Belated Turkey Trot Recap

Yes, I know this is late but I wanted to write the recap after I had time to think on it. And see the final results and such. Oh and also because I wanted more time to gloat.

I've been dying to run a 5K since my last one and yet I always put them off because quite frankly, they scare the bajeezus out of me. I think most long distance runners feel this way. For some reason the 5K freaks us right out. Due to the balls to the wall style of running it's nerve racking. There is no "pace" and there is no "well I'll pick it up at the back half." It's a race that I'm in sheer panic about before the start. Nervous laughter and chatter abound. Oh and the PC's are on a whole new level.

This Turkey Trot 5K was no different.

First though...the back story.

A friend and I started a challenge somewhere before Ragnar and I'm not quite sure how it came about. All I know is that there was smack talking and it made me even more nervous for this 5K. Although, I of course, played it cool and had inner panic attacks. Ha ha.

So on Thursday morning I woke early and headed to the race which was held at a local high school. While driving, a good omen came by way of Eye of the Tiger on the radio. I sang nervously and stopped at McDonald's due to aforementioned PC's. Heh.

Once I got there I met up with P-Funk, Cay-See, Shorty Shorts, Pastor Paul, Cute K, Mike D and his gal W, a few others. We all milled about and did some warm up jogging. It looked like a nice sized race, although I couldn't really tell how many folks were there. I was happy to see that the finish brought you into the high school's track. And we all know how I love the track.

Our group headed to the start and the race director had folks who were fast move toward the front. This is where Shorty Shorts and Mike D left us. Damn speedies. Then the majority of us hung together toward the front but not quite as close as the 19 minute 5Kers. Actually I think this is where my buddy looked at me and said something to the effect of us being way too close to the front. I agreed but thought "oh well, they can just jump over my panting, dying body."

And then the start.

As I ran forward at an entirely too fast pace my buddy said, "You realize we are running 6:40's?" or something like that. I can't remember exactly because I was in race mode in my mind. I believe I nodded and kept going.

As we hit mile 1, I looked around and didn't see him. Nor did I see any of my other buds. I looked down and saw a 7:15 mile. Uh-oh. B.o.B. is going to crap out in another mile. Or vomit. Or suck total wind. B.o.B. is a maniac. (I think of myself in the third person when I'm stressed sometimes.)

The course itself wasn't great, but it wasn't awful either. There were some sidewalks, some grass, and a few curbs that I could have done without, not to mention all of the acorns that lie in wait for a good old fashioned ankle twisting. Suck it acorns!

Mile 2 came up and it was around 7:15 again although I was getting tired I kept asking myself, "B.o.B. can you keep this up? Are you going to be pissed at the end if you slow down?" And I answered myself. "Yes. And yes."

I was certain that my buddy was going to wait until we were close to the finish and then force me into a full on sprint. I refused to look behind me and didn't want to bust my butt doing so. There was a woman who I was with for most of the race who refused to let me pass her. Had I known the final results of the race I would have forced myself to. Lesson learned there.

As we got closer to the school's stadium and track I could see the runners around me getting tired. I was tired as well, but I again asked, "If you finish and have gas left in the tank will you be furious?" And I answered myself. "Yes."

The race came into the high school track and I could see the finish. We ran about 3/4 of the track and the race was over. I heard Mike D yelling for me and I was still waiting for him, but he never showed. Surprisingly, as I finished a woman behind me said, "I think we were 4th and 5th women."

What the crap?

I was so worried about being passed that I didn't think to see who I needed to pass. Oy. What a dumbass. That's pronounced doo-mas.

Sure enough, I came in 4th place overall amongst the women. And not for nothing, but there were over 400 women in this race. I had no idea. Granted, it wasn't the biggest Turkey Trot in the area and probably had more casual runners, but it's the best I have ever placed overall at a race by myself.

