Crystal City 5K Fridays

Friday after work I met Megan at the commuter lot and we headed towards DC to run the Crystal City 5K.  Every Friday in April the local running store puts on a 5K run in Crystal City.  This was the first Crystal City 5K that I have done.  We parked and then started to look for some running club people.  We found Meagan, Sherry, Brad and Jen pretty quickly.  We didn't have long to wait until the race started.  We started and I was chatting with Brad a bit.  He hasn't been to run club in months and this was his first run back from calf issues.  As I was talking to him I saw the guy I love to stalk.  I don't normally stalk guys but this guy is just too cute not to stalk.  I see him at a lot of local 5K and 10K races.

This pic is from a few years ago. (I told you I stalk him!) How cute is he!  He usually wears read shorts and a red tank..so I call him Red Man.

Well I was talking to Brad and saw Red Man and told him about my love for him.  I want to be over 70 and still be running and winning my age group.  Brad joked about Red Man beating him in the 5K and I took off after him.  I didn't want to lose him in the crowd.

It was a nice night for a run.  I was worried that it was going to rain/thunderstom earlier in the day but it held off and was perfect for running.  As we were coming back I noticed that Red Man had just passed me.  (yes I get passed by 70 year old men! )  I knew there was a photographer just up ahead.  How cool would it be to get a picture with Red Man!!  Yeah those are the thoughts I have when I have stalked a man for the last couple of years.  I won't show up at your work or stalk you at your dry cleaners but when the opportunity for a photo together presents itself I will jump on it!  So I decided that I would keep pace with Red Man for a pic.  He went faster so did I.  He fell back a few steps I slowed down slightly.  I don't think he knew what evil I was up to, which was probably better for him that way.  We got to the photographer and snap snap.  I can't wait to see the pics! I hope he got both of us in the picture!  Yes I have problems, I accept that I just can't help myself! :)

Red Man finished just ahead of me.  I was fine with that.  All I wanted was a picture with my favorite runner anyway. :)  My night was complete!

We all met up afterwards at our run club sign and chatted.  We got some pictures and then headed to a local bar to collect our free beer for running the race.  Such a fun night!

Who wouldn't want a picture with super heroes?

Unknowingly we wore the same shirt to run in. 

rock n roll USA

Well yesterday I ran my first half of the year, Rock n' Roll USA.  It was perfect running weather for a half.  Overcast and 50's.  As the guy in front of me at the portapotties said before the race "This is PR weather."  Wish I could have, but it wasn't my day.

On the way to the metro at 5:30 in the morning 95N was down to one lane for road work!  What?!  Are you freakin' kidding me?  And the amount of cars on the road on a Saturday at 5:30 was crazy.  I was convinced that 75% were also heading to the race.  I finally got to the metro a bit after I originally thought I would but no big deal.  I then ended up waiting for what felt like forever for a very crowded metro train.  Finally we were on our way to the start.  I met a lady that lives very close to where I teach.  We had a great chat and I wished her luck on her race as we left the metro.  I quickly headed over to bag check.  Last year bag check was a mess.  School buses and runners checking bags do not mix.  This year it was UPS managing our bags.  I am pleased to say it went much better than last year, both checking and picking up my bags.

I had on cut off shamrock socks on my arms along with my horrible hot chocolate wind breaker that I have been trying to get rid of at a race for the last few years.  Well this wasn't the year to drop it off..I ended up checking it because the weather was not that cold.  I figured the socks on my arm will work until we start running.  Those socks didn't even make it to mile one, but they did help keep me warming waiting in my corral.

I then headed over to the long portapotty lines. I figured I had time because I was not in the elite corrals so it would be some time before my group made it to the start line.  I loved my portapotty line.  I was chatting to the girl behind me about races and the people in front were huge tri people.  They were talking about all of the places that they have ran Ironman's.  Love it!  I am secretly in awe of Ironman people.  They also were talking about all of the pro Ironman people they have seen and met.  Very interesting conversation to listen in on while waiting to use the bathroom.

