My Awesome Race Weekend

Sunday, I ran my 5th half marathon - The Little Rock Half Marathon.
There are so many things to say about this weekend. It has been a wonderful weekend - blogger friend, a race, food, and perfect running weather. The race report will come up later. Here's a quick round-up.

First off, I PR'ed by 3 minutes and completed at 2:25:24. (previous PR: 2:28:36)

Out of 1947 female runners in the half, I came in at 966. 

Div/Place: 177/318

stole the picture from Christine.

Saturday, I packed my bag for the overnight stay. This time, I made sure I have my sports bra packed!

Sports Bra. One long-sleeved top. One short sleeve top. One capri. One long pants. Two pairs of shorts. Gels. Chomps. Garmin and charger. One top/bottom of regular clothes. Running shoes.

I met Christine and her boyfriend at her hotel - which is the host hotel and right by the expo. I have never met Christine before, and I am nervous about meeting new people. Anyway, when I first saw her, we immediately recognized each other and gave each other a hug. And it just took off. It is like meeting a friend you hadn't seen in a while. She and her boyfriend accompanied me to the expo to get my packet, and we shopped a little. We got coffee and chatted and walked to the start and finish line.  We just picked up our conversations from FB chat/blog. We talked about our dogs, our work, our runs, our food. Everything. There was not a weird moment - at least for me. :)  

We had BBQ for dinner because apparently, Arkansas is known for their BBQ. :) After having dinner with Christine and her boyfriend, I took them back to their hotel, and headed back to my hotel to set up.

See that iPhone holder thing for the arm I got at the expo?
Really good!!!

And I tossed and turned in bed.

Race day was perfect.
Perfect temperature.
Perfect amount of adrenaline flowing through the crowd.
And a friend, who is going to pace me to a PR.

I took this picture of my shoes in Christine's room.
This would be the last race my Adrenaline will run.

After the race, we had lunch before I took them to the airport.

Jalapeno cheeseburger and fries.

Oh it was good! So good. Hit all the spots.

So, as I reflected on my weekend, this is what I thought.

My weekend is the sundae.

And meeting Christine - she is like the cherry on top of my sundae. :)

I have always raced alone. And I have never had anyone with whom I can totally geek out by talking race pace, Garmin, race reviews, Kenyans, fueling, stomach troubles. And no one gets runners' humor other than runners (or involved spouses/significant others). Non-runners do not understand toe nails are overrated and black toenails are a badge of honor, or what it means to pause the Garmin when you collapse, or how running is therapy. This weekend, I totally geeked out!

Christine was such a wonderful supporter. She is super easy-going. Has a lot of positive chi. She kept encouraging me, and told me I am doing well. She gave me water when I needed. And she pushed me a little too. When my toes were cramping, she told me exactly what to do to stretch. She did all the thinking, the calculating, the pacing, the everything. I just ran. I just did what she said. I just ran.

I cannot let her down. I have to run a good one. I cannot let her down. 

And it was AWESOME!

And her boyfriend was super super sweet!  Armed with the race map, he met us at different spots and took pictures. Super friendly. Super nice guy!  And they are so cute together! :)

This has got to be one of the best weekends!

I had a good time.
I just hoped I hadn't scare them off. :)

Race report to follow.
I am going to have to steal Christine's and her boyfriend's pictures.

Eve of Race

... Less than 12 hours before I start running the race.

I got in safe and sound after sitting in traffic for a little while. I went straight to pick up my race packet. It was seamless and easy. Then, I head to the hotel to check in and got my overnight bag out.  Then I decided to drive to the where the race is supposed to start tomorrow so I won't raise my blood pressure tomorrow morning. I also planned to drive the race route so there will be no surprise. I don't like surprises. But apparently, today, I don't read maps very well and got lost a few times. I gave up. I was tired. I was hungry. I just wanna quit driving.


I grabbed half of a panini sandwich and a cup of chicken tortilla soup from McAllister's Deli to-go so I can eat in the comfort of my hotel room while I watch "Say Yes to the Dress." Then, I got my stuff ready for tomorrow.

 Yeah ... I brought my own peanut butter and jelly and bread for tomorrow.

 Shoes with timing chip, Garmin, orange Gu Chomps, a packet of Gu gel in the pocket of one bottom, my top with race bib. I think I am ready.