I'm certain there is a lesson here. If it weren't for my little side bet I may not have pushed as hard as I did. So in a sense, I thank that dumbass who raced me for the challenge, even if it has now turned into a series.

Please note Shorty Shorts photo bombing us. LOL!

New 5K PR: 22:25

Kudos to all of my running buds who did amazing! Cute K had a PR and 1st in her age group, Mike D also had a PR (and was hungover). BRA represent!

And don't call me Shirley!

Well hello there peeps. I hope you all had great holiday weekends and are on your way to amazing Cyber Monday deals.

I consider myself a connoisseur of goofy comedies and I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to send my condolences to those who loved and will always remember the very, very funny Leslie Nielson.

I used to watch the Naked Gun movies and Airplane! over and over. I'm sure my parents loved my reciting of the Jive dudes on the plane and my constant use one of the best movie lines ever.



If you haven't seen any of them, you are missing out. And I will certainly miss Mr. Nielson.

Have a great week.

Thankful Thursday

It's the Mother of All Thankful Thursdays: Thanksgiving! Woot! I have so freakin' much to be thankful that I scarcely know where to start. Oh wait, yes I do. I am thankful for my Turkey Trot PR today!!! I am not 100% on the time but I believe it was a 22:25. I can't believe I broke 23. Yay and yay and yay!

I am also thankful for my wonderful family and amazing friends. And of course all of you.

I thought I'd switch gears though and talk about the stuff in running and triathlons that make us stronger. Even though all of this stuff sucks big donkey butt, I'm thankful for it. It's made me the athlete that I am today. I may not run as an elite, but as the saying goes, in my mind I'm Kenyan.

All of the things I listed below make us stronger. Without them, why bother?

1. I am thankful for that last mile of the 5K where I am pretty sure I am going to vomit.

2. I am thankful for the marathon wall.

3. I am thankful for blisters.

4. I am thankful for PC's (poopy cramps).

5. I am thankful for sunscreen running in my eyes.

6. I am thankful for a bicycle chapped ass.

7. I am thankful for missing toenails.

8. I am thankful for that near kick to the face while swimming.

9. I am thankful for the biggest hill I have ever seen that I must run up.

10. I am thankful for chafing.

11. I am thankful for sore post race legs.

12. I am thankful for every single unflattering race photo I have ever taken. (And there are a lot. I just don't put them on the blog.)

13. I am thankful for ridiculously hot days when I still have to get my run in.

14. I am thankful for stupid cold days when I still have to get my run in.

15. I am thankful for side cramps.

16. I am thankful for stinky as all get out porta potties.

17. I am thankful for long lines to pick up my race packet.

18. I am thankful for that 10-year-old kid who smoked me at a 5K.

19. I am thankful for that 60-year-old who smoked me at a marathon.

20. I am thankful for pain.

Happy Thanksgiving friends. What are you thankful for today?

Ragnar Relay 2010: Part 1

Running the Ragnar Relay gives you a chance to run in places you wouldn't normally. Because if you did, you might get shot. Or maybe you just give a pimp a high five. Or hear woodland creatures chasing you. Or run through suburbia. Or get passed by that effing Peter Brady.

This is why I love the Ragnar Relay.

As you all know I, with 11 other Half Nuts, ran from New Port Richey to Daytona Beach. That's 202 miles of sheer madness. For starters one of our vans wouldn't. Start that is. It was just your basic, run of the mill lemon. We had to buy a battery for it just to get through the race.

The Ragnar Relay has teams start in waves and due to van issues and some other random silliness we started with our first runner at the start line by himself. It was actually pretty funny. All of the Ragnar folks cheered our solo runner on as he ran through the start archway and got us going.

Now, I hope you all know how this whole relay thing works. Two vans, 12 runners, and not a lot of sleep. The first van's runners take their first turn running and then get to rest while the second van makes it way across the state. This repeats until all are delirious, stinky, happy, and finally in Daytona Beach.