I headed over to the start and had a bit more time to wait. We took off and I was having problems with my ipod.  I could get it to play four or five songs and then it would crap out on me.  Really?!  Ugh.  I thought when it did that last week I just didn't charge it enough, but I am going with it is time to purchase a new ipod shuffle.  I got it to play once more and then I gave up.  I didn't want to mess with it every five songs.  So I was now on to running and listening to all of the conversations happening around me.

I knew this was going to be a hard race.  I was feeling so tired.  Which shouldn't be the case because I felt like I got more sleep than normal Friday night.  Oh well.  Nothing to do when you are four miles into a run.  I just had to wish for the best and that meant that I was hoping not to hate life for most of the race.

We finally hit the horrible hill up Rock Creek Park.  Last year I remember having such a great run that this hill didn't really suck to bad.  This year it sucked big time!  I actually think that they made the hill BIGGER!  I'm convinced that it doubled in steepness and length!  :)  I made it up the hill and just kept plugging along one mile at a time.  I new I wasn't having a PR race.  I was trying to use the down hills to get back some time that I was losing on the uphills.

There were some great signs.  One girl had a sign that simply had the word Penis on it..not quite sure what was up with that one..but it did make me laugh a bit.  I also missed the damn juggler!  How could that be?  I feel like I always see him when we run the same race!

I enjoyed a shot of beer at a homemade aid station.  I figured if I am hating life I should embrace what the course has to offer.  Too bad I didn't stay on the other side of the course though..a few houses down they were offering margaritas...I would have enjoyed that a bit more. :)  During one section some college students were yelling out stuff to try and keep us moving and trying to give us reasons to keep running.  They started with "Run for the Children!" Then another "Run for Brunch"  And then they decided to put them together, "Run for the children so they can have brunch!"  Don't know why that just made me laugh.

My ten miles really was not that far off from my normal 10 mile time..maybe 4 minutes slower.  But then I just started walking more.  I tried to tell myself that it was just a runclub run away.  But my legs didn't really care.  I think they were just done.  I was done.  Those last three miles featured a lot of walking!  I mean a lot!  I finished.  It was a bit tough but I crossed the finish line.

I then ran into some half fanatics.  We chatted a bit and talked about upcoming races.  They were very nice.  Two of the girls were heading down to VA Beach to run the Shamrock half the next day. 

I then called Megan to see if we were all up for meeting for brunch.  Megan and Jen were working a water stop at a 4 mile race.  Looks like everyone was up for food.  I headed over to the metro to meet them.  The metro was packed.  Trying to get into the metro was crazy.

We stood around for awhile.  Then finally we moved a bit.  I finally made it on a train and a very nice guy offered me his seat.  So nice.  I was debating on just sitting on the floor, but figured that wouldn't be good if it was a packed train.  I told him that I loved him and kindly took his seat.  :)  Ah thank you stranger!

I basically changed on the train once it was less crowded and I had a seat to myself.  Socks and shoes off, compression sleeves and flip flops on.  Sweaty shirt off and dry hoodie on.  Face wipes to take off the salt from my face.  I was starting to feel a bit human again.

I made it to brunch.  French toast, eggs and bacon.  Yum!!

I think my main problem with this half marathon was that I did not run enough prior to race day.  Stupid winter!  My next half marathon is Pittsburgh half in May.  I have plenty of time to keep up my miles and have a great Pittsburgh race!

St. Patty's Day 8K and a new PR

Today was the St. Patty's Day 8K in DC.  It was also spring forward.  I thought I would get to sleep in a bit. Turns out I was wrong.  I woke up and dressed.  This time I did not forget anything at home.  Garmin..check, music..check...metro card..check.

I headed over on the metro.  As soon as I got out of the metro I couldn't believe how cold it was.  Weather.com said it was 47 but with the wind it was more like 35.  Yikes!  I was going to check my jacket but I thought it might be better to hold on to it.  I found Jen shortly after I got there.

I got to wear my sparkle skirt that I won last year!  It is perfect for a St. Patty's run!  We then ran into Megan and Sandy.  We also ran into Woodrow Wilson!  I love a great costume!  So of course we had to take our picture with him!

We all headed over to our places.  It seemed like forever until they started the race. 

