Team Run for HD - year 3.

Something I don’t frequently mention on here is Team Run for HD.  Mostly because nobody cares – and that’s not a slight on you –why would anyone care?

Five years ago this Christmas my dad died from a (somewhat) rare genetic disease called Huntington’s Disease that robbed him of his ability to do anything over the last 5 years of his life.  I would love to tell some fluffy heart-warming story about how it brought us together in the end and shaped me as an amazing individual, but it would be total bullshit.  Watching a parent mentally and physically decay like that was a horrible, life-scarring experience that has forever impacted me in a negative way, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone ever.  Of course the kicker is that because it is a genetic disease, my brother and I now face the same awful fate.  My brother has chosen to ignore it, and that’s totally cool and I respect it.  In fact, the only time I have ever seen him run is at the mention of HD (in the opposite direction of course!).  I on the other hand chose to be awesome.  Actually first I tried to drink a lot and pretend it didn’t happen, but honestly I’m a lightweight, and only like the fanciest of drinks so it’s totally financially unsustainable. A few years ago I had gotten into running thanks to some mentors in grad school, and my awesome marathoning roomie when I came back to Chicago.

I was drunk (naturally) and decided I should totally run some kind of distance race and fundraise for HD, but there was NOTHING out there.  This led to like 5 marathons, and also the brain child of my best friend Rachel and I – Team Run for HD!  I raised almost $2,000 by my lonely self the first year, and amassed an entire team last year that collectively raised over $15,000!  This year, we have a team with 25 people, as well as “satellite runners” who will be running the Chicago Marathon, the Grand Rapids Marathon, and the Door County 50-miler! All of them are fundraising as a part of Team Run for HD!  I have had a lot of “brilliant” ideas in the past (read: terrible ideas) but have never had the organization to bring anything to fruition.  I can’t believe my baby is in it’s third year, and actually growing and becoming something. 

I get it, it’s not like I invented facebook or anything, but I am still pretty amazed.  Every year I get so stressed out I vow to quit and not do this again next year, but I keep coming back after I see how happy my runners are, personally knowing the battle they are fighting with HD, and how ugly it is.  There are late nights with Rachel, embarrassing failures of fundraisers, frantic emails by the dozens, calls, race day texts, MEETING STRANGERS(!!!),  and the questionable time Rachel and I got drunk and broke into Arlo Gutherie’s tour bus to meet him.  Every year, a few days before race day (read: today) I have a total freakout, and realize it’s too much to handle, even though the finish line is in sight.  I am terrified of everything that could go wrong for my 25 runners. I can’t sleep, nor can I stop eating the rolos (yum!) I have sitting in a bowl on my desk.  I don’t even know how I am going to finish the race on Sunday, let alone be a role model for others.  Basically, I’m a hot mess, and I don’t think it could happen anyway.

This is really a long-winded way to say:

• 1.       People with anxiety disorders probably shouldn’t start and manage charity running teams
• 2.       Come see my baby this Sunday!  (and me, acting a mess as usual)  If you are running the Chicago Half Marathon this Sunday, or will just be in the area spectating, stop on by!  I’ll be in a heap crying near mile 10, so bring me a beer!

Find us here!!

I’ll be there before and after the race.  It is technically against race policy to smuggle bloody mary fixings into the race, but if you know me - *wink!* And our team mascot Waffles will be guarding the tent with Rachel and Matt.  Stop on by and celebrate the third year of drunken crazy that is Team Run for HD!

Look for this unamused dog!

And enjoy these highlights from our journey!

The bear and the maiden's fair

Yeah, i am totally providing you with a soundtrack to this post.  You're Welcome.

So, i mentioned a while back that i had to pull out of the North Country Marathon.  My training has been ok, but definitely not marathon worthy, and probably not so great for what would have been the hardest marathon i ever attempted.  So i cried a lot and laid around depressed at my failures.  But then Nina tweeted me.  She had a bib for the half that she would not be able to use.

Now, as an unwaivering rule-follower, this was the first time i ever ran under someone elses bib.  I felt dirty and reckless and i loved it.  I apologize, North Country, that i broke your rules to do this, but it is just that amazing of a race, that it can make a girl a little crazy.  So i ducked out of work early, and went to Michigan.

