOOO SWEET!

After that we ate at Kona, at the hotel, it was DELICIOUS, I had a spicy tuna roll, 1/2 glass of wine, and asian noodles for dinner. I stuffed myself. Boyce had a steak and chicken wings.

I was so tired that we left before dessert was over to return to the rooms and get ready for bed. We were all tucked in and Boy was snoozing by 9:30. I never slept. I laid in bed until 2:50 without ever going to sleep. I could feel my heart racing - and thought - WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?!? Did I set my phone alarm right? Did I set the wake up call right? Should I set a third alarm? Why does the A/C sound like that? I wish the people [upstairs, downstairs, beside of us] would be quiet. OMG, the bathroom door squeaks so loud, does anybody else have to go, do it now so I can sleep! Matthew, are you awake? UGH... Time to get up. Boy is a goofball! Nerves? Excited? Tired and Delusional? Not sure...but he looked pretty ready to go!
So we get to the race, and my mind is in a good place - I'm ready to have FUN! I decided to skip anything for breakfast because those overnight jitters were still with me and I felt a little woosie. We caught the monorail at 3:30 and landed at Epcot around 3:40am. Bag check was quick and we ended up just standing around for ...a really long time! I went to the portapotty while we waited, twice. You know how important these pre-race stops are :) I was determined to NOT get stickers in my breeches!

Finally they opened the gate to let the wheelchair bikes pass, and then we headed toward the start line and our corrals. I was placed in corral B, but hung back with Boy in Corral H. While we waited my sciatic nerve problem started up (it hurts most when I stand still - which I did - for what seemed like forever!) I ended up taking an Ibuprofen. 10 minutes later I was throwing up (as inconspicuously as possible) on the side of the road! My boy felt so bad for me that he didn't want me to start the race. But I knew I would be fine as soon as I got started! In-between stomach spasms, my mind was still wanting to have fun because I really was pumped and wanted to have a good time! the DJ was awesome and the energy out there was unbelievable. I took a little video, but Boy was being a punk so I didn't get much!


Next thing you know, they are counting down and fireworks are going off... But we were so far back, that we got to watch fireworks go off 4 times (Corrals A-D) and wait for nearly an hour before our corral actually made it to the start line! In the meantime, Boy and I discussed our strategy. I told him to run his own pace or run with me. It didn't matter. He was concerned about running out of steam, so we decided to walk through the water stops and run between. I knew there was a water stop around every mile. He said it, but it was actually ME worried about running out of steam as he had already left me before mile 1!

He had already weaved his way threw people and out of my site. I looked for him for the whole race. Before I knew it, we were crossing the first 5K mark. Pretty sure I was shedding my jacket around this time. I didn't realize where I was at and missed the family cheering section around mile 4. They missed me and boy too.

I had a great time coming threw magic kingdom, mostly thought back to last year and wished Jeanine was there to take pictures with. This time, I had to depend on the photographer and hope he did a good job because I was NOT waiting in the long line at the bottom of the bridge. I was feeling pretty darn fantastic at this point! Only later would I realize I felt so good because I was jogging a 12 minute mile ;) Boy is in this crowd, can you find him?

Around miles 8-10, I saw the peeps (I had to scream at them to see me again! haha), there was an awesome singer belting out Sweet Caroline which got everybody on the course singing! LOL, and Chip N Dale came out (*my favs*) right as I was passing with NO LINE! Yippie!

There were some cool bands and DJs playing. Popular songs for the race seemed to be Boom Boom Pow (Black Eyed Peas), Firework (Katy Perry), and from Disney the Winnie the Pooh song and Its a Small World. There was cool stuff all along the race course like people riding high wheel bicycles, the epcot hot air balloons, stilt walkers, of course many characters, and so much more.