As we were standing around waiting to run I was getting colder and colder.  So glad I still had my jacket!  I also had some cut off St. Patty's socks as arm warmers.  So if I needed to I could take off my jacket and tie it around my waist.  Turned out that is what I ended up doing.  My jacket barely made it to mile 1.  I felt pretty good for the first few miles.  My energy started to dwindle pretty quickly though.  I guess cereal for dinner is not proper race fuel.  Note to self for next weekend's half marathon.  As I approached mile 4 I overhead a woman tell her friend that we are really far from the start.  But it is ok, they have walked that far before..umm I think we have less than a mile to go.  Yeah I couldn't figure out how she figured out that we were really far from the start.  I guess her far and my far are two different things.

I finished and went to find everyone.  Jeff joined us!  We haven't seen Jeff is awhile.  So it was nice seeing him.  We then decided that we would head over to The Shake shack since we all got a free shake for running this race. Who could turn down a shake??  Not this girl!

We followed some runners over to The Shake Shack and were very sad.  Not only were we freezing from the wind.  But The Shake Shack wasn't going to open for another 20 minutes!  We decided that we would head over to Dunkin' Donuts and try to warm up.  Best hot chocolate ever!  We then headed back to the Shake Shack and a line out the door!  We were all hoping that people were going to give up on the shake and it would just be us.  

We finally made it inside and I got a yummy burger and shake..black and white of course.  Yum!  We were lucky to find a table to sit down and eat.  A great way to end a great race!

I got home to find out that I PR'd too!  I knocked off almost 5 minutes off of my last 8K.  

Reston 10 miler and That Damn Juggler!

Yesterday I ran the Reston 10 miler with Megan and Sandy.  It was a run that I really thought that was not going to happen.  Or maybe it was a run that was just one big mess.  I got my stuff ready the night before.  I took a shower so I could sleep in a bit and not have to worry about much.  Well I guess I didn't worry about much.  As I was driving to Megan's I realized I forgot my music.  Oh well that is not that big of a deal.  When I got to Megan's and was about to hop in her car I suddenly realized what else I forgot...my bib!  In all of my races that I have ran I have never forgotten my bib- ever.   Well I can't say that anymore.

We were off and we missed the exit for the race and then almost turned onto the wrong exit at the next one..yeah it wasn't looking like this was going to be a great race for me.  We got to the race and there was no parking at the high school so I jumped out of the car to find a bib while Megan went off to find parking.  Ugh..was this really how the day was going to go?  I headed into the high school thinking that the packet pick up would be there.  Nope.  I did find super long bathroom lines though.  Great!  Doesn't look like I will be able to use the bathroom before the race either.  I made my way down to the track to see about a bib.  Luckily the high school student was able to hook me up with a new bib after I filled out some paperwork.  Yes!  

Both of my bibs!

I then started running towards the start.  No time for the portapotty.  So I am running thinking I hate running before a race.  I don't want to be running to the race and then run a race!  But no way around it.  I ran into Sandy and she was nice enough to put my sunglasses in her car.  I normally would just run with my hand held water bottle, but I also took my phone so that I could find Megan.  So my hands were going to be  full as I ran.  I look down at my Garmin and shocker! It is frozen!  Yep that is the way my day is going.  Oh well.  Lets see how this race goes.  Not sure it could go much worse.   We found Megan and we were standing chatting when I saw HIM.  That damn juggler was at the race too!

Well of course the Damn Juggler would be here!  Why wouldn't he?  

Before the race Megan mentioned that there are probably no portapotties on course.  She ran the course a few months ago with the same group that was running this race.  Great!  I need to use the bathroom, the lines are long and there are no portapotties!  She did mention that there was a lovely 7-eleven around mile 3.  I filed that information under good to know and then we were off.  

The race was pretty hilly.  I haven't really been running much more than 4 miles so I didn't really know how today was going to go.  Based solely off of everything that happened prior to the race I would not be shocked if I was hating life during this race.  As we were running I had a great conversation about hatred for a certain Hot Chocolate Race.  It is amazing that the race was over two years ago, but when you see someone wearing that damn jacket a bunch of strangers start complaining about how horrible that freaking race was.  After chatting about how we all hated the Hot Chocolate Race I went off looking for somewhere to use the bathroom.  There were trees but not very thick.  Not stopping there.  I saw some sort of nature place, I checked to see if there was a bathroom..nope.  Soon I came up to the 7-eleven.  I saw a women head off course and I was right behind her.  The 7-eleven worker was super nice.  She unlocked the bathroom for both of us.  Bless you!  There was no way I as going to be able to run another 7 miles when I was dancing while waiting for the person in front of me.