Because Maggie was also doing the half, we were able to drive up together, effectively making it a #gingerroadtrip.  Our main concerns going into this were mostly lack of trail running experience and fear of bears.  Thats right.  There was a bear attack near the race last week (If you read the news, it was that girl who was running at night near Cadillac)  But the race assured us of their bear policy, and we didn't encounter a bear the entire weekend.

Pre-race

We both had a very laid back approach to the race, so the lack of stress led to a great time, and a lot of laughs.  We illegally parked, and had plenty of time before the race started.  The start of the race was a little chaotic, as a couple hundred people tried to share space and time on a single track trail.  After a couple miles, people were somewhat organized according to pace, and by the first aid station, it was smooth sailing.

The first glorious aid station.  

Those aid stations by the way?  More like party stations.  They had EVERYTHING.  Blueberries, watermelon, trail mix, PB&J's.  And the nicest people.  Seriously Michigan, you blow my mind.

Photographing rando's as they ran down the hill

Being the most beautiful race either of us had ever run, we both decided to aim for a personal worst and took many photography breaks.  Sadly, the pictures do the course NO justice.  There just aren't words.

By far my favorite photo from the day.  Not just because we were a mere half a mile from the finish, or because its the most god damn beautiful view i have ever seen, but because as we were trying to figure out how to take selfies DURING the race, another runner stopped, and offered to take our picture for us.  Seriously!  That is SO Michigan!

We ran into super speedy Erica at the finish!!  Ginger sandwich!

As we approached the finish, i felt fantastic.  Something about the whole set up of the race made me wish i would have just attempted the full (guaranteed i would have been kicking trees and threatening squirrels by mile 20.)  There were also a bunch of signs leading up to a proposal at the finish line.  So sweet.

So honestly, what can i say about this race.

It's hilly and hard.  But it's the kind of hard that makes you feel alive.  For the past few months i have been this scared, angry shell of a person, and for the first time in a while, as i ran this race, i felt calm.  I felt so peaceful, and satisfied, and alive.  And aside from about five minutes we thought we were lost and i panicked, i didn't feel scared or anxious.  It was amazing.  I am fairly certain that Michigan is the cure for everything.  This was my first trail race, and i really want to run more.  It has everything i love about races.  It's quiet, there aren't many people or spectators, and lots of shade.  How did i not figure this out sooner??

Honestly, North County Run is an amazing experience, and you should try to squeeze it in at least once in your life.  You won't regret it.  And if you do, you can console yourself with your giant, plate sized medal that is large enough to eat a meal off of.  

#GingersinTheWoods  #WeWon

What REALLY goes on at Ragnar.

As a disclaimer, I had the best time at Ragnar.  My teammates all wrote blog posts that you can check out here that describe what it’s like to actually run Ragnar, their take on it, etc. 

 Kelly the Culinarian
Running Kellometers
Get to Goal
See Mommy Race  

Mag Mile Runner

I couldn’t have asked for a better team - each and every one of them was a delight!  The weather was great, our drivers were OFF THE HOOK amazing, and even our “theme” was super fun – who doesn’t love to run around with an American flag shouting “USA! USA!”  And don’t even get me started on our fantastic sponsors.  We were all dressed to the nine’s, and I am pretty sure we were equipped to handle anything because of their generosity.  You guys rock!

So, in short, there is lots of running and camaraderie and what not, but here is what REALLY happens when 9 ladies squeeze into a van, stop being nice, and start getting real.  (I’m just kidding.  Everyone was super nice!

1.       No matter what pre-portioned food you pack for yourself, someone will inevitably bring something way better, and everyone will pounce.  Hunger makes people crazy.  So if you are going to be that awesome person that makes pasta salad, be ready for a pack of wolves hungry runner ladies to descend on you like it’s feeding time in the Serengeti.  (are there wolves in the Serengeti?  I don’t know.  It just sounded way more exotic than central Wisconsin.)  Thanks for the pasta salad, Suzanne.  Sorry we ate it all.

