Gratitude in 2017

For the first time in four years, I missed posting an annual blog for Thanksgiving. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, I put together a list of all the things/people I was grateful for and posted it here on the internet for anyone and everyone to see.

But I missed it this year. Not because I don't have anything to be thankful for, but because I wanted to dedicate a post specifically to folks that I've never thanked in writing before- strangers! Not all strangers, of course, but the kind of strangers you meet through running races.

Kids standing on the sidelines of a race with their expectant hands out, waiting for sweaty high-fives.

Volunteers shouting "water" or "Gatorade" at an aid station until their voices are hoarse.

A coffee-drinking couple sitting on their front porch, sleepily clapping as the runners pass them.

Enthusiastic cow-bell ringers, shouting encouraging words, motivating runners to keep moving forward.

Clever sign makers whose messages always elicit a moment of laughter during a tough section of a race course.

Medical personnel quick to jump in and help in both life-saving and blister-saving situations.

Police and security keeping all runners, spectators, and volunteers safe.

Some of my favorite strangers :-)

As a runner, sometimes I tend to think that races are all about me. My race, my pace, my experience. But that experience wouldn't be anything without all the strangers that come together to make it happen.

I've always been grateful for strangers in the running community but during an experience I had a few weeks ago, I had such a deepened level of respect for all the people who make a race what it is.

My friend Jeff, whom I affectionately call "coach," turned 50 this year and one of his goals was to run a 50 mile race for his 50th year on earth. He chose to run the JFK 50 miler, a race that winds through highly technical trail, tow path, and road in an extremely challenging 50 mile course. He set this goal a year in advance and some of our friend group reserved the date on our calendars with plans to help pace him during the race.

Coach and me after the 2015 Pittsburgh Marathon

Then the race changed its policies and folks were no longer able to run/pace with the race entrants. After exchanging emails with our group, some of us decided that we would come down and crew (meet Jeff at certain parts of the race and basically be his pit crew) and cheer for him- unbeknownst to Jeff.

Through the expert coordination of our friends Lauren and Chelsea, myself and another friend, Steff, successfully surprised Jeff at mile 15.5 of the course and then were able to see him at two other points of the race.

Selfies or it didn't happen.

While you're waiting for someone to run 50 miles, you have a lot of downtime. In addition to exploring the surrounding areas (and finding super cute coffee shops and restaurants), we would get to each checkpoint a little early and cheer for other runners and then after we'd seen and helped Jeff, we'd stick around and keep cheering for folks.

Cheering is serious business that requires a serious wardrobe.

At about the halfway mark, there was an aid station set up and staffed by my local running group, the Chambersburg Road Runners Club. These volunteers were out in the cold rain (it was the WORST weather in the morning), preparing food and serving runners. It was so awe-inspiring to see these people, who didn't have any runners in the race, showing up and working their station to help runners. They were making soup, cutting up fruit, and refilling water bottles. For complete strangers.

Jeff, slurping down some Ramen from the CRRC volunteers.

But these volunteers weren't the only ones standing around in the rain cheering for runners. We kept seeing the same folks at each aid station/checkpoint, each waiting for their runner like we were waiting for Jeff. And each continuing to cheer for other runners once their runner came through.

Towards the end of the race, we headed to the finish line about an hour before we expected Jeff to come through. We were all so inspired by the runners and we wanted to cheer for as many folks as we could.

We got out our clappers and cow bells and screamed until our voices were gone. We danced, chatted back and forth with the DJs, and cheered our hearts out.

Cheer Crew Extraordinaire.

When Jeff came through the finisher chute, I cried as I cheered. I can't articulate the emotions I was feeling- it was one of my most favorite experiences in the running community. He just finished running 50 freaking miles! In one day! I am still so impressed with his tenacity, strength, and grit. Way to go, Coach!

Once we made sure Jeff was ok, Lauren took him inside to so he could get a shower and get changed and Chelsea, Steff, and I made our way back to the finish line to cheer for the very last finishers.

Blurry, happy, finish line selfies are the best kind. CONGRATULATIONS, JEFF!! 

Every time I've run a race, there's been someone- a stranger- that has helped me significantly by doing something small. Every "Looking good, runner!," "You got this!," "Stay strong!" shouted from the sideline has helped me find the strength to keep going when I felt like quitting.

I hope our cowbell-ringing, clapper-clapping, shouting and cheering group of ladies were able to be somebody's stranger at the JFK 50 miler. Cheering is the very least I can do to give back to the community that's given me so much.