Somewhere in here our support staff snapped a couple pictures of Boy in action. Apparently he was still zigzagging his way down the road! Mile 11 was the toughest for me, I just wanted to be done. I was somewhere between the last big resort passing and coming back into Epcot. Mile 12 was leading us back into Epcot so the crowd picked back up, one last water stop, then I saw Boy on his way back from the bridge to the World Showcase so I knew he was only minutes ahead of me! I cranked it up, hoping to slim the distance between us (I didn't realize I was this close to him!!) but it was too late to close the distance - I got to the finish as soon as I could but there was still a huge crowd of runners that I couldn't get past! I grabbed my mylar, medal, banana, mini cliff and water as I headed toward bag claim, trying to find him! Did I mention how many people were there?!? I couldn't find him! I laid down on my blanket, ate my first food of the day, stretched, text'd the fam. Finally found him and we agree to leave immediately, we were whipped! On the bus ride I started feeling sick. I contemplated running to the front and making them let me off but I managed to make it all the way to the front steps of our hotel before throwing up all over myself and the beautiful landscaping :-( I was so thankful that nobody acted like the saw me sitting on the ground while Boy ran in to get paper towels to clean me off!
We had a breakfast reservation shortly after I thought we would return (I did good with the estimation!!) so I showered and we headed out to that, not caring what I looked like. However, we were all dressed in our Half Shirts, so I wanted to share it with you. Aren't we CUTE!?!

Just so I don't end this on a negative note, because I really did have an awesome time on the course and felt the best WHILE I was running! And after my non-breakfast, we took a 3.5 hr nap and I woke up feeling FANTASTIC! We had a wonderful rest-of-the-weekend enjoying Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Boy teetered between "I'm never doing that again!" to "Next time...." hahaha ;) He's already planning to start training again!


Final Results

47420 BOY- 14M MEN 14 THOUGH 17 /45.2% 2:25:05

26377 CC- 36F WOMEN 35 THROUGH 39 /45.2% 2:28:11

Space Coast Classic 15K

Boy & I are in the initial stages of training for the Disney World half marathon. We ran 6.5 for our long run last week, which was, by far!, my longest run since the Melbourne and Beaches Half back in February. So what was I thinking when I asked Jeanine if she wanted to sign up for this 15K (that is a little more than 9.3 miles). After it occurred to me that I actually WASNT THINKING at all, I decided that at the very least, I would try to make it 7, and walk when I had to. I laid out my stuff, dressed in my capris and sports bra, and then went to bed relatively early last night and fell right to sleep. Then after my sweet husband came to bed and woke me up, I slept bad! I was paranoid (as usual) that I would oversleep so I started waking up about every 45 minutes or so.

I did wake up on time, grabbed my stuff, and took my pb&j toast with me in the car. I did not have coffee this morning. Of course, today would be the day the temp dips into record breaking temperatures! It was around 45 degrees at the beginning of the race with a 20 mph wind. I was cold until the sun came up but then I was pretty comfortable with sports bra, short sleeve T, capris and my running jacket. My toes were freezing from walking thru the wet grass. They also started to warm up, but my left foot didnt feel "right" the whole run - I wore the mizunos and as much as I love them, they are just too tight on my forefoot. Other than that, those 9.3 miles felt GOOD!! Jeanine and I ran together and was able to pace ourselves so we RAN the entire way! WHOOT! Go Us! Not everyone can say they can up and run a 15K without training for it :D

I figured out how to see splits on CardioTrainer! I <3 it again! You can tell I was running conservative until I figured out I was actually going to make it the entire distance :)

1: 11:04
2: 10:49
3: 10:52
4: 10:31
5: 10:38
6: 10:51
7: 10:40
8: 10:24
9: 10:09

Unofficial Total: 9.33 mi in 1:39:14

Melbourne Music & Beaches Half Marathon

The last night shuttle launch was scheduled for this morning at 4:39. I got up at 4:15 so I could turn on the local news channel to watch the info from NASA. There was a 30% chance of liftoff, and it was eventually postponed until tomorrow. I was so happy that we didn't leave even earlier to drive to the beach to watch liftoff; as it was, a 5:15 pickup was PLENTY early for me! :)

I was feeling pretty good today. I changed some stuff up: I did not drink coffee this morning before the race, I did drink water, and I had a power drink for breakfast instead of my typical bagel, pb, or banana. I had zero stomach issues - so I am so happy!!!! :D