The bathroom was not really out of order. 

While in the 7-eleven bathroom it was the perfect time to take off my long sleeve shirt under my short sleeved shirt.  It started in the upper thirties and later in the day it was supposed to hit the 60's!  Then Monday we are getting winter storm Titan and temps will be in the 20's.  Talk about crazy weather...anyway back to the race.  I was sweating like crazy so perfect time to take off the long sleeve.  Ah..so much better.  Now I didn't have to keep thinking about bathrooms and how hot I was.  It took maybe five minutes to head off course and boy was it worth it!  

As I said it was pretty hilly.  I did pretty good at running up the hills considering how much I hate hills.  I did walk some up the hills but I usually would run at least some.  I was feeling pretty good with my running.  

Mile 6 was a great mile!  I wish my Garmin was working because I would love to know my pace.  It was one of those miles that you just felt like you were flying!  Now the next mile not so much, but that is ok, every mile can not feel like you have sprouted wings!

I headed into the last mile thinking that I was feeling pretty good considering that I didn't really train.  I am so glad I ran this race because in a few weeks I have my first half marathon of 2014.  I headed towards the finish on the track.  I was thinking that we were going run the track, but no the finish was not that far from the track entrance.  I did a pretty good job of sprinting the last few.  Looking at my time if I didn't stop for the bathroom I would have PR'd!  What?!  But it was so hilly!  Yeah I woulds say it turned into a pretty good race!

I found Megan laying on the track stretching or sleeping..I am not sure which.  We also found Sandy.  We got some pictures and then headed out for some breakfast.

Next up:  A St. Patty's 8K next weekend.

VA Beach hates me and that damn juggler is back!

So last weekend I ran Rock n' Roll VA Beach.  Last year was my first time with this race and it kicked my butt!  This year was not much different, except it wasn't nearly as hot.  Don't get me wrong it was still hot and humid, just not as bad as last year.

I was running this with my friend Shawn.  We have decided that this horrible race will be our race to run together.  So we are already registered for next year.  Why did I say this could be our race?! Well I hope next year I kick this b#tches a$$!

I drove down on Saturday morning and headed over to Shawn and Kristi's to pick up Shawn and head to the expo.  Of course who should we run into at the expo?

Why Gary of course!  His teacher radar works well in VA Beach! lol  Doesn't matter what city we are in, or how many people are around, somehow Gary always shows up and can be found.  Or maybe it is Gary can always find me?  Who knows.  

Didn't buy anything at the expo.  You know you have gone to one too many expos when you do not buy anything more than some margarita shot blocks.  

Saturday night I headed to a concert with Kristi and some of her friends in Portsmouth.  The concert was the perfect price..free.  We saw Hank Williams Jr.  Since I spent nothing on this concert I didn't mind the fact that I only knew one or two songs.  It was lots of fun.

After the concert I dropped everyone off and Kristi and I headed home.  I knew I wasn't going to get much sleep since Shawn and I were leaving the house at 5:45, but I wasn't too worried because I don't sleep well the night before a race.  I am always worried that I am going to sleep through my alarm.  

I had no problem getting up, since it didn't feel like I really went to sleep.  Shawn forgot why he set his alarm so early and kept hitting snooze.  Fortunately he remembered and I didn't have to pound down his door to wake him up.  We headed out the door on time and found parking at the Arts Center.  Kristi was going to pick us up at the finish and drive us back to my car.  