So, thank you, to every stranger I have encountered out on the race course. You are appreciated more than you'll ever know.

Have you ever encountered a stranger on a race course that made your day? Tell me about it in the comments!

Thankful List: 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is traditionally a time when families and friends gather around a table to eat, be together, and express gratitude for all the blessings they've experienced throughout the year. For me, this year is no different; every Thanksgiving, I like to write a post about what I'm thankful for (here's 2014 and 2015). So, here's the list of all the things I'm grateful for this year- even though there's no way I can capture it all in one post- these are some of the blessings I've known in the past year.

I am thankful for...

Cold beer after a long day or a long run.

Friends we've known forever and friends we've just met.

Traveling to lands familiar and strange.

Wooded trails that go on for miles and miles. 

Thirteen happy years with our family dog Brittany, who crossed the rainbow bridge in October.

Family that supports and loves us unconditionally.

This sweet fur baby Koda that fills our days with joy.

And this moment, when Matthew made me the luckiest and happiest woman on earth.

And of course, you, dear reader. Thank you for reading, thank you for commenting, thank you for being my friend. This blog has brought so many wonderful people into my life- thank you for being you. ❤


Wishing you and yours the happiest Thanksgiving ever!

2014: A Running Retrospective

How can we possibly be this close to 2015 already?! While there are some things about 2014 that I'm absolutely ready to close the book on (goodbye, stress fracture!) there were so many amazing running memories made with so many awesome people that I'm not quite ready to move on from just yet. After seeing Lauren's Running Retrospective post, I knew this would be the perfect way to wrap up my life-changing year of 2014.

Best Race Experience
This one is a tie between the Walt Disney World Marathon and the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. The WDW Marathon was my first 26.2 and I couldn't have asked for a better day. Even though he was sick, Matthew and I crossed the finish line smiling- and after having ran 22.4 miles in the three days before as part of the Dopey Challenge! And this race is where we first met Nathan, Steff, Jeff, Lauren, Dani, Justin, and a whole bunch of other cool people.

Being a marathoner is the absolute coolest.

The city of Pittsburgh- and the awesome friends we have there- totally stole my heart. The half marathon course was challenging but super fun. It was like all of Pittsburgh was having a party and there happened to be a race running through the middle of it. The crowds and spectators were incredibly encouraging. We also met Lauren H., Gloria, Chelsea, and some other amazing Pittsburgh peeps and got to spend lots of time with friends. It was such an inspiring and uplifting weekend.

Nothing but love. 

Runners-up:

• Shamrock Half Marathon
• Run, Swim, Run OBX
• Brigance Brigade 5.7k 

Best Run
I was lucky enough to PR lots of distances this year including a sub 2:30 half at Shamrock which I'm still super proud of and can't believe happened.

But none of those were my best run. My best run was the first one post-stress fracture. After almost four long, painful months of not running, when I was finally able to run, it was the most glorious feeling. If runner's high exists, I felt it on December 6, 2014.

It was cold, wet, and rainy but also glorious!

Best New Piece of Gear
Gymboss Interval Timer. If you run/walk, you NEED this timer. Affordable, easy to use, and works off its own battery so it won't drain your phone.

Best Piece of Running Advice
Listen to your body.

There's no reason to push yourself every run. Sometimes you've just got to back off when your body is telling you to.

Most Inspirational Runner
While all the runners I know inspire the heck out of me, this year's most inspirational runner title goes to my dad. We first started talking about him doing the 2015 WDW Marathon around Christmas last year- that was also when he started getting back into running thanks to the run/walk method.

Finishing the Sole of the City 10k together in April.

When he finally decided to do the marathon, he downloaded the training schedule to his calendar and started chipping away at it. Over the last few months, he's run in the pouring rain, freezing snow, and crazy humid heat- but he's stuck to the schedule. He's done all his long runs and in less than 10 days, he'll toe the line of his first marathon at age 58.

At the Mission 10 Miler earlier this year. Snow, hail, and freezing rain in March. Good times. 

To say I'm proud would be one hell of an understatement. This is a man who took a ten year hiatus from running and is now in marathon shape in just one year! He's my running hero and I cannot wait to watch him run in Disney. While I'm still sad that I can't run this one with him, it gives me great joy to think about him becoming a marathoner. His persistence and dedication to his training inspire me and I know I'll rely on that inspiration when I start training for distance running again.

