Let The Taper Begin!

I did it! 20 miles!

It was not easy, but I did it!

I woke up feeling a little nervous and unmotivated to do this run.  I wanted do it, but I just wanted it to be done.

I had coffee, made the kids lunches and got dressed in my running clothes. When I walked the kids to the bus, it was chillier than expected.

Rethinking my shirt, I put on one that was slightly heavier and grabbed gloves.

Stephanie was the first to arrive.  I was running with her for the first time. She was so nice and I hope we run with her again. I am going to see if she wants to join in on my Monday morning runs with Mary. I think the three of us will be good together.

Once Michael arrived and he gathered his stuff, we were off.  As you know by now, I live at the bottom of hill. I tried running up it on my Sunday run, but was soon out of breath. Since this is the beginning of the run and I was not 100% better, we walked up most of it. It was too early in the run to mess around.

Once we were on 1A, we hit a pretty good pace and the conversation was good.  Mike and Stephanie knew some of the same people, which is such a Rhode Island thing.  Just made me laugh listening to it all.

Stephanie said she was good for 4-5 miles. There is a little bridge 4 1/2 miles from my house which was a good spot for Lori to park and pick up Stephanie.  She was there right on time.

We grabbed some water, I thanked Stephanie for running with me and we said our goodbyes.  Mike and I were then on our way to meet my friend Jenn at the beach. She said she was good for 6 or so.

Soon as we started running again, I realized I forgot to get a pic with Steph. Bummed!

I wanted to run in some different places. Now, obviously I live here and know the streets but I haven't run on all of them.  I asked if everyone was good with running to the Point Judith Light House and then head back. Everyone was on board.

For the most part, the run was good.  It was nice to have such good company and Jenn and Mike were both very motivating.  Getting close to the light house though, my calves and hamstrings were tightening up.  At the light house, I stretched a bit and we snapped a pic.

Jenn, Mike and Me!  12. 43 miles give or take a few points.

We did some of the side streets and looked at the beautiful homes and ocean. It was such a nice day.

The wind on this stretch of road was not good though. It really bothered me.  When we hit 15 miles, I was thrilled and might of gotten a little teary.  I needed to walk here though. Not much, but it felt good.

When we saw Lori this next time, I couldn't say hi to her. I used my inhaler and felt better.  Had some gatorade and refilled my water. The next time we would see her would be at mile 20.

BTW, Jenn was still with us.  She felt good and kept on running.  She is a great runner and friend.  I was so happy to have her stay with us.

These last five miles were the toughest for me. I was slow and wanted to be done!  Everyone was so encouraging and they literally kept me going at this point.

When we hit 18 miles, we were at Jenn's car.  I asked if she was stopping but she said no. She wasn't leaving us this close to the end. Awesome!

I walked a little in this mile and when we hit 19, I had to send Lori a text to tell her we would be ending in a different spot then we had thought.  Then we ran.

It was the last mile, I was feeling so many different emotions. I hurt, but I was happy.  I started to tear up and then I couldn't breath.  We were at 19.5 miles.

I needed my inhaler and quick. I actually struggled to get it out of my pocket and then it took 3 tries before I got it in. It was a little scary not just for me. I may have freaked out Jenn and Mike. They were calm though.  Had to walk here once I was breathing again. but I was determined to finish running.

Once I was able to run again, we did and I ran until my Garmin hit 20.00 and I stopped!

I cried and hugged everyone.  I was so thrilled.  We walked it off a bit and stretched.  Lori picked us up and drove Mike and I back to my house.

Mike and I ran all 20, Stephanie ran with us for 4 1/2 and Jenn, who set out for 6 ran 14 miles!  I have some rockstar running friends for sure!  We finished under four hours too!

The car ride was tough.  My legs felt like they were still moving and hurt.  I wanted to rip them off. Lori helped me into my house and Mr. RWM and my mom were there. I broke down in tears.  Mr. RWM knew what to do and started an ice bath for me. Mom freaked out a bit.  She thought I was hurt and can't understand why I just did that to myself.

Ice bath was good, then I showered and ate a huge plate of Shepherd's Pie, drank chocolate milk and ate four Laffy Taffy.  They are my weakness and favorite candy.  Enjoyed every bite with no guilt!

Mom made a fabulous dinner for us and I was so thankful that I didn't have to do anything.  I was in bed early and slept like a baby.