It was chilly this morning. The temp was less than 40 degrees at the 7am start with the wind chill. This doesn't make me happy. I like being warm. But I had on my beanie, my gloves, a sweatshirt, jacket, short-sleeve and tank on so it wasn't all that uncomfortable. We hit the pottys twice and I hit the bushes once before the start. I have to say, the only thing not organized a this race is the potty lines - there are plenty of potties, but they sit in a horseshoe shape at the race start and the line(s) was crazy, so i skipped it. Then we went to line up and there was my wonderful hubby - he DID make it! We stood with him for the anthem and then we were off! I knew it would be a good race :)

The first 3 miles were riverfront on US-1. US-1 is my FAVORITE part of Melbourne! It is right on the water with a lovely view of the causeway. I was looking for my hubby and his dad to hand off my things. There were several side streets we ran through, a neighborhood with the houses right on the water. It was lovely, I was feeling good but a little WARM at this point, so I was shedding layers. The first causeway was GREAT! I thought it was easy (mile 5). I turned on my music at this point. The hubster was at mile 6 to take my things and cheer me on! WhooHoo! Still going strong! Miles 7-11 was down Riverside, through the waterfront neighborhoods. I was slowing at each water station to take whatever they were handing out, but we ran the rest of the way. I thought there was a good bit of support out on the course.

The end of mile 11-mile 12 was the second causeway. I was remembering that last year we walked a good portion of these miles but today we ran them. I had made myself a deal that I only had to run to the top of the causeway (there was about a mile left after that), so I told Jeanine to go head. She took right off, but I got a drink and saw my sweet hubby and his dad sitting in traffic. I yelled, WOW I am moving faster than you. And being there was just less than a mile left, I was guessing the would NOT be at the finish line when we came through. I spent the rest of the mile unsuccessfully trying to catch up with Jeanine since I never needed to stop and walk it out. My last mile was definitely my fastest mile, we kicked it in and finished strong!

I was a little bummed when I saw that even though we ran the whole way, and I took ZERO potty breaks, I was still 2 mins slower than my last 2, and over 1 min slower than my worst (making this my new Personal Worst), but considering I have not ran over 5 miles since Disney a month ago, and I had lost so much of my speed while training for that, I am happy with a strong finish no matter what the time is. I feel great - and that's all that really matters :)

I just want to add that the finishers medals for this race are B-E-A-U-TEE-F-U-L

Pace: 10:31, 2:17:46

Disney Marathon 2010 - My First Marathon

Marathon weekend started for me on Thursday when Matt & I took the dogs to their home-away-from-home and headed for our cabin in Fort Wilderness, Disney. Ma & Pop C came to stay w/ the kids Thursday night.

Once we got to the cabin, we hopped a bus to Hollywood Studios to hop a bus to the Expo. The first thing we did at the expo was bib & packet pickup. Bib pick-up was in the Milk House and even though it was packed, Disney was incredibly efficient with passing out the goodies and getting the Dtags tested. Next stop: the sports cafe. a two story (auditorium style) room with TONS of booths and goodies to buy! I left on Thursday with the limited edition 2010 Disney Marathon pin, and a pair of sunglasses.

Friday the grandparents and kids came to meet us. We had a great time at Magic Kingdom. There were almost no lines (as not many people had the desire to freeze their @$&#$ off) so we were able to make it through all of the rides we were interested in fairly quickly. SueAnn & Holly were going to the Expo so I decided to go back and try to meet up with them and grab some more clothes, since the weather channel was predicting lower and lower temps as time went by...by this time the possibility of SNOW was predicted!!

We had THE WORST LUCK with transportation going anywhere besides the race :P Here is a photo of us on the first leg of the trip. I was still smiling. We missed Holly & SueAnn.... it also made us miss our first, and delayed reservations. However, after 5 buses and 2 boats to and from the expo, we FINALLY made it to EPCOT to eat Moroccan. It was delish, but I couldn't eat hardly any of my entree after the appetizer we split and the thought of dessert made me ill. Here is a photo we got, its not great but I really wanted a picture of the tree and it was freezing so one shot is all I gave.