In summary, my dad kicks ass and I'm just so damn proud of him.

After a particularly hot August training run.

Runners-up:

• Matthew
• Coach Jeff
• My speedy friends: Chelsea, Steff, Lauren, Dani, Nathan

Sum Up the Year in a Few Words
Not what I expected, but filled with friendship and love.

Seriously, this year was full of some of the most supportive and loving people I've ever known. I never would have made it through my injury if it weren't for my running ohana.


So there you have it, 2014 in a nutshell. Injuries, new distances, awesome friends- overall, pretty neat! Bring on 2015 :-)



QOTD: What's your favorite running memory from 2014?

Spectator Report: Akron Marathon Weekend, The Expo

About eight months ago, I got an email from a group of #runchat friends- some of whom I hadn't even met yet- about participating in the Akron Marathon Relay on September 27th. There would be five of us and we'd each take a leg of the race. I would start the race, then hand off to Steff who would hand off to Jeff who would hand off to Lauren who would hand off to Chelsea who would finish the race.

We trained all summer for speed. We kept each other updated on our progress. We all participated in races during Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend and bonded like crazy. We counted down the days until we'd be reunited in Akron.

Jeff, Steff, Matthew, Chelsea, Lauren, and me after the Pittsburgh Half/Full Marathon.

Then I got diagnosed with a stress fracture nine days before the race. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. 

But, the race would go on. Steff agreed to pick up my leg and last Friday, we all started making our way out to Akron, OH. 

In addition to our team, we had some other guests make the trip. Matthew ran the half, our friend Nathan ran the half, and Lauren's husband Mark came along to cheer for everyone. 

Matthew and I started our five hour trek to Ohio at o'dark thirty (aka 5:00 am) because we wanted to meet Joan Benoit Samuelson at the expo at 10 am. If you don't know who this bad ass is, just click here. Anyway, so as soon as we crossed into Ohio, we stopped at a rest stop. As we were getting back into the car, I heard someone call my name. I don't know anyone in Ohio so imagine my surprise as I turned around and saw Jeff aka Coach Frog, parked RIGHT FREAKING NEXT TO US! Insane!

After exchanging quick hellos, we got back in the car to get to Akron by 10 am. Once there, we were quickly parked and meeting with Joan Benoit Samuelson. She gave me kudos for listening to the doctor and not running on a broken foot- she wasn't sure if she would have followed his advice :-) She also told Matthew to have a great race, signed a picture for us, and took a few photos. Pretty cool.

After that, we waited for the expo to open at 11 am. Akron did something that I thought was brilliant- in the big room just before the expo, they had all the bib numbers listed for each person along with little sticky notes that said "My bib number is ______." This way, everyone would have their bib number before waiting in line for packet pick-up. Genius!

When the expo opened, we were one of the first 100 people there. Packet pick-up was a breeze. We easily picked up Matthew's half marathon bib and my whole teams' bibs, shirts, Team Panera shirts, and... VIP BADGES!!! I feel like a real blogger now!

Then we headed to the social media booth to finally meet Andrew- Akron's social media guy- who'd we'd been emailing for months. He was absolutely great in person and so helpful and enthusiastic. Then we checked out the vendors. I loved how organized Akron's expo was- lots of vendors, lots of space, and you picked up race shirts at the very end of the expo- cutting down on massive lines usually found at packet pick-up.

Andrew!

After a great lunch with Jeff and Nathan, we headed to our hotel to rest up. Another great thing about Akron- our hotel, start line, finish line, and expo were all within about a mile. Easy to walk and easy to get to- it made the whole weekend so much nicer and less stressful.

Matthew napped at the hotel while I met up with Lauren and Steff to give them their packets. Then they headed off to a late afternoon volunteer shift while Matthew, Jeff, Nathan and I checked out the finish line area. I may have scooted down the blue line just for fun.

Matthew and Jeff standing in the STILL OPEN ROAD to grab a picture at the start line. 

Lauren and Mark joined us for dinner that night which was a whole lot of laughs and maybe a few tears. My team bought me a whole bunch of princess stuff to decorate my scooter and myself for the race the next day. It was so unbelievably touching. They truly are the greatest people I've ever known and I can't ever repay my gratitude for the wonderful things they did for me.

ANOTHER PRINCESS CROWN!!!! 

One for me, one for the scooter.