2.       As the event starts out, you will discretely find a rest room to change in.  Especially if one of your teammates husbands is driving.   But by the end, you will be ass naked, rolling around in the back of a van.  In broad daylight.  Because you have lost any sense of shame or modesty at this point.  If vans had ceiling fans, there would be undies hanging from them.  It’s like burning man, only your stuck in a van, and most likely not on drugs.  And we might have smelled better than burning man (which says a lot, as about half-way through this thing, our driver said we smelled like a bunch of sweaty babies, whatever that means.)

bra's on the ceiling!

3.       You will yell at boyscouts when they tell you it will take 30 minutes to make a veggie burger.  Don’t judge, you weren’t there*.  But in all honestly, they are pre-cooked and just need to be re-heated! Life lesson!  

Stolen from Kelly, because i ate mine too fast.

*it wasn’t me who yelled at the kids, I know you all figured it was though.

4.       You will see majestic sunrises….

5.       But you will also learn what a poop mountain is.  Thanks, Maggie.  I am still having nightmares.  If you don't know what it is, enjoy that.  Because you can never get that innocence back.

6.       You’re going to take a Ke$ha shower.  Whether that means wiping yourself down with baby wipes, or covering yourself with glitter and fake tattoos, either way, its going to happen at Ragnar.  (What IS the actual definition of a Ke$ha shower?  Help me out, Urban Dictionary!)

Those are stink lines, not sun-rays

7.       You will take two work calls WHILE running your first leg.  Then you will scream at your boss about how you are running an ultra marathon relay race, and can't deal with client demands while in motion.  Oh wait, that was just me??

8.       Obviously, you will need to wear sunglasses and a reflective vest at the same time.

9.       You will fly into a two hour rage until somebody finds you coffee and pancakes.

Liquid calm.

10.   And lastly, you will return home to find all the beer has been drank in your absence, and replaced with swill.  DAMN YOU JORDAN!!!

 So go run Ragnar.  You can eat twizzlers for breakfast, and no one will judge you for it.

A floating pig.

To reward myself for not training all year and half-assing my way through a marathon a week ago, i treated myself to a half marathon on Sunday!  Actually, i was looking forward to the Flying Pig all year.  I don't normally like "big" races, but the Flying Pig stole my heart last year, and i want to do it every year now.  I even briefly considered going to for the full this year, but just because i survived one marathon without training, doesn't mean i should push it and try two back to back.  So, i did the half again this year, and it was the best thing ever.  Maybe next year is the year i go for the full Monty!

We drove to Cincinnati friday night after work, which is the worst part.  Its late, and we were both trying to stay awake.  We ate Taco Bell on the road, and i make the mistake of trying to be healthy and getting the Cantina Bowl (which the "veggie" cantina bowl is just lettuce and rice.  Because iceburg lettuce is totally a vegetable.) Never try to be healthy kids. 

We got there late, but woke up early and took waffles for a four mile run.  Normally, i don't run the day before the race, but i knew this race would not be raced in anyway what-so-ever.  It was a nice way to get used to the Cincy weather (900% humidity) and Waffles needed the fresh air after being cooped up in the car on Friday.  We even took time to good around!

 Then we went to the BEST PLACE EVER for "noon tea/lunch.  There is a place in Cincy called The BonBonerie.  We got to eat finger sandwiches, fruit, and cookies, and other light fare.  If you are in Cincinnati, you MUST go here.  For little bites of food, it was actually really filling.  They even had Flying Pig cookies!  I love that the Flying Pig literally takes over the whole city for a weekend.  

Then Matt and i headed to the expo, which is huge.  It's not quite as big as the Chicago Marathon, but it's pretty dang impressive

I got my yearly picture with "Pigippides."  He is the pig that ran from Marathon to Athens that the history books left out.  Typical.

We went home and then decided to take Waffles hiking in the local nature preserve.  Because i am a pro at doing everything you shouldn't do the day before a race.  The weather was so nice i couldn't resist.

I went to lay out everything before i went to bed, and realized i only packed one arm warmer.  Because I'm awesome.  Bonus points because it was raining and i really wanted it.

The race starts at 6:30am eastern time, so that involved me getting up at 3:30am Chicago time.  Happy camper i was not.

They let the runners hang out in the football stadium before the race.  My pace leader David runs the pig every year, so he was going to run with us up until the split, and my friend Brittany was running the half too!

The rain cleared up for the start of the race, and except for a few drizzles hear and there, didn't start again until the finish (but then it poured)

The race was awesome.  So many people out SO EARLY cheering, dancing, having a good time.  It was like all of sudden we teleported to mile 5.  And then began our journey to the summit of that stupid giant Cincinnati hill.   It's really not the worst hill ever, its just that I am a Chicago flat-lander.  On the plus side, I ran up that entire hill (to mile 9.5) without stopping once.  On the down side, i had an asthma attack.  It wasn't the worst one ever, but it is still sucky experience.  I had mild asthma problems on the hill last year, but it was so hot last year i was taking walk breaks, so it didn't catch up with me.  This year it did, but luckily enough i had coach Matt to talk me down.  The worst part of having an asthma attack is the sheer terror of not being able to take a deep breath.  Luckily Matt was super calm, barking Lamaze orders at me (in through nose, out through the mouth!)  Eventually, we just stopped for a minute so i could just get re-center and get some oxygen in me.  I was very glad they didn't mind stopping with me.  After that, we began out descent back down.  This was much easier, and my breathing was in control (for the most part) for the rest of the day.  The downhill parts FLY.  (Crap - maybe thats why they call it Flying Pig??)

We all finished together as it started to rain.  They have TONS of food after the race as well.  Like more food than i have ever seen at any race.  I actually had to use my mylar blanket as a satchel to manage it all.

 We parked maybe 3/4 of a mile away, and we made the soaking wet trek to the car.  Only i forgot, i had put the parking ticket in my SPI belt.  It got SOAKED.  I don't know why, but we decided to try it anyway to see if the machine could read it.  Naturally, it jammed in the machine, and it was out of commission the rest of the day.  I was scolded by a 16 year old parking attendant who was in disbelief at the fact that i would even consider jamming the wet parking ticket in the machine.  He then parking shamed me as he glared at me while making an "out of order" sign for the machine.  

In short, despite the giant hill, it is really one of the best races i have ever run.  They really make it an event for everyone too, with a 5k and 10k on saturday, and a kids run.  The whole town seems to participate.  If you are ever in need of a spring race, GO TO THE FLYING PIG.  The only thing i would change about the whole weekend would be the Cantina Bowl, and the bad call on the parking ticket.

I will be back for you next year, Flying Pig, and i will make it up the hill without stopping again, AND not have an asthma attack - its on, suckas!

My fifth marathon.

Friday night, Matt, Waffles and I packed up the old versa an headed up to central Wisconsin.  I had wanted to write a blog post about my "taper week"  but you really don't taper when you don't train for a marathon.  I had the worst week ever last week, that reached its low point Thursday afternoon as i sat crying in the bathroom work.  Way to show you are the only girl in the office, right?  Anyway, by the time Friday evening came, i was so grateful for two days to get away from everything that i would have run any amount of miles just for the chance to escape.

So we made the 4 hour trek to Wautoma.  I ate in the car (totes the best way to prepare for a marathon) and as we got closer, the roads just got more and more rural.  I had booked us a room in the Super 8 motel which was both dog friendly and about a mile from the start/finish.  Matt kept teasing me, because apparently he thinks he is above staying at the super 8, but it was seriously the best decision ever.  There were SO nice.  We got in around 10:30, and the lady had even printed a little map for so we would know how to get to the race in the morning.  

Coach waffles with a last minute pep talk.

The other cool thing about Super 8 is they have continental breakfast every day starting at 5:30.  I had brought my own clif bar, because i eat one before every marathon, but it was nice to have coffee that wasn't instant.  When i was making my second coffee trip, a girl approached me to ask me which race i was running.  Apparently it was her first marathon, and she was trying to find someone to buddy up with to help her finish.  Her goal was around 5 hours.  I said that i had low expectations because i had skipped most of my training, but that i was pretty sure i could get her there! So, i told her i would meet her at the start line.  There were only 72 runners, so it was pretty easy to find her.

We got there early so i could get my race number (which took all of 90 seconds, so i don't know why i was worried) The t-shirt was long-sleeved (which i actually prefer!) and we got a cute water bottle, and the bag was one of those nice drawstring ones.  They had fruit and bagels for everyone, even the spectators, which was really nice!

pre-race dancing

While we were waiting for it to start, another girl approached me to ask me about my top.  She eventually said she was just making an excuse to find out how fast i run, because i looked like competition.  LOL!  I told her my seriously runner look was all a rouse, and she had nothing to worry about. But, i kind of consider this a BQ in looking awesome.  So yay, me.
Actually, a good chunk of my outfit was new, as in never worn before.  New shoes, bra, and shorts.  Hows that for living on the edge?

They said a prayer for Boston before the start of the race, and we were off!

I won't bore you with the mile by mile break down, but i will say this.  I was so focused on making sure Bethany had a good first marathon experience that i never had my normal "marathon breakdown"  There were no tears, no sitting down on a curb, no vowing to never run a marathon again.  I felt strong the entire time.  Thats not to say it was easy.  It was a hilly course - nonstop rolling hills.  Oh, and i didn't train to run a marathon.  My feet were killing me by mile 12 (it could have been that i was wearing new shoes too?  who knows)  But, despite the difficulty, worrying about someone else took my mind off everything.  I told stories, i made up little songs (like the "f*** you mile 22" song).  I know the last 6 miles were really hard for her.  They are hard for everyone, but i think they are especially hard during your first marathon.  We took frequent walk breaks, i did my best to keep us on pace.  It got a little warm (70!) and sunny.  The police were nice enough to drive along the course to bring us all bottles of water (aid stations were about 3 miles apart, so i was grateful for the extra water in the sun!) We finally hit the home stretch, and i just started yelling at her to run as fast as she could.  Then i started yelling at everyone else that this was her first marathon, and people seemed to get that, and just started cheering and yelling, and i was behind her just screaming "FIRST TIME MARATHONER RIGHT HERE"  in hindsight, the poor girl probably wanted to trip me.  But i will never forget the suck level of my first marathon finish, and everyone should have people cheering for them, even if its 10 people.  And those 10 people ROCKED.  I got her across the finish line in 5 hours and 1 minute.  I was a minute off, but hey - it was my first time pacing someone (and the course was long).  I think she was pleased anyway.  

The aftermath:  I don't want people to think that not training for a marathon is all sunshine and roses.  I am lucky to even finish the race.  My pinky toenail split right down the middle, and i have a sharp pain in my lower back that will not go away.  So, I am not sure if there is a market right now for the "Gingerfoxxx training plan: drink your way to a marathon finish"  But then again, maybe people would be on board with that....I also have the most brutal sunburn i have had in YEARS.  I put on sunblock, but i didn't expect it to be quite so warm and sunny, so i had just put it on around my arm warmers.  I took the arm-warmers off at mile 5 and my arms FRIED in the sun.  I can barely type this actually.  A rookie sauce mistake i will NOT make again.  But seriously, i CAN'T WAIT to run another marathon.  Only i will train this time!

The rest of the weekend:  Since i ran a conservative race, i didn't feel like i was dying the way i normally do.  Matt and i decided to go bar hopping in Wautoma!

THE MEGA-FRY!

When in Wisconsin, you have lots of cheese and beer.  It is known.
We also took Waffles out for a nice hike on some Wisconsin trails, since she was so well behaved at the race.

The next day, we took the long way home so that we could stop by the super remote cemetary my Dad is buried at.  I try and make it once a year, and i usually leave random things there - it's so fried green tomatoes.

Is it morbid to take photos at cemetary?  I always do...

Hopefully he like the race medal.  I thought it was cool!  We took our time on the way back, and hit up some farmers markets, and just cruised through country roads enjoying the scenery and fresh air.  I think the whole weekend did us ALL some good.

She likes the view on my shoulders....