I woke up feeling sore but what has me concerned is my PF. As soon as I stepped out of bed, I knew I was in trouble. I hobbled to the bathroom and couldn't get shoes on fast enough.  This is not good. It takes so long to feel better. I will continue to stretch, ice, and use the golf ball.  I have the night splint that I can sleep in too.

What are your thoughts on running. Take an extra day or two or just continue on as normal with the taper?

Other than that, I am thrilled. I did something that I was pretty sure was impossible.  I am ready for the marathon and I am really looking forward to it. I know it is going to be a great weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.  We are so close now.

2 1/2 weeks to the Philadelphia Marathon!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Just for fun, my splits...

1	11:03.6	1.00	11:04
2	10:15.9	1.00	10:16
3	10:07.7	1.00	10:08
4	9:53.2	1.00	9:53
5	10:00.4	1.00	10:00
6	10:34.7	1.00	10:35
7	10:34.7	1.00	10:35
8	10:39.5	1.00	10:39
9	10:41.9	1.00	10:42
10	12:36.5	1.00	12:37
11	11:11.5	1.00	11:12
12	11:12.1	1.00	11:12
13	11:53.6	1.00	11:54
14	11:34.1	1.00	11:34
15	11:49.2	1.00	11:49
16	13:18.7	1.00	13:19
17	12:36.1	1.00	12:36
18	12:43.4	1.00	12:43
19	12:43.4	1.00	12:43
20	12:44.9	1.00	12:45

Summary

3:48:14.9

20.00

11:25

Bummed!

Well, if you follow me on FB, then you know I have not been feeling well.  It has been a really long time since I have been sick and it is not fun.

Because breathing/asthma was such an issue I did not get my 20 miler in on Thursday. This bummed me out for a few reasons. First, because I set up a huge support team to run with me and figuring it all out was not easy. I thank each and every one of you who planned to be with me.

Second, it's not done! This was the BIG one.  The last big one.  It should of been smooth sailing from here to the marathon.  I was ready and now I am discouraged.

I thought I was ok today and planned on three miles.  Today though, was the last day of soccer and it was just me and the kids.  Gracie played for an hour and George had three games over the course of two hours.  It was cold and very windy and by the time I left the field, three hours later, my voice was gone again and my chest hurt.

I feel a little better now, but going to put it off for one more day.  My new plan is run tomorrow, no less than three miles and if all goes well, do my 20 on Tuesday.  I should be good to go by then. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Of course, if you are available Tuesday to run with me, I would love to have you join me.

Now on to a fun giveaway.  If you plan to race in costume, post your pictures on my FB page. The photo with the most likes, will win a Shubeez and Sweat Pink Laces.  I will keep it running through November 3rd.

So looking forward to you pictures!  Good Luck.

Three weeks to the Philadelphia Marathon!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Run For the Pumpkins 5k Recap

Before I get into the race, let me just recap my week for you a bit.

Tuesday and Wednesday, I ran 3 miles each day.  Both runs were pleasant, and I felt good.  I'm not gonna lie, I am short miles for the week, but I did what I could and I have no regrets.

Thursday, was my long run, 14 miles.  I put it out there that I was looking for company, which I pretty much do for every run now.  Michael of Forward Momentum chimed in and said he would run all 14 with me.  What? Really?  Wait, let me just remind him I am slow, sometimes walk and always cry.  He was still on board!

I can write a post just on this run, but here is the bottom line.  This run rocked!  My watch died in mile three, so I just relied on Michaels app.  It was kinda nice to not look at my Garmin constantly.

I am excited to tell you that we finished in 2:31:16. Just in case you are not a fan of math like me, that is  PR for 13.1. That came out to 2:18.  Not official, I know, but still exciting to me.

Four and half miles into our 14

Now, last week after I ran Newport, George said he wanted to run a race with me.  I got excited and immediately started looking for a 5k near by.  The race that popped out at me was Run For the Pumpkins in Westerly, RI.

This race was put on by the Westerly Track and Athletic Club, which Michael is part of.  I got to ask him a few questions about it when we ran the 14.  He said it was a small race with rolling hills but nice.  Great!

George turned eight on Friday and he just couldn't calm down.  He has so many nice friends, who gave him such nice gifts.

His party was on Saturday and he and his friends had a blast!  He also told me he didn't want to run anymore. He just wanted to sleep in, stay in his PJ's and play with all his new toys. I couldn't say no.  We are on the go so often, I wanted him to have his time.  I still planned on running.