Me, Captain Chelsea, and Steff. The best friends a girl could ask for :-)

After dinner, we all made our way back to the hotel- we all stayed at the Akron City Center Hotel. We made a plan to meet in the lobby at 6:15 the next morning to walk to the start. Matthew and I laid our clothes out, I dressed up the scooter, and we were sound asleep by 10:30. Marathon morning was just around the corner :-)

Chelsea, Matthew, Jeff, Steff, and Nathan

Ready.

Race Recap & Review: Divas Half Marathon DC

Ok, enough sad talk with my stress fracture, let's do something fun! Let's recap my 15th half marathon, the Divas Half Marathon in Wine Country, DC. It was actually in Leesburg, VA NOT in DC, but that's another post entirely. :-)

As you know from the expo post, this race would be Jen's first half marathon and I'd be representing Enell on the course. We were both a mix of excited and nervous- Jen because she'd never done this before, and me because my foot was acting up and I was thinking about wearing brand new shoes for the race.

We tried to get a good night's sleep (ha!) and woke up bright and early Saturday morning- 5 am. The race started at 7:30 am but our VIP parking lot closed at 7 so we wanted to get there nice and early. From scouring other blogger's recaps from last year, I knew parking would be challenging. In fact, we'd heard that last year the event started TWO HOURS late because parking was all backed up. With the race starting at a rural vineyard with only one road in and one road out, traffic was a nightmare and caused the race start to be late.

We left the hotel around 6 am for our 20 minute drive to the race site. We grabbed breakfast at Starbucks on the way and were happily following the directions until.... a police officer directed us to go another way! Now, try to imagine this- we are in a looooong line of vehicles, it's 6:45 am, and we have NO IDEA where we're going as the way we were told to go was now being redirected. After a few minutes and some wrong turns, we finally approached the VIP parking lot a little after 7. This didn't leave us much time to get ready or give me much time on what shoes to wear. After a long internal debate, I decided to wear my hokas. I didn't feel comfortable changing shoes at the last minute and knew that I could run 13.1 in the hokas.

Once we left the car, we had probably a half mile walk to the start line. So we got to the start with only about 15 minutes to spare. The lines for the port-o-potties was insanely long so we skipped the bathroom and hoped we'd find one on the course. I wanted to check in with two people at this race- Sid Busch and my friend Rhonda. You may remember that I've met both of these folks before during the Dopey Challenge. Rhonda is a dear friend and Sid is just a legend- he's run nearly 200 marathons! It was great catching up with both of these friends as we waited for the race to start.

Sid and me and Rhonda!

She looks ready!

Somehow, Jen and I managed to be in wave two out of four. At a little past 7:30, we were off! We raced through a bit of the vineyard and then were on paved roads the rest of the race. The course itself wasn't that great- lots of out-and-back sections (that can mess with your head!) and little to no spectators. We ran through many housing developments; some of which were still being built! There were some great views of the mountains and some breathtaking flower fields. All in all, it was just an ok course. I did try to entertain us by counting the men on the course (around 20) and we were able to see Donna (who I ran into at the expo) and Sid a few times and wave hello- that's the good thing about those out-and-back sections.

What you can't see on that map is the HILLS! Oh Lord, was this thing hilly! I felt bad for Jen- usually your first half marathon should be nice and flat! We were doing well through the first 10 miles- keeping a nice and easy pace somewhere between 12- 13 minute miles. I promised Jen we would pick up the pace at mile 10 if we felt good. And guess what? We felt GREAT at mile 10 and picked it up like crazy! Our last three mile splits were something like 11:45, 11:30, 11:06- it was fantastic!

Some pictures from the along the course.

As we were racing towards the finish, we were both so pumped and talked about how THIS is why we take walk breaks- so we can pass people like crazy at the end and finish feeling strong. I can't put into words how proud I was of Jen- she had worked her butt off all winter, spring, and summer to do this half marathon- and she was KILLING it! The feeling as we came back into the vineyard, knowing the finish was less than a mile away, was just amazing. It's the reason I run.

In less than five minutes, Jen would be a half marathoner!!!!!

As we got close to the finish, there were cheerleaders handing out pink boas and tiaras to finish the race with. We both grabbed them and kept pushing towards the finish. As we crossed the announcer shouted out both of our names- so freaking cool.

Jen did it. She was a half-marathoner! (PS- I'm crying as I type this, I can't help it!)

We went through the finish chute, got our crazy blinged out medal from some very beefy (and VERY young!) men, got a glass of sparkling cider (no champagne due to VA liquor laws), and waited in line to get an official finisher picture.