We started out at 7 and it was starting to feel a bit warm and humid.  Not nearly as bad as the previous year.  By the first mile I was already sweating.  I was feeling pretty good.  I remember last year feeling horrible from the beginning on.  So hopefully this was going to be a better run since I was feeling better than last year.  I knew the Kristi and the girls were going to be hanging out at mile 6 cheering.  And rumor had it a treat may be there too.  We ran near the boardwalk and then headed over the bridge away from the boardwalk.  The great thing was I just ran most of this area a few weeks ago. Between running the race last year and running part of the course a few weeks ago I was not feeling lost on the course.  Not that you can truly be lost, I just like to feel like I know where and what is coming up on the course.  I headed towards where the girls were and Ali was the first to see me and yell "Aunt Pam!"  Love it!  I need them to be cheer me on every mile :)

They brought me a coke icee.  Yum!  The best drink on the course!  Ali didn't want me to touch her because I was gross and sweaty.  lol  Yeah I know Ali, I am gross and sweaty. It was great seeing everyone but I had to continue on with the race.  I was doing pretty well with my time.  Ah..thinking that is the kiss of death...

Mile 8 and I was starting to fall apart.  I was hot and hating life.  Ugh...here comes the walking/running.  At around mile eight there was a man with a tupperware bowl with ice.  Now normally I would not just dig my hands into a bowl of ice with a bunch of strangers, but hey runners don't care.  That was the best ice I have tasted in  awhile!  I rounded  the corner at mile ten looking forward to some lovely cold sponges..yeah they ran out..grrrr  Around 10 1/2 there was a homemade gatorade stand..a bit of blue gatorade coming up!  And one large ice cube.  I was taking anything and everything cold from the people on the course.  Then I turn and see him...the juggler..it took him 10 1/2 miles until he caught up with me.  For those of you who do not know I do not like the running juggler...

I feel like he is mocking all runners..look it is so easy I have to juggle while running.  Well he was there..but he was feeling the heat and humidity too.  He dropped a ball and I didn't think he was going to pick it up.  It looked like he was hating running and juggling.  He kicked it forward and finally bent down to pick it up.  He wasn't juggling as much either.  Look even the juggler was not enjoying the end of this race.

Right before the bridge there were some people handing out pop ice.  Yum!  Cold flavor-ice pops..how smart!  I was heading up the bridge when a woman told me that I was her hero since I was running with a fake leg.  Umm..it is real...just messed up from a car accident. lol  She made my day!  I headed for the finish and was not feeling great.  I was super hot and hating life.  They ran out of chocolate milk.  I just wanted to lay down and die..

I headed to the letter P to meet up with Shawn.  He wasn't there so I waited in the hot sun.  I was getting really hot and not feeling well.  I should have gone into the ocean, but I couldn't imagine being hot and wet.  I was already wet from every sprinkler.  I couldn't imagine being really wet with salt water and then sand..so I looked around for some shade.  Not much shade on the beach.  I really didn't feel well...did I mention that.  Finally Shawn shows up and I tell him I was debating going to the medic tent because I was so overheated.  Shawn convinced me to go.  They put some ice on the back of my neck.  They also gave me a new cold towel for my face.  Ah...heaven!

One of these days I will conquer VA Beach!  Not this year, but sometime I will come out a head of VA Beach.  Hopefully next year it is cool and  humidity free..who am I kidding..I just hope it is not 100 degrees and feeling like pea soup. :)  

Biggest Loser Half Marathon Erie, PA

Last week I headed back home to PA to visit my family.  It was unseasonably cool for August.  I had my half marathon in Erie on Saturday.  I brought my running clothes thinking I hope I run but I usually hate running at home.  Well I did get in a few miles on Wednesday.  That is a few miles more than I normally get in when visiting family.

Mom was coming to with me to cheer me on.  This would be her first race that she has seen me run.  Both her and my step-dad do not understand the running races thing.  My step-dad will often ask if I won or if people at my run club win.  Ummm..there is only one person who comes in first. And in the big races they usually are paid to run. I tried explaining the age group win, but I don't think they truly get it.  I also tried to explain the I am really running against my own time and myself.  They don't get it. I have come to the realization that it is ok that they don't get what I enjoy doing.  I was happy that Mom was coming to cheer me on.

When we got up to Erie on Friday we headed over to Presque Isle to look at the course and see where we would be parking.  I had flashbacks of the Hot Chocolate Race because there was only one way in and out.  Parking looked like it could be a problem too..so I knew we were getting up really early to make sure we didn't get stuck in traffic trying to get into the park.

The course looked really flat.  The weather for race morning looked cool but perfect running weather and the course was under trees for most of the way.  I don't think I could ask for more perfect running conditions.  