Team Half Nuts shown here. Please note awesome bloggers Spike, and Red. Please also note that due to my giant stature I have to stand in the back row with the boys. Just like in the 5th grade. Sigh.

While Van 1 got going my van, Van 2, decided to get some grub and finish decorating our van. Oh, it's the moment you have all been waiting for. My van decoratin' skills shall now be shown to the world.

Ok, so we also added lights and a giant acorn on the front but honestly, this post is going to be as long as War and Peace if I add more photos. Oh and the acorn totally fell off, which was actually kind of cool but mostly cause no one got killed because of it flying into traffic.

As Van 1 finished up their run we headed to the exchange so that Red could lead us off. She was runner number 7 and Spike got to pass the "baton" to her. The "baton" is really just a slap bracelet that will cut a bitch if not careful. Red then handed off to Caribbean Steve who handed off to P-Funk. Then it was P-Funk to me, me to Little J (AKA Pimp High Fiving Soccer Mom). (That was a little like the bible right there? Wasn't it? With all the begetting and such. Heh. Sorry, I digress.)

My first run was at exchange 9 and it was a 3.5 mile run. While at exchange 9, Red and I met some very interesting characters from a team called Normal People Would Drive, team number 11. They were the most obnoxious, and yet somehow, funny group of dudes that kept us entertained at some of the other exchanges. In fact, a friendly (or not so friendly) rivalry began with team number 11. There was much trash talking and I love a good trash talking bout personally.

Me and Red at exchange 9. We had to use those flags to cross the street. We rather enjoyed those flags as they were used to cross sidewalks just for the hell of it.

I was very happy with my first run. I think I was close to 7:40's. There were a lot of hills this first run but I started at about 5 or 6 PM so it was not too warm and I had light for most of the run. The route was pretty and I got to see some beautiful farm land. I don't know if you all know this, but I love a cow. Even if they won't let me hug them.

Since we started later than most teams all of our first runs were solo. Not many runners too catch at this point although we would start catching them pretty soon.

After we finished up our first legs, with everyone kicking butt pace-wise, we headed to get some shut eye. There was another incident with someone running some extra mileage but I'll let them tell it.

Before we got to the sleeping exchange area we of course stopped at McDonald's. I would like to point out that for some runners we sure did go to McDonald's a lot. While I love a french fry, we all know about my PC issues. The good thing is that McDonald's has excellent restrooms for changing. Sure the ladies just going there to eat look at you weird whilst you brush your teeth, but the hand dryers work great for stinky pits.

Other things to note for these first legs include:
Little J high fiving a pimp. It was magical. And there was no real initiator, they just instinctively knew to high five.
Carribean Steve mooned us. His moon is not white.
Red scolded P-Funk about her seat belt and still pees a lot.

Legs two and three are coming up and leg two was extra special as it was the jammy themed run....

Thankful Thursday

Oftentimes in this sport called running, we are alone. We run for ourselves and we run to beat our last best time. We don't have to think about anyone else but ourselves. It's normally quite nice to not have the pressure of being part of a team. I used to panic in Phys Ed prior to team sports. I hated letting anyone down or looking silly. Probably why I wound up on the swim team.

When you are racing alone you want to place in your age group or beat that random old guy that always smokes you, but if you totally bonk and suck wind - there's no one to answer to but yourself.

Now on the flip side of this coin, the coast to coast relays that are popping up in every state, allow runners to be a part of a team. When you run well, your team is there to share in that joy with you. When you don't run well, and your team is like my relay team, you get a pat on the back and a praise for doing your best. Sometimes, you don't even give that praise to yourself. But that's what the team spirit is all about.

The relays have provided a way for lots of us to stop thinking solely about our own goals and think about how our running applies to a team. Last year at Ragnar I pushed myself harder than I think I would have had I been in the race alone. I want to make sure that my team does well and I feel good about my contributions, decorations or otherwise.