Look at this rock star! What a finish!

Wow. Just wow. Photo credit: Kathy Peraza

We went back to the car to grab a jacket (it was a little chilly and had started to drizzle) and our free wine tasting ticket. After waiting in another looooong line for free wine, we finally had our chance to taste Tarara Winery's Boneyard line- two reds and two whites. Lucky for me, Jen is allergic to red wine and the other ladies beside us didn't like red wine so I got almost two full glasses of red when they shared their samples with me!

I bought a few bottles of wine and then we made the long trek back to the car to head home. There was a finisher party back at Lansdowne Resort from 2-4 pm but we were pretty wiped out from the race so we decided to head back home.

Would I do this race again? Probably not. It was a hilly, lonely, not very pretty course. And the waiting for the wine at the end of the race was not fun. I wish there had been more of an after-party at the actual finish line rather than having it at a second location 20 minutes away.

What worked well for me in this race: My new Enell bra was AMAZING! Seriously, I hadn't noticed how unsupportive my old one was until I had a newer, smaller size on. Ladies, replace your Enell at least once a year- if not once every six months. You can really notice the difference when you're in a correct size and newer bra. It was heavenly to run in! :-)

I'm glad I did Divas but I don't think the "DC" race will be on my list in the future.

Happy finishers.

QOTD: Have you ever run any of the Divas races? What did you think of them?


Disclaimer: My registration fee for this race was paid for by Enell as part of their Ambassador Program. I received no other form of monetary compensation. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Meet the #runAkron Team: Coach Jeff

In just 39 short days, Team #4PrincessesAndAFrog will be reunited and running the Akron Marathon Relay together! In today's post, you'll meet Jeff; our "Coach Frog." I first "met" Jeff through #runchat on twitter and he's become a dear friend in the last few months. He's a super fast, super experienced, and super fun to be around runner- just read this post and you'll know why he's our favorite frog!

Name:  Jeff Smercani
Location:  Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite Race Distance:  Marathon
Races on your “Bucket List”:  Tough question! I’ve completed some of the best in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Disney World, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh & Twin Cities to name a few. I guess the big ones left to concur would be Big Sur, LA, London, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco and the original course in Athens, Greece.

How did you start running?  
I was overweight - 205# at my heaviest and would get out of breath going up a flight of steps. I received a call that my Grandmother whom at 84 years of age was diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment.  I decided to run the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to raise money for Breast Cancer in honor of my Grandmother's fight.  I became hooked on running and ran my first marathon a year later.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you/weirdest thing you’ve seen while out on the road?  
I was training on my favorite trail and came upon a deer standing off the side of the trail. As I caught up to it, I fully expected the deer to run off. Instead it looked me right in the eyes and started to run alongside me for several yards!  I thought I had a new training partner there for a while.  You gotta love nature!

I can’t run without...
My Garmin.  It keeps me consistent with my training pace and I’m obsessed with running accurate distance! 

What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve been given?  
During my first marathon the Pace Team Leader told us “You can’t bank time! You bank energy!”  For every minute ahead of pace in the first half of a marathon, you generally give that back plus an additional minute for each one you are ahead. Very smart advice.  I’ve learned this lesson the hard way more than once!

In the starting corral for a race you can find me...
Nervously bouncing, swaying side to side and praying for a safe race for all competitors, volunteers, race officials, safety personnel and for God to allow me to perform to the best of my ability on that day.

If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you wish you’d known before you started running?  
Take nutrition and hydration seriously!  Listen to your body, take ample rest days and allow injuries to heal properly. Eat a good quality meal full of complex carbohydrates to fuel your run the next morning.  You can’t cheat on your training! Make sure you get your long training runs in; they are the foundation of your training for a successful and enjoyable race. Also try to enjoy the races more. I’m never going to win; therefore I enjoy the atmosphere, talk more and enjoy meeting people.  

When I’m not running, I’m...
Enjoying Trivia with my friends (I’m a self-proclaimed Trivia Geek), chatting on Twitter, planning or day dreaming about my next runDisney trip with my wife or watching movies.  I’m a diehard Red Sox, Steelers and Penguins fan.

What’s your favorite post-race food?  
Immediately after finishing a Marathon - My wife usually has my Kettle Chips and an iced tea.  Then it’s on to the BBQ, Bacon, Cheeseburger and Salty Fries!  BRING ON THE SALT PLEASE! :-) 

My running mantra is...
“A Consistent Comfortable Pace - Wins My Race!”