I have to say, I ate so bad on Saturday, plus I drank a couple beers.  I knew I would pay for it while running.

I had told Michael that I had been chasing a sub 30 5k for a while and when I told him George was not going to run with me, he said he would pace me to a PR.  I was game, but had doubts.

My allergies have been bad the last couple days which makes my asthma worse.  That, plus the junk food, made me think I wouldn't make it.

Registration opened at 10.  I was there at 9:50.  Amazing how early I am when I don't have the family with me.

Michael was at the table helping out. He introduced me to some really nice people and I felt right at home.

I had a lot of time, so I sat in the car a little, ate my banana, stretched and ran about a mile for a warm up.

Cool shirt!

We lined up and he gave me the run down about how fast we needed to go.  He does everything in kilometers and I just said OK.  Here we go!

We went out fast. Faster than I have ever run.  My breathing was labored but I was moving forward.  I thought I was feeling better right after the first mile, but by the time we hit 1.5, I needed my inhaler.  It took three tries but once I did it, we walk just a few feet and I was running again.

Michael was awesome. He kept me on pace, and was very encouraging. I was not my usual chipper self with tons of stuff to say.  But he kept saying I was doing great and I really needed to hear that.

In the last mile, my stomach felt like I had a brick in it and I was slowing down.  Michael was telling me what was coming up and how close we were to the finish.  Once we were in the parking lot and the finish was in site, I was able to pick it up.  I saw the clock and heard the cheering and in the finish I went.  Official time, 29:56!

Running into the finish.  Love this one!

I was totally out of breath but was able to hug Michael and then walk to the water and snacks.  I was in shock that we pulled it off.  The course was tough, so many hills.  This should of not been a PR course but it was.  Now I need to find a flat race and see what I can do with that.

As I was eating a bagel and having some water, I noticed that a few people were still coming in but there were very few people at the finish line.  I headed back and was so happy to see a little guy, I am guessing 6 years old and his dad come in.  It was so nice and it made me miss George.

I stayed for the age group awards, something I don't always do.  With just about 60 people though, it really was right after the last runner came in.

I was still feeling pretty high at this point and then I heard my name.  I looked at Michael in shock, walked up to the guy holding the medal and said, "Really?"  He smiled and handed my my medal.  I was, of course, crying.  Not a lot, but I didn't know what else to do.  I looked at my medal and put it on.    I had the women next to me, snap my picture.

I watched the last of the awards but I did not hear what was going on.  I was still thinking this can't be.  It was here I went over to the printed times to make sure I wasn't the only 40 something female runner. I was not, whew!  There weren't many of us, but I don't care.  I was first!

I got a picture with Mike and then we said our goodbyes. I thanked him because I am sure it wouldn't of happened without him.  I truly have some of the best running friends out there and I love everyone of them.

Everyone I met today was so very nice. I hope to see and run with them again.  I love small local races and even though this was a tough one, I would do it again for sure!

For some reason, my chest is still tight and I am coughing a lot.  My voice sounds weird too.  Allergies are new to me and I am guessing that that is all it is. I have five miles planned for today with Mary, and hope I feel ok.  I will let you know how it goes.

Four weeks to the Philadelphia Marathon!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Big Race Weekend

This was a big weekend for me and it did not disapoint.

Friday, I packed up my parents and Mr. RWM and we headed to the United Health Care Marathon Expo.

This race has a 5k, half and full marathon.  My first race ever, was this 5k, two years ago.  In fact, if I didn't have such a deep connection with Philadelphia, this would of been my first marathon.

We got there right when it opened.  Pick up was very easy. I took a look around the expo and did not buy anything! Who is shocked? I am!

From there we had a lovely lunch at the Black Pearl and walked around just a bit.  It really was nice to be with Mr. RWM and my parents without having to focus on the kids. I enjoyed every minute.

Saturday, was the Free to Breathe 5k.  This race helps raise money and awareness for lung cancer, a cause very close to Beth and our friend Sally.  Sally lost her mom to lung cancer and is very involved in organizing this race and making it the success that it is.

Having a race the day before my 18 miles was freaking me out just a bit.  I looked into volunteering and just not running but knew that I wanted to run. Beth was also signed up so we met early in the morning and drove together.

Thinking it would take us longer to get there than it actually did, we had loads of time before the start.

