Instant PR

I have a new PR! Today was the first 12k race I've ever run. Now I have someting to improve upon.

Today's race was an afternoon race. I've never run a race that wasn't first thing in the morning. These races always provide me with a certain amount of satisfaction. Knowing that I've accomplished something before most people are even awake.

There are some aspects of racing in the afternoon that I truly enjoyed.

Coffee when I woke up

I usually forgo the coffee until after the race

No need to set the alarm

I really don't mind getting up early - during the week it's usually 4:30 AM or 4:45 AM anyway - but if I can sleep until 8:00 AM - that's a nice treat!

My family came along

I don't see any reason to roll the kids or my husband out of bed during the wee hours so they can stand around while I'm running. By the afternoon, we'd all be sorry.

There were some aspects that would take some getting used to.

Eating breakfast

During the week, breakfast is a given. During the weekend, things are different. After Darrell and I sat on the porch with our coffee, I started some laundry, loaded the dishwasher and a few other mundane Saturday morning tasks. It occured to me that I needed to eat. Something. I grabbed a Clif Bar and continued with my tasks.

Eating lunch

The morning got away from me. I needed to get some fuel, but we needed to get on the road. I ended up with instant pasta - Think similar to Easy Mac - It was okay, but I should have found something better.

It's hot at 3:00 PM

The weather has been absolutely beautiful, and while it wasn't as warm as the OUC Half Marathon, it could have stood to be a few degrees cooler at race time!


We got downtown around 1:30 PM or so. We had to make a trip to PetSmart to get a collar that actaully fit our Boxer Dog - Darrell decided to bring him along today too. We meandered around the lake, checked out some of the wares being sold, the kids had a chance to play on the new playground that is less than a month old.

The kids also had a chance to try out the Rock Climbing Wall that the folks at Aigulle Rock Climbing Center brought for the festivities. They had a blast. My daughter is asking when we can do it again!

I had an opportunity to meet up with David at 2:30 PM. We talked some as we moved toward the starting line and he met someone he was going to pace and I moved up a little closer to the starting line. As it turns out, I had met David several years ago. What a small world.

My plan was today was to go at a comfortable pace - not kill myself or my hip. At the first mile my time was 8:48. I slowed a little. I wasn't feeling any pain in my hip but my back started to stiffen. It loosened up after the third or fourth mile.


Waving to my kids at the finish line - check out that skort!

I felt like I picked up speed after that. Not compared to my first mile, but after that, it seemed that I was moving better.

The course had a lot of brick streets which can be challenging just by their nature. I watched where I was going and made it through.

The course took me through familiar areas. We actually ran past a house I used to live in. Some areas I hadn't been through in a long time. There have been old houses torn down and new houses built in their places.

It was just a gorgeous day and I have not complaints.

The new shoes were feeling fine, the hip stayed relativly quiet and I ran 7.45 miles.

My time: 1:12:58

By the way, the kids both participated in the kids race - the Joey Run. They both had a good time. I might have runners on my hands yet!