I look forward to this race every year and this year did NOT disappoint. When we lined up, I knew there would be some tough competition, but I was prepared for a fight. I finally quit smoking so that my lungs didn't hold me back - time to show 'em the guns! I took off like nobody's business and you'd almost say no one knew I was even around. There were a few people ahead of me at the turn around, but I caught Merri and the race was on! Merri and I were neck and neck all the way down the canyon with Lily just ahead. She didn't know how close we were because she was plugged into her ipod. Must have been some really inspirational tunes, she surged and was gone. In the last 100M to the finish I was able to out sprint Merri to the finish and crossed the mat before she did. Lily took home the Rooster, but she better watch out, because next year I'm stealing her playlist! ***okay, so I wasn't 2nd place, but it sure makes for a good story, eh?*** My sister bye-wing wasn't sure last night if she would come or not, but I was happy to see her text that she would meet me and we could carpool down. Even if I was running 10+ min late. She drove, because the plan was for her to run her 10K long run then bike up the canyon. Well, the best laid plans.... Got to the park just in time to say some hellos before we were off. I ran with bye-wing to the 10K turn around, but then she surprised me and said she wanted to do a couple more K...uh huh, the endurance running bug has bit! She made it to Vivian Park (bathrooms and water, good place to turn!) and when she saw she was so close to 5 decided to go to 5 and make it an even 10..MILES! If she was still feeling so good going uphill, I knew she'd be okay going down. I left her there to finish off my last 1.5 miles until the turn around. It was fun seeing all the other runners as they were heading down. I tried convincing them to do a few more to run with me, but no one bit. dang. Until poor Merri came along. She didn't know what she was in for! :) I went to the turn around and it was nice to finally be heading down the canyon. It was SO nice to have Merri there. I may have spontaneously combusted if I didn't have someone to whine at on the way back. I was also glad to have someone 'pulling' me down the canyon and keeping my legs moving. Stopped for a GU back at Vivian and a drink at the eternal flow fountain. Merri, thanks again for such a great run and for sticking out the slow slogging miles with me. I should've warned you what a whiner I've been lately before you agreed to run with me. I remember why I love to run now, because I love hanging out with wonderful people like YOU! About 1.5 from the end bye-wing called and had gotten lost on the way down and missed the turn off. I'm glad she called! So, her 10 miler ended up 10.5 or more. I am SO proud of how well she did. I couldn't have gone from 6 miles to 10!! NO WAY! The first time I ran 10 miles I came home and barfed. I knew that was my limit! But she just carried on and finished it out despite running extra. SO amazing! I love my sisters, they are both a huge inspiration to me. I was pleased with the pace I was able to keep with Merri on the way
down, it's been a long time since I've seen that many 8's. Maybe there
is something left in this body after all. When we finished the run we sat around like usual and had a great chatting fest (as my husband would say...a lot of clucking going on). I can't even begin to name all the wonderful people I got to hang with, chat with, stretch with and best part?!? EAT with!!! I had such a wonderful time being with all you amazing ladies! (and Twinkies and Eric :) ). AP: 9:40 splits: 11:14, 11:40, 11:38, 11:10, 11:17, 9:18, 8:47, 8:27, 8:35, 8:24, 8:26, 8:29, 8:27, 8:42(last .3)
It was great to see and chat with SO many of my favorite runners today. Marion and all others - thank you SO much for the time/effort/money you put into doing this every year. It is the run I look forward to every year and wouldn't miss for the world. THANK YOU for making it wonderful!!! Now I'm off to a wonderful day hanging out with the family for my oldest son's birthday! The big SEVEN. Man, I'm getting old - maybe I need a cane.
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