On Saturday, we had a princess breakfast at Akershus Banquet Hall in Norway , road a few rides while we were at Epcot, headed over to Hollywood studios to ride the Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller coaster, then raced to Downtown Disney for Dinner at Planet Hollywood . It was loud and packed and crazy. NOT my kind of place. I had 1 shrimp and about 1/3 of the spinach dip appetizer, and could NOT eat my spaghetti. There again, just not hungry and started feeling sick.

The night before the race, me, Matt, Boy & Han, and my mother-in-law and father-in-law stayed in the cabin. Matt & I had the main cabin, so I could get ready (buses ran between 3-4am). Neither Matt or I could sleep at all. I laid there wishing the clock would just hurry up already. The morning of the race I got up feeling sick. Actually, I was gagging (dry heaving) and couldn't eat or drink anything pre-race. It was 26 degrees with a 17 degree wind chill factor. I layered up, and packed a clif bar in case I started feeling like I could swallow it, filled out my medical info on the back of my bib, attached my d-tag and all of the other stuff I was suppose to do the night before. Then Matt drove me to the main bus stop area so I could be ontime and have a little less time waiting in the cold (He is a dream!!)

**I do want to add here that I realize people run in weather worse than this all of the time, but I dont. I wasn't used to the cold, nor equipped for freezing temps. I dont even have adequate long pants, jackets, etc for wicking, heating, etc. So it was trashbags and disposable clothing keeping me warm today** Here is the outer layer that I had on...The one that me and my boy picked up at the Expo Friday night and decorated in the Sharpie support area of the expo...

I ended up giving my Clif Bar (breakfast) to the guy riding on the bus with me. He was doing the Goofy challenge and was giving me pointers on bag check and where the potties with the short lines are. I met up with Jeanine at the fork in the road by the corrals. Did I mention it was so cold??

We lined up for the portalets, but we ended up jumping in the bushes because it was time to go! I ended up getting stickers in my drawers! :( HAHA! We picked the stickers out, hopped the fence and ran up the side of the road trying to get to our corral D...but we could only get to corral E. That is where we started.... Me feeling like death and Jeanine all spry and sassy! :) The characters came on stage to introduce the beginning of the race and fireworks went off...it was gorgeous!

The first few miles were crowded and I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it, Jeanine was worried about me because I was so pale, I just knew I was going to throw up! I was sweating and freezing; couldnt decide to keep the trash bag on or remove it b/c once its off, I might get really cold. The course was flat and the route left Epcot behind. We ran down the highway toward Magic Kingdom, and through MK where I stopped at the park restroom. I removed my gloves and my outer layer of pants, used the bathroom and was on my way...except I forgot my Brooks running gloves, so I battled the crowded bathroom to check the sink and stall and they were already gone. I picked up some discarded gloves because my fingers were freezing, but they were sweaty and wet making my fingers even colder so I tossed them and tucked my hands into my jacket. The park run was pretty neat b/c the rides were running even though nobody was on them at 7am. It was just starting to be daylight and people were already lining the entrance to cheer the runners on! This was the beginning of the first spectator spot. We ran through future world, frontierland, through Cinderella palace which was especially awesome and started to pick up my mood a little. Maybe it was really the powerade 1 oz at a time but I started to enjoy all of the wonderful things that were on the sidelines! Jeanine forced me to take a photo at the Castle (thanks girl!!! I LOVE this!!!)

As we past the Polynesian Resort & the golf courses I spotted Pop, Grandma C, Matt, Boy and Han...I yelled and yelled at them, but they didn't see me so I ran into the crowd and got kisses :) That is where I lost Jeanine! YAY! I had been telling her to go on! I was on a really slow walk/run pace and she was on fire - I really wanted her to run a strong race and feel like she did her best! So from mile 12.5 or so I was on my own. Seeing the kids out there supporting their mommy, helped me press on! It was so heartwarming, and I wanted them to be proud of me - I knew I'd see them againg, waiting on me at the FINISH LINE!

