Spectator Sunday

I have been secretly toying with the idea of running the A1A Marathon, which was this morning. I was one click away from registering on Wednesday night. I am SO glad that I didn't. Although I have been feeling really rested and yearning for a race... I definitely made the right decision not to run.

Since I had a really low key weekend I got up early and went to watch the some of the race as a spectator this morning. For some reason I thought it would be fun to get some Starbucks, bundle up and cheer on the runners. It was in the 40's this morning and with the sea breeze it was down right freezing.

I found a spot in the sun and watched for about 30 minutes. I wanted to see the 1st place marathoner go by which I did on the walk back to my car. What a great feeling it must be to have a police escort to the finish line. I guess I better start my blood doping regimen soon if I ever want to have a police escort. I will keep you all updated on my progress. There are 3 years until the summer Olympic trials right?

Although I was a little jealous of the runners I opted to run on the treadmill this morning and spend the afternoon bundled up on the couch...with a big glass of Cabernet! Who needs hot chocolate?

7 Mile Bridge Run- 2nd Attempt

Registration for the 7 Mile Bridge Run was this morning at 6am. I set 2 laptops up last night so we would be ready this morningI. I had been up for an hour already and Ryan reluctantly got up a little early so he could register. These are the type of things that give me anxiety! Both computers had the website up by 5:55am, and Ryan and I anxiously waited for the clock to turn to 6am. Once it did we both went through the sign up process on our laptops. The website was pretty slow since there were thousands of people trying to sign up. The limit the number of runners to 1,500.

I was only a few seconds ahead of Ryan in the registration process….but he was a few seconds too late. I got in and he didn’t! I am not sure if he was upset that he didn’t get in the race or because he had to get up early. Although I am sad that we won’t be able to run together it is a good thing that I am not the one that didn’t get in. I would have thrown a major temper tantrum. Our friends Nikki and Justin got in too, which is a good thing because we typically stay at their house when we go to the keys. Looks like Ryan will be on mimosa duty the morning of the race!

Work has been crazy the past two weeks, so my running has been very limited. Fingers crossed I will get to leave work on time tonight and I plan on doing a 7 mile run in honor of the 7 Mile Bridge Run registration day!

 

Race Pictures

Race pictures for your viewing pleasure....

After the Race

DOPE Sunglasses, yes I wore these the entire race. 

Ryan and his Vuvuzela. 

I look happy, but trust me I wasn't. 

Dylan with his vuvuzela, probably wondering why he was even there! 

Again...totally faking my happiness while crossing the finish line. 

ING Miami Marathon Race Recap

I had a Miami filled weekend, starting off with the Heat game on Friday night. I got to see Ray Allen up close and personal and witness the amazing 75K half court shot. It was one of the craziest things I have ever seen. 

Then on Saturday morning, Nikki, Boston and I took another trip down to Miami to pick up my race packet. We enjoyed Starbucks while observing all of the cazies that live in Miami. We stopped in a cheesy Miami tourist shop and picked up some pretty "Dope" sunglasses for me to wear at the race. Ryan had a bachelor party on Saturday night so I was able to relax and get to bed really early. Ryan rolled in around 3am, and I had to get up around 3:45am to get ready to go. Ugh.

Everything went smoothly getting to the race and pretty much through the first 10 miles. I felt good. I knew my pace was off, mostly because it was so crowded. Around the 13 mile point the half marathoners broke off the course which was nice, I had to do a lot less weaving around people once the course split. At the split I thought I would finish in about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Not a new PR, but I was OK with that. 

It was pretty much all down hill from there, and no I am not referring to the course. There were still 2 bridges on the 2nd half of the course. I felt like I couldn't stay hydrated. All I could think about was...where the next water station would be. 

I passed my fans at about mile 17. It was such a treat to see them and take a break for a few minutes. They even made signs! With the shadows you can't really read them, but the pink one refers to mimosas and was apparently quite popular with the other runners and spectators.

Mile 17 through the finish were really hard. I took a good amount of walking breaks and walked through every water station. I still can't believe that I let myself walk. It just was not my day. I ended up finishing in 4:40:27, which was pretty shocking. Although I should not be too disappointed, I met my goal of running 4 marathons in 4 months. Now....it is time for a little break! A much needed break!

I will post more pictures later....my "DOPE" sunglasses were by far the highlight of the race.