Even more than doing well, I want to look out for my teammates. They are my friends and running buds, so I like to make sure everyone is happy and safe. And the beauty of the team is that I know they are doing the same for me.

As it is less than 24 hours to race time, today, I'm thankful for the Ragnar Relay. Without it, I wouldn't get to spend 25 plus hours with a group I am happy to call teammates and of course, friends.

GO HALF NUTS!

What are you thankful for today?

Three sleeps to go!

Ragnar prep continues and my house currently looks like the creative section of Walmart, if it threw up. And had no employees. And smelled better. Clean up on Aisle 4!

During all of my labor for the Ragnar Relay decorations I am learning so much crap about myself. Firstly, I can't sew. Secondly, I love a stencil. Thirdly, Martha Stewart I ain't. I am however, quite resourceful. Pass me a glue gun and I can make it work (so there Tim Gunn!).

I am so freakin' stoked to see Red and Spike. I haven't seen them since summer and I always look forward to time with my Boo. Yes, Red and I have pet names for each other. That's how lame, er I mean, awesome we are. Heh. I'm hoping that Spike enjoys the Half Nuts crew as much as we do and I get the feeling he's going to fit in just fine.

On a different note, I'm not quite sure what my pace is these days. I've been running like a bat out of hell and I don't know where it's coming from. I guess since I'm coming off of marathon training I'm still using a lot of that fitness I built up. I am hoping it lasts and that I have a good pace for Ragnar and the Turkey Trot. (And obviously, the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon. EEEEEEEE!)

My Ragnar legs are not too bad. I'm actually kind of stoked for lower mileage so I can take full advantage of this random speediness I seem to have acquired. As runner number 10, I have a total of 13.8 miles. The last one being the longest at 6.6 miles. Why is that last one always the longest? At that point we're all punch drunk and goofy.

Only three sleeps to go! I cannot wait. Happy Tuesday my friends. Who else is Turkey Trotting or racing soon?

Ragnar Prep....

I have once again subjected myself to van decorations for this year's Ragnar Relay. And by subjected I mean volunteered and not taken any help from the many who have asked. Apparently, while I am a team player during the relay, all for one and one for all and such, I'm more of a lone wolf when it comes to van decorating. Like the Incredible Hulk, I'm destined to walk the earth decorating alone. Or something.

In any event, I began my van decorating mission this evening and had to call in some help from my roommate. Earlier today as I gathered my materials I wondered, how the heck big is the van? I mean, how will I know what size banners and crap to make? That's where the neighborhood van owner came in. However, since I live in an apartment complex said "neighbor" is merely some dude who lives a few buildings down and unsuspectingly drives a van I need to measure.

I decided that a covert mission to measure said neighbor's van was in order. I then politely asked the roommate to come help me and of course, document all of my hard work. He was not thrilled to be a part of this mission and was eager to get back to The Walking Dead (great show by the way). As my roommate was the look out/photo taker I measured the van and hoped it was the same size as the one we had rented. Upon closer inspection of this van, I have no idea if it's close in size. It could be bigger. It could smaller. It doesn't have windows on the sides, which I am pretty sure is in direct contrast to ours. So basically what I am getting at is ....

Mission Accomplished.

Hm. Why are there no windows back here?

Heh heh heh. I am so sneaky. Nothing to see here people. Keep it moving lady walking the Chihuahua.

I hate you and you will not take my photo.*




*No roommates were hurt in the making of this blog. Annoyed, yes. Hurt, no.

Shut out the noise

You ever have one of those days where people are just annoying the hell out of you? Smart asses, dumb asses, jack asses and everyone in between are on your last damn nerve and you think you are gonna lose your job for telling everyone to go suck a toad? Yeah? Me too.

When I have those days, the best cure is the track. I know I have mentioned this before but for whatever reason when I get to the track and see my running buds it's like a weight lifting. I smile at my running friends and can't wait to let loose around and around, over and over.

Because at some point while I'm running around that track I'm no longer an employee, no longer a Subject Matter Expert, no longer a nine-to-fiver who needs a break from disgruntled phone calls and never ending emails, but just a girl, running around the track, having some peace.

I can get some relief during the long run but I don't need to focus as much as I do at the track. While I'm racing to hit the times I want during my 800 repeats I think about my breathing. And my form. And how my body feels. And that's it. It's amazing. I think this is what elites do every run. They are pushed so hard that they can't think about the daily nonsense that so often permeates our thoughts.

While some folks think the endorphins are the running high we experience, I think it also has to do with the fact that sometimes while running we can just shut out the noise. We turn off the self-doubting, the self-loathing. We turn off the negative vibes from inner and outer sources. We don't think. We just run. Now that I run the way that I do, the whole Forrest Gump "just run-ning" thing makes a lot more sense then when I first saw that movie. He was running to shut out the noise, shut out the Jen-nie.

For me, this type of running happens at the track.

I don't normally give advice on this blog, because honestly, what the hell do I know (other than what works for me of course)? However, I will say find your "shut out the noise" run and do it every week. You'll be a little happier and faster and glad for the silence.

Thankful Thursday

Every time I go to an expo I see things and think "Man, why didn't I think of that?" Quite frankly I'm still trying to come up with some cool new running gadget that will get me out of my day job. I won't hold my breath though as all I've come up with thus far are little sayings that I might put on some t-shirts. Meh.

At the MCM expo they had everything. From shoes to socks (I heart Injinji) to gels to car magnets, I mean everything. One item that I had actually seen before the expo had me all excited and I couldn't wait to get my very own.

Behold the Nite Beam!

This is a ight up arm band and you can get it in many different colors. It's super light and great for running when it's dark out. What with the dumb time change and all, we need to be safe out there.

They also have shoelaces, doggie collars, and wrist bands. I bought a blue one for myself and a bunch for folks in my running group. Click HERE for the website to get your own.

What are you thankful for today?

*I almost forgot to say THANK YOU to the Vets. Happy Veteran's Day!*

Bad Blogger!

Yes, I am a bad blogger. No cookies for me! Why am I a bad blogger you ask?

Well for starters, I haven't blogged since Sunday. With the two-a-day yesterday and my super busy social life (you know, walking Lloyd and all) I just haven't had time to get to blogging.

Ok, all of the above is a lie. I could have made time. But...really....

I just don't have a lot to talk about right now. Does anyone else hear the paint drying? Yeah, that's how exciting stuff is right about now.

I'm currently just looking forward to Ragnar and Ft. Lauderdale. In addition to those plans I'm thinking about my next 5K (Turkey Trot!) and a possible new addition to my family. Lloyd is going to be major jealous I know, and it's so expensive getting one, but I just need another outlet for all of my love.

I'm getting a bike.

I'm going to fork over the money (gulp) and start planning the next triathlon. I think I owe it to myself to get better on the bike. I'm going to buy one, name it, and we are going to become one dammit! Eventhough, deep down, I still fear the bike and all it's spinnie wheels and gears I'm going to get one.

And then, I'm pretty sure, I'll have lots to complain blog about.

What's next?

I've been thinking a lot about MCM and what's up next for me. Me, being me, I obviously am not done with the marathon. In fact, MCM helped me realize that even amidst the pain of those last 8 miles and the fact that this wasn't a PR, I want more. I love the marathon. I can't quite explain it, but I'm even more in love with running now than I was before. I'm a wee bit shocked myself because I thought if I were to have a less-than-stellar performance I'd be done with these crazy events. But lo and behold, I'm already signed up for marathon number 5.

I'm feeling pretty good right now and am running better than I ever have. I'm trying some new insoles to see if they help with Old Wonky. He actually hasn't been back and I'd really like to try hills again to get stronger. I just need to figure out how to fix my stride without changing my biomechanics and hurting other things. I'll be honest, I may try out some minimalist shoes at some point. Don't knock it 'til you try it right? There's a new blogger on the block who swears by them and I've seen her in action. Welcome to the blogosphere, Mama.

