Race Weekend Part One

For the first time in my running journey, I registered for two races in one weekend.  Don't worry, I am doing it again in October, says the crazy lady.

As most of you know, Connie and I met on the Couch to 5k FB page.  We have been friends ever since and she has been a blessing in my life.

A while back, she had the idea of planning a get together/race with people we had met on the site, plus our friends and family.  I thought this was a great idea.  She went to work right away to find the race that would work for us.  She found the Shawn Nassaney Memorial 5k.

I liked the idea of this race for a couple of reasons.  I was going to run in a new place and it wasn't on the road.  Something new to me.  Plus, Shawn died on 9/11 on United Flight 175.  A day that has changed all our lives.  It changed Mr. RWM and my career path and I sadly wrote sympathies cards for 33 fellow pilots and fight attendants.  I was going to honor all of those victims by running in this race and I was going to do it with my friends and my son.

Connie thought it would be a good idea to meet at her house for a light breakfast and to take some time to talk and get to know each other.  George and I picked up bagels and a Box of Joe and met Beth at the park and ride.

Our breakfast was lovely and I enjoyed every minute.  It was a great idea to meet there instead of trying to find everyone at the race.  From there, we caravanned over to the race.

It was a sunny and beautiful day, but it was hot. I had dropped the ball and did not bring bottles of water with me.  I just assumed there would be a water fountain or bottles for us at the race site. I was wrong.

We had an hour to spare before we ran and I knew I was in trouble.

We lined up all together and I though we would stay together, but once the gun went off, George and Connie were off!  I did not kill myself trying to catch up with George but I was sure I was going to find him on the side of the road waiting for me.  I was wrong again.

The course was a loop that we had to go around twice and on the third loop, you went right, instead of left at one of the turns and that brought you into the finish.

Since it was a loop, I was able to see Connie and George every so often across the field. I was so thrilled to see both of them holding their own and on their way to 5k PR's, both of them.

When I was coming around to start the third loop, I saw Connie on the sidelines.  I stopped as I was so surprised and excited she had finished.  Unfortunately, she went right instead of left and only ran 2.17 miles.  You could see the disappointment on her face, and I felt bad, but she was having a killer race and I know she will have that PR at the next one!

As I ran on and it opened up, I thought for sure I would see George but I didn't.  I ran on, I was so hot and more thirsty than I had ever been running.  Yes, no water stop.  I didn't really expect one, but I hoped...

I turned into the finish and saw Beth cheering me on and then George, who ran out to me and cheered me in.  I gave him a huge hug as I was so proud of him for finishing and beating his mama.  I was guessing his pace brought him in at about 30 to 31 minutes.

Once all of our group was in, we headed over to the bar b que for a little food.  We found a nice place in the shade and sat and talked for a bit.  Beth took a walk and found our times. She said she found mine but not Georges?  Hmmmm....

I went over to check it out.  I finished in 34:45, pretty average for me.  Then I looked for George.  I hit every page and then looked at the first one.  It read 21:58!  Oh, no!!! I realized here that he did the same thing as Connie and finished too early!  My first thought was of disappointment, but then I realized he had a great race despite that and he is only 7 years old.  We have a local 5k coming up on the 22nd that benefits his school.  I think I will sign both of us up again and see what he can do for all three miles.

(side note, Connie has a message into the race director so we can correct the times so the right people get the right placement)

Once we were finished eating and chatting, we snapped a few pics and said our goodbyes.  I loved being with everyone and I truly hope that we can do it again!

Once I dropped Beth off at her car, I had to drag George to the FirmMan registration.  I was meeting my team at 2 pm.

I was a little nervous meeting everyone, but once we found each other and registered, I was feeling more comfortable.  Our number was 319 and I got a really great long sleeve tech shirt.

We went over our times.  Judy, our swimmer was hoping to finish in 30 minutes and Alan our cyclist thought he would finish in three hours. From that I knew what time I had to show up and I was thrilled that I didn't have to wake up in the dark.  I took advantage and slept in a bit longer than usual.

My A goal was 2:30.  My B goal was under 2:37 which is my current half PR.  My hope was cool temps.

Tune in tomorrow for part two.

10 weeks to the Philadelphia Marathon!  OMG, TEN WEEKS!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole