Race for the Roses

OK, so I might have cried when I crossed the finish line!

I got to my sister Anna's at 530 am (yep, that early) she and Erica were running the 10K. We then picked up Brian in Tigard and made our way to the Convention Center in Portland.

Picked up our packets (bags really) with t-shirt, bib, chip and goodies. (BTW, this is all new to me and I am dazed and confused not to mention anxious and just a wee bit scared). Got it all together, Anna and Erica headed off to their run and I locatde Hayley and Melissa. The four of us headed out and up the stairs to the start line.

There were a lot of people! I was a bit mesmorized...people watching! Runners of all shapes and sizes were everywhere. There was so much to look at plus the fact I was trying to just take it all in for the first time AND get ready to run.

We chatted for a bit.
Waiting.
Butterflies attcked my gut.

We are off.

First mile? Feel great! Hayley and Brain flank me and I am feeling good. The run over the bridge is gorgeous and fun. I am in it!

Second mile? I slow down. I am poking along (and hindsight...should have pushed harder) but feeling good and still looking around.

Third mile? I feel slow and want to get in the groove but just can't, don't, whatever...but it does not happen. We head up the (VERY) steep onramp to the steel bridge and I am "slogging". Slow, slow, slow jog, but am still moving forward. I arrive at the top of the bridge and the downhill and very short way to the finish line.

At this point I am dragging my butt! Hayley is pushing me to pick up the pace and I tried. It was tough.

We round the corner and I see the finish line
.
Start the flood of tears.

Hayley snaps a picture of me vrossing the finish line.

It is over.

I did it.

Water, a rose (it is called Race FOR the roses, remember) and a few hugs...I am ready to go home!

Anna and Erica cross the finish line, we all get pictures, some snacks and head home.

At home I get a ton of hugs, proud-of-you and lots of good-jobs! My family is amazing.

Just to let how awesome my hiusband is...after a hot shower he let me take a nap! (My baby too ended up napping with me).

Sweet, sweet way to end a great morning and start the day!

Now what? Well sign for another 5K of course!