As for my next trick, after not falling in love with a hilly marathon course (shocker!) I decided to sign up for the Ft. Lauderdale marathon. It's not too far to travel, it's flat, it has pretty beach views, what more could I want? Oh wait, to add even more fun to this bag of awesome, Big Sis is going with me. She's signed up for another half and I'm thinking somebody's been bitten by the running bug. I'm delighted she's going with me and if I can drag a few more friends along - even better!

But before I get ahead of myself here, my most favorite event thus far is right around the corner. Red and I are all set to run the Ragnar Relay again on November 19th. The crazy cast of characters from team Half Nuts is back and ready for action. I cannot wait to see Red and Spike (go ahead and be jealous, you know you want to). I also cannot wait for over 24 hours of running, not showering, sleeping outside, and laughing. A lot.

Thankful Thursday

Since I got to spend TWO full days at a marathon expo, I'm happy to report that I am thankful for the chance to view tons of running swag. From light up arm bands to really cool ice wraps, I got to see a lot of new gear that I am going to test out.

Thus today, I am thankful for the marathon expo.

Some folks have a "get in, and get out" mentality when it comes to the expo. But not me. I'm a shopper. I love walking the expo and looking at the cool stuff. In fact, when I got home from DC and checked my bank account I wondered if I had purchased a new car. Yikes!

Rather than cram all of these neat new items into one post I'm going to spread them out so they can each get the attention they deserve. I'll start with Arctic Ease. This is a really freakin' cool product. If you click on the link it'll tell you about this is a cryotherapy wrap that you don't need to refrigerate. They were just handing out samples at the expo and I grabbed a few. Folks walking around the expo were buzzing about them. It was like the most popular girl in school, without the reputation...ha ha.

After MCM on Sunday as I hobbled toward the Metro there was the Arctic Ease tent like a desert oasis. And guess what? They were wrapping runners up for free wherever they hurt. I actually asked if they could do my whole body like a mummy but the guy just laughed. I guess he thought I was joking.

Anyway, they wrapped up my right knee where my IT band was smarting and it was like a cold compress that I didn't have to mess with. I wore it until I got to the hotel an hour later and then put it back in it's little pouch with some water. And it's ready to go again! Seriously. These wraps are the bomb. Yes, 1990 called and they want that phrase back. I think you all should take a look at these little guys. They are B.o.B. approved.

What are you thankful for today?

MCM Recap Part 2 or I finally pooped!

Since you all were wondering what the crap was going on, so to speak, here's the back story on the poop. As my running buds know all too well, I am the most regular runner on the planet. No really. I get the PC's (Poopy Cramps) before every race and pretty much have to stop and deuce on every single run over 6 miles. Sorry if you are grossed out. (I know most of you aren't since we runners are a nasty lot.)

AnywhOOO Rah, while speaking with Hollster about her experience at MCM last year she mentioned that she and most of the group had issues with not being able to drop the kids off at the pool. I laughed and told her that I would surely not have that problem.

But wouldn't you know it? No pooping for me. Not even pre-race nerves could produce anything significant before the race.

So with the sound of the gun we were off and running the 35th Marine Corps Marathon. The first five miles were pretty calm. I was just trying to stay at a slow pace because I knew the most significant hills were during miles 1 through 8. I had no choice really but to start slow since there were so many runners. I made it to the crest of the first hill and felt winded. By the time we were ascending the second one around mile 8 I knew it wasn't going to be my day. I just didn't feel as fresh as I had during my last 22 mile training run. I did remind myself to look around and enjoy the view. As I looked up that last incline it was a sheer sea of heads bobbing. I couldn't believe how people were ahead of me.