After checking out the course we headed over to the convention center for packet pick up.  We were standing in line to sign the waiver.  Yeah I have never had to do more than check the waiver box for races, but The Biggest Loser had us all sign another waiver..I hope I didn't just sign away an arm or a leg!!  While I was standing in line I told Mom to head on into the expo because Pam from the Biggest Loser was there and she could stand in line to have her picture taken with her.  Well when I got done with the waiver I found my giddy Mom.  She was like a kid at Christmas because she got her picture taken with Pam.  She was so excited that when Pam asked her what she was running she told her the half marathon.  Oh Mom!  I picked up the shirt and got my pic with Pam too.  

 Disclaimer:  Mom is not good with using the iphone..she makes most of the pictures very blurry.

After picking up my packet and getting our picture with Pam we headed back to find some food and the Casino.  We ended up grabbing some food at the casino and then played some slots.  I didn't eat my normal steak or hamburger pre-race meal.  Mom is not the most adventurous in finding food and didn't want to drive around to find something to eat since we were both starving. So casino buffet was it.  It was ok..I was starving so it was food.  We played the slots for a few hours.  I ended up walking away with thirty dollars more than I walked in with.  So that was fun!  That never happens to me..so I took that as a good sign the the run tomorrow was going to be great!

We headed back to the hotel and I got a shower and prepared for my early morning wake up call of 4:30.

I slept in my running clothes so it didn't take long to get ready in the morning and then we were off before 5 am.  We found parking with no problem and I am glad we came so early because when we took off running people were walking to the start from parking their car far away around the park.  We had front row parking!

The sun was coming up over Lake Erie

Waiting for the race to start

As I was waiting for the race to start I looked up and saw my high school friend Stacy's little sister and mom in the corral waiting too.  It was great seeing Trisha and Dottie.  I moved up and we chatted a bit.  They held the race start by at least 15 minutes trying to give some of the people who had to park a distance away to get to the start.

When we finally took off I was a bit nervous.  My training run from the week before was rough.  It just down right sucked.  I had the slowest ten mile run that I ever ran.  I had to walk a bunch because of the heat...it just sucked.  I was hoping that this race was not going to be a repeat.  We headed off around the loop of the park.  It was really quiet..not a lot of cheering.  Most people were at the start.  We did have these nice parents that were riding their bike along with us and would tell us what mile we were near as they cheered us on and waited for their daughter to run by. The Biggest Loser was great about water stops.  They had water at every mile.  I thought that was great since it was a summer race (normally not as cool as it was last weekend) and they are trying to encourage new runners who might be running or walking their first race.

I was having a pretty good run..up until mile ten.  Ugh..I was actually having a great run till mile ten.  I'm not sure what happened at mile ten.  I suddenly ran out of gas.  Oh if only I was running a ten mile race..it would have been great..but no it is a half and now I have no energy for the last three miles.  Ugh...I ran the first ten and walked most of the last three..what is wrong with that picture??  I am going to blame the previous nights dinner on my lack of gas in the tank.  I really do need protein before a run!

I rounded the corner and saw my mom and waved.  She waved back and then suddenly realized she could take a picture..well she is not the fastest with the iphone..so no picture from mom. :)  The Biggest Loser took some pictures as I was coming down the stretch but they are not up yet.

I didn't have my best time but I didn't have my worst time. If I would have ran that last three miles I might have been able to PR...oh well I guess I can always hope for a PR next race.  Mom said that she had a good time and would like to come to another race.  So that is good.  I was worried about her sitting there and getting bored.  She was shocked at the fact that the first guy finished in 1 hour and 15 mins or something like that..yeah there are some fast people out there.  I don't think she understand much more about running races or why I love race day, but she did see that it is a fun atmosphere where everyone supports everyone no matter the speed.  Maybe she will come to another race to cheer me on..we will see.

All in all I thought the Biggest Loser Half was pretty nice.  I wish there were more people cheering on the actual course, but who can argue with shade, cool and flat?

Marine Corps Historic Half

I always think that I will get to sleep in a bit when I have a race as close to me as the Historic Half.  I live maybe 20 mins away.  Well I guess I did get to sleep in for a total of 10 mins longer than if I was headed to a race in DC.