We ran on to Animal Kingdom, I really enjoyed this part, but I didn't bring the disposable so I didn't stop for photos...it was too cold to stop anyway. I was still stopping at every water station, taking a powerade and a water cup - which - btw - was frozen in the cups and on the streets!! There was ice all over the trashcans and roads making it very slippery! Eventually they got salt to the aid stations to spread on the ground that helped a little. The course continued out-and-back to the Wide World of Sports, but we never actually made it there. All along the streets there were DJs that were EXCELLENT! They were funny and encouraging, and played the most awesome music! Which I needed because my back and hips were seizing up and I was starting to have to stop and stretch. The runners really started encouraging each other during this time. I can't tell you how many people ran up beside of me and said "Run CC Run!!" (see the back of my jacket - it works!!)

I texted Matt at mile 21 and 22 between WWS and Hollywood Studios. That seemed to be THE WORST. It was such a lonnng way to travel with nothing but roads and DJs since Animal Kingdom. But... I made it to Hollywood Studios and ran all the way through that park! Feeling a little stronger now, maybe thanks to the two mostly frozen bananas they handed out! Onward, past the Swan resort, which was BEAUTIFUL and had a tremendous turnout! People were lining the sidewalk - in that wretched freezing weather - with their hands up for high fives, shouting encouragement, dancing and just bringing so much energy which I definitely needed! Then.... THEN!!!...

We entered Epcot for our victory lap around the world showcase to the finish line! It was CRAZY full!! So many people bundled up to support ALL of the runners (not just "their" runner!) It was a fantastic journey and as slow as my race was, I did run through the final two miles around Epcot on to the finishline, where there was, once again, music blaring, big screens displaying the finishline. When I came through, "What A Feeling" (Flashdance) was blaring! I'm not a crier, but I did tear up a little because What A Feeling that was indeed!!! I was looking for my people in the crowd and didn't even see my time. I dont even know if I looked at the photographers.... All I remember is being so proud and wanting to share that moment with the family and after that find Jeanine and see how well she did! I got my mylar blanket and metal and pulled the phone out to call Matt! Only to see that my wonderful friends had been tracking my progress and had already starting sending congrats to me!!! You guys are the BEST!!! Thank you!!

I bypassed all the snacks & drinks heading straight for baggage pickup because I was soaked and freezing and they were all waiting on the other side with all my goodies already! Here's a few photo Jeanine sent me from her camera :)

Jeanine finished in 5:01 - she could have easily done a 4:30 had she not babysat me the first 12+ miles. I am SOOO proud of her!! We did it girlie!! All those miles....and here we are on the other side! THANK YOU for pushing me through this, I dont think I would have seen it through without you!

My family was so supportive, my mother-in-law carried my bags, my boy and girl held all of my sweaty belts and took pictures of me and the characters that were in the family reunion area (most of them are on the disposable from the goodie bag and still have to be developed)

My wonderful husband, my rock, kept it all together for me, packed us up and checked us out, moved the children all of the place in the freezing weather, held the fort down every Saturday for MONTHS....all to make sure I had all of the support that I needed to complete my goal. This was quite an experience. One that I will never ever forget!

7846

CHANDRA

CLAYCOMB

PALM BAY

FL

WOMEN -- 35 THROUGH 39

35

F

5:33:49

5:45:55

10804

4434

876

41.2%

Christmas on the Coosa 5K

I was in Alabama for work this week, so I had every intension of running the Christmas on the Coosa 12K on Saturday. I have been planning it since October and I know that I can run that distance....but when I woke up on Saturday morning, not yet registered, and it was raining in addition to being around 35 degrees.... I decided to downgrade to the 5K. (I wouldn't have went AT ALL except I had talked other people into registering already!)

As you can see, I dressed pretty warmly - but not as warm as I would have liked to have been! Thank goodness they were giving the beanie hats for the race instead of a tshirt :) I started off dry enough, but it started raining right before the race started and rained the entire run. I managed to keep out of the puddles until the middle of the 2nd mile and then I got really wet - my pants were sloshing around... GRRR.