D had decided to jump in at mile 10 with me and run me as close to the finish as she could. Let me start by saying D is one of the women in the BRA (running group) that I look up to as a runner. She's fast and strong and doesn't brag about her mad running skills. Let me also say that she specifically bought and wore a hydration belt so she didn't take anything from the course.

Speaking of hydration, the water/Powerade stops where a nightmare. Not to say that there wasn't enough water, because there was. And not to say that it was unorganized, because it wasn't. But, there were just too damn many people. Every water stop was just crazy. As I grabbed my water at the first few before D hopped in, I was literally running on top of tons and tons of empty cups. It only got worse from there. As a side note, I think MCM should skip the orange slices next year because folks were slipping on them. I sincerely appreciate how much manpower was needed to put on this race and thank all of the volunteers and Marines because it could not have been easy.

Speaking of Marines, they were everywhere. They were running, they were spectating. It was awesome! The ones with the bull horns were actually quite funny. I remember one at mile 4 saying, "You're almost there! Only 22.2 to go!"

As D asked how I was doing I let her know that my legs didn't feel as good as they should for 10 miles. At this point D started grabbing my water and letting me keep going while she then caught up to me. It was so awesome of her to do so. Miles 10 through 15 were alongside the Potomac and this is where I really knew stuff was getting tight. I pushed on. I was on pace for a 4:00 marathon. It was also a bit warm at this point in the race and we were running directly into the sun.

The views of the city during MCM are, of course, spectacular. Georgetown University looked gorgeous around mile 6 and I loved running along the little shops. This is where I saw some hysterical signs that made me laugh out loud. I saw "Dad, try not to suck" and "Milk was a bad choice." I also saw tons of costumes due to the Halloween race date. If I saw one Wonder Woman, I saw twenty. I saw Richard Simmons, a red Devil, a Devil in a blue dress, the Twister game, and my favorite was a spectating man dressed as the woman from the Shake Weight commercial. I also saw a spectator dressed as the Washington Monument. She was yelling "You all are doing monumental!"

By mile 17, along Constitution Avenue, my right IT band was so tight I had to stop and stretch. I stretched and ran a bit and then - hooray! - I had to poop. Finally, I took the Browns to the Super Bowl. *Queue NFL theme song*

After my successful potty break it was a run, walk, stretch routine. I saw the 4:00 goal time slip away. I then saw the 4:05 goal slip away. And finally D said, "Don't worry about the time. You just got thrown a wild card." And she was right. I didn't want to cry, but I was upset that I had an entirely new issue that I never saw coming. It was a combo of not training on hills, favoring my left leg, maybe going too fast on the first 8 miles, and well just one of those things you can't predict.

D was amazing as support. She told me about this had happened to her at her last Boston and she just got through the race and got her medal. And this really helped me get through since I look up to her so much. I enjoyed the views as much as I could while doing my run, walk, stretch. Repeat.

As we crossed the final bridge at mile 21, known to MCM'ers as "Beat The Bridge" due to the fact that if you aren't off the bridge by a certain time you'll get scooped up in the white van, I was really hurting. Some guy behind me was like the bridge hype man. He was yelling "YOU ARE BEATING THE BRIDGE! DON'T LET THE BRIDGE BEAT YOU! YOU BEAT THE BRIDGE!" He was pretty funny.

We then ran what all marathoners know as those last gut check miles. Mile 22 was one where you see all the other runners coming at you and you think, "Where is the turnaround?" D told me it was coming and just to keep going. We finally turned and I started looking for the Band of Brothers. I saw all of their motorcycles and choppers and it gave me a little boost. I cheered for them as I ran by and they seemed pretty happy to be out there. From one B.O.B. to another, thanks!

I started recognizing the route we took to start the race and knew I was close. I wasn't going to PR and I wasn't going to meet my goal, but I was going to finish and get that medal. D jumped out and I headed up that last little incline toward the Iwo Jima Memorial. I crossed the finish line and headed to get my medal. As I got to one of the Marines who was passing out medals he said, "You don't even look sweaty. You have to go do it again." I laughed and thanked him and then stared at the memorial and got a little choked up.