So, in short Jailbreak was a great race.  The course is constant rolling hills, so its a little hard on the legs and feet.  There were 72 runners total for the full marathon, so it will be lonely.  If you need crowds, it might not be for you.  If you like trees, wild turkeys, and amish children waiving at you from a horse drawn cart, then this is totally for you.  I would like to run it again, especially because how fun Wautoma was.  I would run a marathon just as an excuse to visit!!

Countdown to next marathon - August!!

Housekeeping!

I sat down for a minute, and realized there is a wealth of knowledge i should be sharing on the blog that i haven't been.  Housekeeping time for the blog!  SO, if your race schedule isn't packed this summer, get ready for it to be!

Move for the Kids 5k - May 19th

This is a super cute 5k down by soldier field, and its for a great cause!  It's benefiting the Children's hospital of Chicago.  And, it's a run/walk, so if you are a new to the running scene, it isn't a high pressure event!  Please use readM4TK when you register to save $4 - because saving money is cool.  So they tell me.


Zooma Women's Half Marathon & 10k

Its August 10th!  I am doing the half marathon.  As an ambassador, waffles and I got huge care package of runner goodies that i want to share with you.  So come run with me sometime!  (And hurry.  Matt is eating all the protein bars...)(and Waffles is eating the hat.....)


There is still time to enter the sweepstakes - HERE

This baby is a free weekend in the city with a shopping spree.  Do it now.  Don't pass go.  Don't collect  $200.  Just go win this.

Or, if you aren't the lucky type, sign up here and use the discount CHIAMB5 to save cash monies.

Zooma kick off with CARA
4/29 at 6pm Universal Sole East Lakeshore.  CARA will be there talking about their Half Marathon training program.  You don't have to be registered, but you are able to register there if you like - I have always enjoyed the CARA training programs.  And I will have just run a marathon, so you can sit back and watch me waddle through the fun run and have a couple of laughs.

Run for Boston 5k

The Chicago Running Bloggers and the Muddy Monk have teamed up to create a 5k with all the proceeds going towards the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, specifically a charity that works with amputees.  Its June 15th (a Saturday) and i better see you there!  And, if running isn't your thing, or you are injured, or just lazy like me, volunteer!  Maggie, the genius behind Mag Mile Runner is creating a volunteer sign up sheet.  Once i know for sure its finalized, i will post a link for volunteer sign up somewhere noticeable on the blog.

Until then, go sign up for the race!  We even have a virtual race for those who aren't in the Chicagoland area.  Check out all the info HERE.

Team Run for HD

And, last but not least, Team Run for HD is back in action!  We are running the Chicago Half Marathon & 5k again this September.  I wont overwhelm you with threats to join us right now (those will come later), but just know its on the horizon.  Also, that means PARTY TENT IN CHARITY VILLAGE!  You can always click the Team Run icon to the left for more information.  Or just ask me.

Whew!  That was a lot.  I need a drink.  Too bad its 8am.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

Recently, i have taken on not one, but two very special ambassador roles!

I am running/ambassadoring the Espirit de She race come July!

Its a 5k & 10k in Lincoln Park on July 18th (a thursday) and it means two very important things.  
1.  Its an evening race.  I don't run many, but i know that i love them.  I am an evening runner.  This is going to be awesome.  (I am running the 10k, fyi, if you want to run along side me)  
2.  Why would you ever want to run along side me?  Because it will be my birthday race!!  This will be my very last race in the 25-29 age group, as my big 3-0 will be the Saturday after the race!

So, come run with me - i will be more than happy the share a summary of my 25-29 life, as i am sure i will have plenty of time, being the slow runner i am.  Plus Athleta is one of the sponsors, so you know the gear will be awesome.  Winning!

If you want to read the details, check out their website: http://www.espritdeshe.com/

They also have a triathlon on June 9th, for you BAMF's.  I am trying to volunteer for that event, so if you do want to run a triathlon not only will you know you are way awesomer than myself who will never ever run one, but you might get to see my gross hungover face handing you water (It's the day after Ragnar!)   