I finished the race in 26:46 according to my Garmin. Its been a LONG time since I was in a race that wasn't chip timed! But my buddy Dwayne mentioned that I might have placed but it'll take forever for the Trail of Legends to post the results. I'll update when I know more :)

Space Coast Half Marathon

This week was madness. We worked on Monday. Drove to Bama on Tuesday (it took us a long time, but it was a nice trip) visited before a late bedtime. Worked on Wednesday for a while, ran some errands, and did some 'pre-cooking' Wednesday night, Kiki and Kara came late - full house at this point... Thursday was hectic for me since mom couldn't cook or clean up the kitchen and I was stuffed and tired, EVERYONE stayed Thursday night and some crazy people even went out shopping at midnight - I opted to try to get some sleep in preparation for the weekend since I was WAY behind in that department. Friday we visited, ate more really bad stuff, watched the iron bowl, packed, and drove half-way back stopping for sleep in Tallahassee...Saturday we got home, went to the expo, went to the grocery store, cooked dinner, and was in bed at a reasonable 9pm.

I slept so horribly last night, that I woke to the sound of Jack (my little rat terrier) peeing on my luggage at 2:30am! UGH. I just went ahead and got up at that point. I was wide awake, and I would have to leave in 90 minutes to start the pickups anyway. I ate a Clif bar early, thinking it might help me go...moved around.... got dressed, watched dvr'd Days...still nothing...but still feeling really good and alert....I triple checked my bag and set off to pick up Brian and then Jeanine.

It was a nice trip and didn't take as long as we thought, we arrived at 4:56. I have never been to Cocoa Village before. Its very cute!! There was plenty of portalets (short lines), the weather was chilly but really it was perfect. We met up with SueAnn and Holly outside the bathrooms and found Magda later (via phone messages) by the park. We had left our cold weather clothes on so after scoping things out, we went back to the car to put our stuff up - and about got lost trying to find the right parking lot! :)

One more last minute potty break and we lined up with the 10:00 pace. The 'start' was pretty awesome, they had a big screen at the front with the shuttle lift off :) Very cool!! At mile 3 / 10 there were martians handing out drinks - that was pretty funny! The half course was very well done, a pretty good amount of spectator support, BEAUTIFUL scenary - we were literally right beside of the lagoon, water stations and gatoraide drinks at about every mile (I believe?!) and gels at mile 8. I only had a drink at mile 5, thanks to my handy fuel belt. :)

With the news that Magda was coming down to run, and that the first half of the marathon would be ran with the half, I felt confident that I would PR today. I knew that as long as I stuck with her, that I would not back off, I would not slow down, I would not walk. I felt strong - and after the nearly 19 mile race I just did 2 weeks ago, I was confident that I could do this!

Magda was a most excellent pace keeper and I got a summary of each mile. She was so fantastic to run with - I was huffing and sweating by mile 2 and she didn't even look like she was moving. I'm like - how does she do that?!?! We were moving faster than my 9:50 pace and I was feeling good...until we got to mile four and then - THEN - I had to go... UGHHHH. I hate this! So at mile 5 potties, I had to tell her goodbye and WAIT IN LINE for what seemed like forever.

The turn around was around mile 6.5. As I approached I saw Magda pass first, then Jeanine!! She was rockin! I tried for the next 6.5 to catch up with her, but I couldn't even see her ahead of me after the fold. I felt really great until mile 9 - I mean really great! I thought for sure that I would PR this time. But alas, I ran out of steam around mile 11 and had to eat a Gel and walk it out. I did pick it back up to finish strong, but the walking and the waiting at the bathroom stop really put me behind.

Its ok though, I knew it was better than my last two, and not as good as my first one. How could it? I was in MUCH better shape then - and 10 lbs lighter. Plus, until Magda showed up, I had no inclinations of PRing today anyway, it was just a fun training run. And I did have fun! It was amazing to watch Magda finish the 4/6 combo to get her 3 gold stars from Marathon Maniacs! It was amazing to watch Holly, SueAnn, Suzette, and Brian finish their first half!!!! YAY!!!!!! It was completely awesome to see Jeanine's face when she realized that she totally beat me by several minutes! :D

I am sooo lucky to have been surrounded by these awesome friends today! I had so much fun hanging out after the race ended and waiting to see Magda come in - this was the first time I have hung around for the post-race activities. I am so proud of all of my friends and so happy that we all finished the race strong and uninjured.