We checked in, got our numbers, talked with Sally for a short time.  We looked at the silent auction items and we each bid on something, but secretly, we were hoping someone would out bid us.  From there, we headed to the massage tables and had a quick but nice massage.  I should start all my races like that.

Me, Beth and Sally

Still having tons of time, we took a walk around the park.  I was happy that is was such a beautiful day and the park was really nice.

This was a small race but a very energetic crowd.  We lined up and were given directions for the course.  They were not very clear, but there were plenty of signs.

Beth and I were both doing the half marathon the next day, so we agreed to take it easy. Once we crossed the line, we were running.  Our first mile was 9:50.  That is not taking it easy for me.  We slowed down a bit.

I have not seen official results yet, but according to my Garmin, we ran it in 32:01.  Not bad.

We got water and a pumpkin doughnut, checked out our bids and I am happy to report we did not win anything.

We chatted and said goodbye to Sally and headed home.  I have to say, I really liked this 5k.  It was well run and in a nice location.  I was happy to support Sally and loved running with Beth. It had been about a month since I last ran with her and I really missed it.

My legs felt good the rest of the day and I knew I would be ok for Sunday.

I went to bed early, set my alarm for 5:30am, and actually slept well until 4 am.  I tossed and turned for a bit and then decided that I should just get up and head to the race. My original plan was to run the extra five miles at the end of the half, but since I was up so early, I decided to run a few before and a few after.

I am not a morning person and getting up and driving to the race in the dark was weird.  I followed my directions to the parking lot but at that time in the morning, every car in front of me was going to the same place.  I parked and walked to the buses. I got on the very first bus.  It was pretty wide open, but a girl walked on and asked if she could sit with me. Of course she can!

I don't remember her name but she was from Ohio.  She was very pleasant and it was a nice start to the morning.

Once I was a the race, I took a walk around. Snapped a few pics and looked for the gear check.  I wanted to do my run, but wanted to be able to get back into my bag for my banana and water after my three miles.

Just getting to the race and it's still pretty dark.

I purposely picked a bright yellow bag for my stuff hoping that would help the guys out. They tagged my bag and put it aside so that it would be easy to get to when I got back. I was so thankful!

I grabbed my music, but didn't need it. I ran to and on the Cliff Walk and just listened to the ocean.  It was perfect!

View from the Cliff Walk

Did not got down there, but might next time.

I ran my there miles in 33 minutes.  I felt great the whole time and was more then ready to for the half.

The crowd was much bigger then when I left but was able to find Beth with no problem. Soon, Rebecca of Pink Running Jacket found us.  I was bummed though that we did not find my friend Kim, who came in from NY, or my friend Patti.  It was Patti's first half marathon and I really wanted to be at the start with her.

Rebecca, Me and Beth

We lined up and for some reason, there was a delay to the start.  I don't know if it is a mental thing or not, but sitting around waiting, made me feel like I needed to use the porta potty again. I didn't get out of line for fear of losing everyone, so I just hoped for the best.

The Start

Finally, we were on our way.  There were a lot of people running this race and it did not break up until mile three.

Rebecca was running the full by the way and Beth the half.  The three of us stayed together for couple miles and then we lost Rebecca and never caught up to her.

This is not an easy course but it sure is beautiful.  That alone can keep a person going.  I love running by the ocean and all the beautiful homes. We even went into Fort Adams for a short while, which I am getting really familiar with now.

I have to say, I was feeling really good. I found my groove early in the race and I think it may have been because of the pre three mile run.  I didn't look at my watch too much because when Beth and I hit two miles, my watch said five and so on and so on.  This would of required math and well, you all know by now, running and math do not add up in my head.

A couple really cool things happened in the loop around Fort Adams.  First, we were behind a father and his daughter. She was about the same size as my George who will be 8 on Friday, BTW.  I said to Beth that I needed to go talk to them and find out what her deal was.

We ran ahead and I said hello and that I was so impressed to see such a young girl running a half marathon. Turns out, she was 10 and this was her third half marathon!  She also has an older sister, 13, who was also running.  Her name was Christina and she was just so stinking cute!  I wish I could show you the socks she was wearing, right up my alley.

She is already registered for the Triple Crown for next year and I hope I run into her again.

Now, at this point, I really needed to use the bathroom. We hit some on the way out of Fort Adams. There was a line, but I had to wait.  In line we talked to a women who was from Philly!  She had run the Philadelphia Marathon five years earlier and loved it! So good to hear.