The post race situation is nuts in DC. From trying to get out of the finishers area to getting on the Metro it's quite an experience. I felt a bit nauseated at the end and had to sit for a few minutes before I could meet back up with D. I am so glad I did this race but I'm not sure I'd do it again anytime soon.

While I could have done without all of the hills and the craziness at the end, overall, it was a wonderful experience. I love DC and I love the Marines. OOO RAH!

Finish Time: 4:19:14

I'll post some photos as soon as I can get them. Thanks for reading.

MCM Recap Part 1 or How to Dress a Fierce Hobo

Here it is. The recap we've all been waiting for. Hell, even I was wondering how this whole thing would turn out. Fortunately, I have had some time to think about my experience at the 35th Marine Corps Marathon and will attempt to put it into eloquent paragraphs and grandiose verbage. If not, I'll just talk about poop (or lack thereof) and legs so sore they feel like giant bruises.

Upon my arrival in DC last Thursday I met D (running bud and hero, Women's Running Magazine Ambassador, and Marathon Expo Mayor) and Laurie from Injinji at the hotel. We sat at the bar where they had an adult beverage and I ordered a club soda with lime. You know, just so the bartender had something to do. "Hit me again," I told him. I did not poop on this night.

Friday and Saturday, D and I headed to the expo to promote the magazine and sign up new readers. Honestly, it is a great magazine. I got it before I became friends with D AND they aren't paying me to say this. Since I was helping work the Women's Running Magazine booth I had two days of running nerdom ahead of me and I was stoked.

I have to say that working a marathon expo booth is so rewarding. I got to meet people of all walks of life and abilities. I met first timers, twenty timers, those who were running to honor someone, those who were running for charity, groups of women, groups of men, etc. For anyone who has the passion for running, I say hang out at an expo and you'll see why the running community is so kick ass.

This is where I got to meet Carla from I Run, You Run! She's adorable and had the most delightful blue coat on. I have since friended her on facebook and will now stalk her. Just kidding Carla. Sorta.

I also had a little race with Ryan Hall at the expo. You know, just for shiggles. And Runner's World captured the whole thing. This is the photo proof of the cover before it goes to press.

After that whole ordeal I told Ryan I had to get back to the hotel. I had a real race in morning. I did not poop on t his day.

I got my outfit and gear together and before I knew it, it was Sunday morning. Early as hell, and I was ready to go.

About the outfit, I had been torn between Halloween and patriotism. Patriotism won out. Behold my red, white, and almost American blue! The shorts have blue stripes on the sides but they are hard to see in this photo. My bad.

Behold the most hilarious thrown down outfit of all time!

Whatevs. I was warm as hell. I topped this look off with a windbreaker and some gloves. There is a homeless guy walking the streets of DC right now who is fierce as hell in a pink hoodie. You betta work!

I was dressed and ready to go. D and I headed to the start at the Pentagon and were warmly greeted by many Marines. Drool. One gave us special treatment by showing us to the UPS vans and how to meet up at the finish. He was awesome. OOO RAH! I lined up in the 4:00 hour corral and chatted with some folks. D and I discussed where I should line up and she said "There are so many people, it's better to line up a little faster than your goal time." At this point my goal time was 4:05. There it's out. I wanted a 4:05 and had a secret hope for 4:00.

Before I knew it, I was off and running. At this point I was thinking...I don't see a lot of people. Where are all these alleged people? But then I realized the corrals were doubled across the road. There were two huge areas for each pace group. Whoa. All I could see where heads bobbing about ready to run. Thousands upon thousands of runners. All ready to take on the marathon. And I was one of them.

As much as I know you all want to burn your retinas out I'm gonna stop here and get to the good stuff tomorrow.