In the above photo: Holly, SueAnn, me, Jeanine, Brian, Magda

61   747  1121 Chandra Claycomb         35 Palm Bay             FL 2:14:03 10:14

36th Annual Paul DeBruyn Memorial 30K and 15K November 15, 2009

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Today's race report should actually start yesterday....  We spent the day knowing that we would go to bed early. So we had plenty of carbs and fat at the Chinese buffet and everything was going as planned.  We were finished with our pizza dinner early and in bed by 7:30 as planned so that I could get as close to 7 hrs as possible.    Well, apparently I was acting 'weird' yesterday and my husband asked whats wrong, thus opening the faucet of tears that was just waiting for their monthly release.   I finally got to sleep around 10:30-11, I think, I refused to look at the clock.  Down to 4 hrs now....then i woke up at 2:30, rather than 3am.... so 3.5-4 hrs of sleep.  This did NOT keep me from bounding out of bed feeling like I got a whole night's rest. 

I warmed up yesterday's coffee like I always do and started getting ready when my husband go up too. (Did I mention after he turned on the faucet, he fell asleep!?! LOL...so he was well rested).  Jeanine showed up right on time and we chatted as we always do for the 90+ minute drive to New Smyrna.  She was coughing and said she had been taking alka-selzer but she was chipper enough. The restaurant was already hoppin' at 5am, but since Holly had picked up our bib's, we waited for Holly and SueAnn to get there to get our chips & shirts.  THAT made the hour go by really quick. 

We lined up in the dark street seconds before the sirens went off! This was the smallest race group that I have ever been part of. I could have sworn that we started off in the back, and ended in the back, but somewhere along the way (had to have been the first mile or two) we apparently passed a few people.  We held our place within sight distance of the person in front of us as we winded our way through neighborhoods.  The first port-o-let was sighted at mi 4.5. Jeanine never requests a turn, so I passed it up and carried on alone through mi 7.5 where I found the next potty, Jeanine caught up with me,  and we ran in together.  

Now when I say, 'run in'  - we actually had to pass the finish line for the second half out and back.  I would like to say this was the worst part of the run, but since I had already started slapping my seizing up thighs,  the last 9 miles were MISERABLE. I was running at a slightly faster pace than Jeanine, but she was right behind me.  

Luckily the last half was much more scenic than the first half.  Somewhere around mile 11 or 12 was a beautiful natural park to run through. Miles 14-16 were actually on the boardwalk that went out to the ocean, fabulous views of the beach and the lighthouse on the inlet...I mean it was really gorgeous! I stopped to take a couple of photos! :)  I looked behind me to find Jeanine, but apparently she was having as much trouble as I was because I did not see her.  Onward, right?!  UGH, by the time I got off the boardwalk I was sure I was not going to be able to run anymore. I was back on the street and shale rock ground (sand, basically) and I was seriously ready to throw in the towel.  I thought about calling my sweet husband. He always knows the perfect thing to say to me to pull me through everything. But I didn't want to look like a whiny baby, so I didn't call. And I trudged/limped on, slapping my thighs, walking through water stations, wondering if the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel was the finish line or heaven, because I felt as though my legs would fall off and I would die. 

I was honestly counting down the last mile by the HUNDREDTH.  I passed SueAnn and Holly who were cheering me on and taking pictures that I absolutely could not pose for...but seeing their smiling faces and having them on my side gave me just enough to make it the other .25 mi.  I didn't die, but for the first time ever, when I saw the finish line, I couldn't give it anymore then I already was.  The Garmin read 3:14:45 in 18.86 mi.   

Jeanine was there at the finish line waiting for me.  She was in bad shape and didn't get to finish.  We met up with S&H and limped to the truck where she let me borrow the stick, and then we just came home.  

I would love to be positive right now, but honestly, that was the most torture I have ever endured.  I'm glad its over... I'm glad I had an organized pre-marathon distance event to 'practice' as it was necessary to get a glimpse of what I am facing in a real race...but at the same time I'm glad that the rest of my distance training runs will have my regular stop intervals :D

    6    51   211 Chandra Claycomb         35 Palm Bay               FL 3:16:59 10:35