AND,

I have been selected as the ambassador for the state of Illinois for the Huntington's Disease Society of America!  I am going to Washington DC next month to crack some skulls make some senators understand how important it is to pass the Huntington's Disease Parity Act.  As far as the US government is concerned (specifically the Social Security department) HD does not warrant disability coverage.  As someone who has been directly affected by this, i am now going to make them understand how devastating it is, especially when you're terminally ill, have a family to support, and don't qualify for disability.  They have been sitting on this bill for TWO YEARS.  So i am gonna go get it done!  FOR AMERICA!!

Boom!  Ambassadoring.

A transformation

Historically, December has not been a good month for me.  While most people are going to parties, shopping, running jingle bell races, and enjoying the cold weather, i am usually working late, sitting in traffic, getting fat, not running, and isolating myself from the world.  It's still going to happen this year, but i at least made an effort to not sit in traffic, run, socialize with another human being, and be festive.

Last night i ran the Zion reindeer run 5k with Bobbi!  She lives up north, and i work up north, so she told be about this small weeknight race that would get me out of traffic, and be a small community race (no anxiety!  YAY!)  I don't know what it is about Bobbi, but she knew exactly what i needed.

I drove up and parked AT THE START LINE 15 minutes before the race.  I picked up my packet, which had a long sleeve tech, antlers, gloves, a hat, and few other things.  I went to the indoor bathroom that had no line, and then walked out to the start line.  I don't why this brings me so much joy, but it does.  I have actually only run one timed 5k in my life.  It was the 2011 Carrera de los Muertos, which i half walked/half ran with a friend.  My time was 36:11.  I was fairly certain that with Bobbi's guidance, i could beat that time.  

Bobbi and I before the race

Running the race, i was instantly reminded why i don't run 5k's.  Between the asthma and unwavering laziness, it really isn't a good fit for me.  Not that i am a great marathoner either, but it just comes much easier to me.  It was a chilly night, about 30 degrees, and of course i left my inhaler at home, so i wheezed along behind Bobbi the entire time.  Luckily, she is much wiser than I, and had a head lamp to  keep us safe (it was pretty dark, and there was some, albeit minimal, traffic) and a working garmin, so i just followed her.  And it worked.  I had no idea what my finishing time was, but based on the fact that i felt terrible, i just knew i beat that 36:11!

Fun fact: when looking through the photos from the night, Bobbi noticed that this guy in jeans beat me, and peed himself in the process of doing so.  I'm not judging, i'm impressed!  And, let he who has not peed themselves a little during a race cast the first stone.  (Spoiler: it won't be me.  Although i am normally running a marathon, and have never peed enough for it to be visible. for the record.)

Congratulations, you earned it.  I mean it.

Right after i finished, Santa gave me a candy cane, and we cheered for a few others finishing the race, and then went in to warm up.
They had snacks like pretzels, animal crackers, and bananas, and pizza was on the way!  We snagged some pizza, and they had a raffle while all the finishing times were being sorted out.  I won some fancy vitamins!

A whole evening of winning!

It turned out i ran the 5k in 26:18, which is a ten minute PR, and because my age group only contained 5 other girls, it landed me in 1st place for my age group!  THIS GIRL.  WON A MEDAL.  NOT FOR PARTICIPATION.  And Bobbi, who is the only reason i didn't just start walking half way through, won 2nd for her age group!

After the awards were given out

winners circle!

So, before the judgement starts to flow, i fully understand that 26:18 in not a competitive 5k time.  It was a really small race. Under 200 people.  I know most people can run significantly faster than that, so i want to personally thank all of you for not being there.  I really appreciate it.

Regardless of how small the field is, this marks a transition in my running.  I am no longer a "participant".  I am now a "competitor"  I totally understand why people work so hard to improve, because now i want another medal, and i want it bad.  Winning is awesome.  And, i have realized that 5k's aren't so terrible.  I mean, yeah, you consider vomiting the entire time, but it's over almost as soon as it begins.  So that's kind of fun.  

So, with that, the 2012 race season is over for me.  

I wore the medal all night.  And drank wine.

Maybe i should end my running career on this high note?

I'm just kidding.  I already am signed up for two marathons next year.  The crazy never stops, kids.