We were early. Too early.
We got all our stuff. Took pictures. Warmed up then went back and sat in the truck because it was cold and because we were too early.
Finally it was 15 minutes until race time.
We headed over to the start line.
There were people dressed in some awesome costumes and their dogs! Totally fun, totally upbeat and the sun was out shining brightly. I was nervous (stomach lurching and anxious). Lynn was awesome. She kept the (often one sided) conversation alive due to me huffing and puffing my way through the first mile. I just could not get my breath! I was too anxious and wound up. It really drove me crazy. Finally we reached mile marker 1 and I relaxed a bit. Upon reaching where I thought we were turning...I was feeling better then I looked up ahead and saw we were actually running further out and further out meant further away from the finish line! I knew I could do it, I was just dreading it in a way. Not sure why.
So we reached mile 2 and life was better. I was settling in a bit more and enjoying the scenery. We ended up running past all three of my college homes...well at least within 3-4 blocks of each. It was literally and figuratively a great run down memory lane.
I crossed the finish line a few minutes later than what I had hoped, but I ran the whole way and finished.
We headed to get some bagels, juice and water. Yummy!
As were were getting water two ladies told me they ran/walked the course and I was ahead of them the whole way. I was their pace marker and they said, "you were our inspiration". I was flabbergasted! Wow! They told me they were proud of me running the whole way and said that when they had to start walking and I was getting too far in front of them then they would start running again. Wow! Who knew...me an inspiration. That felt awesome! I then told them of the puppy St. Bernard that was in front of me and how it was my "pace dog". (Totally true by the way!)
All in all, a great run. I sure enjoyed running with Lynn. She makes it all look really easy. (As I kept telling here that all day!)
Here is the Jingle Bell in December!