It was a very dreary morning.  The rain was supposed to hold off, but it was drizzling a bit, nothing too bad.  You could feel humidity in the air.  I was originally going to wear my new Half Fanatics visor that Megan got me, but with the lack of sun and the possibility of rain I put my Army ten miler hat on.  That way if it rains I won't look like a complete drowned rat.   I now realize that I may want to invest in a real hat..even though I hate wearing hats while running (really anytime I think I look stupid in hats.)

I headed to the race and parked at Walmart and then headed over to the start.  I noticed that people were lined up waiting for a bus..so I headed over thinking I could just catch the bus.  Thankfully someone was nice and saved me because it was the bus for the 5K and 10K which had a different start.  Disaster averted!

I wanted to meet up with the Half Fanatic Group for a picture before the race, but between the traffic and standing in line I didn't make it in time for the picture.  I checked my bag with little problems.  I was standing in the wrong line for my bag, but I had time to move over a line.  (seems like I am line challenged with this race!)

I headed to my spot to start the race and after Sean Astin and local weather man Chuck Bell spoke we were off.  I was sort of hoping that I would meet up with Chuck Bell to talk snow storms, but it just didn't happen.
It is amazing how much easier a race seems when you know what is coming up.  I wouldn't say this course was easy..it is nothing but hills and lord knows I do not like hills.  But it didn't seem as miserable since I knew when some hills were coming up and where I was on the course.

Look how happy I look here!  Yeah I know how to ham it up for the photos!  I think the thing that sticks out in my mind was the larger runner who was plugging along and his friend/coach was running ahead of him and encouraging him to keep going.  He kept yelling at the guy (in a friendly coach like way) to keep up a good stride!  Do you want Gatorade?  No?  Great then why are you slowing down!  I'm guessing that it was either his first half or he was trying to improve his speed.  I told him if he caught up to his friend he was allowed to beat him up!  He was tired because I didn't even get a chuckle for that one!  I also saw some guys that ironed on the phrase "Can I have your beer coupons?" to both the front and back of their shirts.  I saw them at the beginning and the end. I asked if they got a lot of tickets and they said that they could get me a few beers with no problem.  Too funny!  As they said, it wasn't their first rodeo!

After Hospital Hill (the dreaded mountain that lasts two miles!) I ran into my friend Susan from run club!  Always fun to run into someone you know!  We chatted a bit and she ended up passing me the last half mile.  The last bit always gets me. I am blaming that stupid non-stop hill that they put at the end of the race!  Who does that??

As always the race was well ran.  The Marines know what they are doing when they put on a race.  The weather wasn't too bad.  I have decided that this race was the last race with capris.  I felt a bit over dressed.  

After the race I tried to find Susan and her friend..no luck.  I tried to find Alanna and Mark (I met them last Historic Half) no luck.  I grabbed some beer and then sat down to see if I could see anyone I knew.  Turned out I didn't see anyone so I decided to head home.  When I made it home Alanna let me know that her and Mark were out celebrating his PR.  So I took a quick shower and headed down to meet them.  That is a great perk about living so close..I get to shower before heading out.  I am sure that the waitress enjoyed the fact that we didn't stink! :) 

Next up Hatfield and McCoy!  I have a feeling that will be a very warm race!

Dear DC

Dear DC,
I'm not sure if you are aware that there is a race happening on Saturday.  Thousands of people will be running your streets and admiring the beautiful views of the city.  Please be kind to those runners.

Today it is super windy.  People do not really enjoy running in the wind so please if you can blow all of your wind around today and take a break on Saturday you would make a lot of runners very happy.  Also I saw this weather report today...

Now the weathermen have been wrong more than they have been right this year.  Please let this be one of those times when they predicted incorrectly!  I do not want to run my first rain race!  I promise that the next time it is raining (but not torrential downpours..I'm not crazy) I will put my shoes on and run outside.  If you must rain on Saturday, please make it during the evening or even during the afternoon.  I do like the 57 degrees, thank you if that happens.  

Just in case I may bring an entire change of clothes for french toast after the race.  I know this may sound like I'm asking a lot..but please remember that I am not asking just for me, but thousand of other runners too!  

Sincerely,

Running Librarian