If you could run with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?  
Besides my Akron Marathon Relay Team? :-)  I’ve already met and had the opportunity to run with some of the Greats – Bill Rogers, Dick Beardsley, Jeff Galloway and Kathrine Switzer.  I’d love to run alongside Meb Keflezighi, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Paula Radcliffe and Shalane Flanagan provided they slow down to my pace! :-)

About Jeff:
I’ve completed marathons in 11 states and Canada.  I’m a runDisney fanatic having run 7 Disney Marathons, 3 Goofy Challenges, the Dopey Challenge this year and registered for Dopey next year as well.  I just completed my 30th Marathon running my hometown Pittsburgh Marathon with my Akron Marathon relay teammate and friend Lauren Bailey helping her complete back to back marathons while raising money for a worthwhile charity.  I’ve recently started pacing and coaching friends offering a variety of tips, techniques and training plans.  I’m starting to consider “crossing the line of sanity” and attempting my first Ultra run of 50K or longer.  I’m active on Twitter - Give me a follow at @JSmerc26pt2 - I enjoy chatting, talking about running, races and meeting fellow runners. 

And there you have it; the whole #4PrincessesAndAFrog Team: Jeff, Steff, Lauren, Chelsea and me. The next Akron posts will be of the actual race- can't wait! Blue Line, I hope you're ready for us! :-)

Race Recap & Review: Quiet Valley Rooster Run

A few weekends ago, I ran the Quiet Valley Rooster Run with a bunch of my favorite people- Matthew, Sally (his mom) and Angie (family friend). A few months ago, Angie had expressed to us that she'd wanted to run a 5k this summer- her first- so we found this Stroudsburg, PA race online and signed up. Then we went to OBX in June and Angie ended up running a 5k there too. So, even though this wasn't her "first"one, it was still special and we were excited to run it with her.

This race takes place on the grounds of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm- complete with employees in historical dress and animals. It was definitely a unique race! We arrived to the farm about an hour before the race so we had plenty of time to get our bibs and t-shirts and study the course map. Almost all of the race was on grass/trail and there were quite a few hills. After looking at the map, Angie looked like she wanted to kill us :-)

Soon enough, it was time for us to line up at the start. There were probably around 150 people participating in the race, including a man dressed in a rooster costume. We started off slow, following Angie's pace. She'd been walking and running nightly with Sally in preparation for this race and we wanted to make sure we stayed with her.

Almost like a Disney race, almost.

Looking strong at the start! Me, Angie, and Sally.

Let's just say this about the course- it was tough. Really tough. Parts of it were single track through the woods and there was a lot of elevation. I was pretty sure Angie was going to kill us when we were trekking up the insanely steep hill just after mile one :-) But, she held on and pushed through the pain to get up that damn hill.

Made it to mile one!

A little after mile one, Sally ran on ahead. Matthew, Angie and I chatted and worked our way through the rest of the insane course. It was really awesome to cheer her on as she powered through the miles- if there is ever a job where I can cheer new run/walkers during races, I would be set for life! Our awesome photographer got some great shots of us as we worked towards the finish line.

Deep in conversation.

We are getting there!

While tough, it was a beautiful course.

Almost there! Check out the incline behind us- yikes!

After we passed the mile three marker, Matthew ran ahead so he could get some finish line photos for us. Sally had already finished and was waiting there for us with Matthew's dad, Les. As we came down the last little stretch before the finish, we picked up the pace and crossed the line in front of our wonderful cheering section.

Kudos to Matthew for this amazing action shot!

Great (and free!) photo provided by the race. 

I can't describe how proud I was of Angie. Her dedication to finish that race- despite how tough it was- was so inspirational. Angie is the type of woman who would give you the shirt off her back, no questions asked. It was so awesome to see her do something for herself; to stand side-by-side with her as she accomplished the goal she set out to do. Her smile says it all :-)

After the race, we enjoyed some watermelon, courtesy of the race organizers. There was a table full of raffle prizes and each person's bib was entered into the drawing. I had my eye on some homemade dill bread but unfortunately, my number didn't get called. But Matthew's did! It was delicious.

We also got another cool surprise- Sally won in her age group! She got the cutest ceramic medal. Overall, it was an awesome little race. Challenging course, great organization, and a free entry into a fun raffle drawing. And of course, spending time with great people made the day that much better!

QOTD: Who's your favorite person (or people) to run with?