Standing in line, I heard my name.  It was Patti!  I got out of line and asked her how she was feeling. She looked great!  I told her I would catch up to her later, I needed to get back in line. I felt so happy to have seen her and know that she was doing so well.

After our stop, Beth and I really had a good pace going and we passed a lot of people, something I am not used to.

I am still feeling good at this point and honestly, I was surprised.  I was so happy to be running and I was excited knowing what I was going to accomplish today.  Eighteen Miles!  I can't help but go back to my first run. One minute and I was huffing and puffing. I am still amazed that I didn't give up and so thrilled to be where I am today.

We did catch up with Patti on Ocean Road.  We chatted and ran with her for just a bit before Beth and I were off again.  I wanted to stay with her but I really wanted to finish too. I still had to add two more miles.  Sorry Patti!

Somewhere around mile eight, my mile eleven, I asked Beth how we were doing on time. She said we were at 1:30 something with five miles to go.  I told Beth, this could be a PR race for me.  The time to beat was 2:36.  This fueled Beth.  She was going to get me a PR no matter if I wanted one or not!  At one point, she said that her endorphins were popping. I had to ask, in a good way or bad. In a good way she said.  Oh my, I am in for it now.

Despite my feeling good the whole morning so far, when my Garmin beeped 13 miles, I was starting to really feel it.  I was slowing down.  Beth was not.

If I was alone, I would of walked here.  I may have even mentioned that to Beth, but she was not having it.  I kept on going and was happy to have her encouraging me to do this.

I started to get quiet.  If you run with me, you know this is a sure sign I want to be done.  Beth was doing her best to talk and keep me going when I remembered a story that I haven't told her yet.  I am not going to tell it here at this time, but it involves a ghost named Harvey and the house I grew up in.  It's good story and time flew by while telling it. At the end, we were very close to the finish.

Beth was speeding up.  I was able to stay with her but was struggling a bit.  The crowd was pretty awesome here and I was very thankful for all the cheers.  Running into the lot, with the finish in site, we saw Michelle of For The Love of Running and she was cheering us in.  I just love seeing people at the finish that I know.  I picked it up just a bit here and we ran into the finish together.  The clock read 2:32 and change.  I knew it was a PR.  I, of course, had tears in my eyes.  Beth and I hugged, got some water and our medals. I have to say, this is the best medal I have ever gotten, if you don't count a Tiffany's necklace.  It is just awesome!

Beautiful, right!

We walked to where we could see the finishers coming in.  I wanted to see Patti finish.  I was thrilled when I saw 10 year old Christine and her father coming in. We cheered really loud for her and I got teary again.  I'm such a girl!

It wasn't much longer and we saw Patti. She looked great coming into the finish and I was just so happy for her.  We met her and the three of us headed to where the food was.

They had soup, bananas, oranges, water and gatorade. The soup sounded good to me. A little warm up before my last two miles.

We took a couple pics and said our goodbyes.  I decided to go back to the route I did before the race.

Happy to be done, but, oh wait, I have two more to go!

Me and Patti

Not my best idea.

This took me right into the crowed cheering the runners in at the finish, not to mention, the runners walking, slowly, to the buses.  I finally made it to the Cliff Walk and started to run. Again, not my best idea.

This is a huge tourist attraction and now I was running and bopping around tourists.  This is a skinny path and it was not fun.  My two miles each were clocked at 13 minutes.  I just couldn't move.  Even so, my time for 18 miles was less then my time for 16.  How crazy is that!

Once I was back to the race finish, I got my bag and then saw that hot pizza was being put out.  Oh, so very happy!  I devoured two pieces in minutes.  From there  I walked into the expo tent one last time.  It was here, that I found they had beer.  I really wanted one but I was freezing, tired and alone.  I headed to the bus.

Remember how early and dark it was when I parked? Weill, I didn't really take note of exactly where I parked. I knew I was in the general area, but the lot was so much bigger then it looked at 0' dark 30.

I am pretty sure I walked a half mile before I found my Sunshine.  And if she wasn't bright yellow, I would of had to call for a ride home and just buy a new car.  Not kidding.

I was so happy to be in my car and driving home.  I had a great morning, a great race and a PR. The company was the best part!  No matter what the race or PR, you can't beat running with your buddies.

Once I was home, my parents took the kids out for a while and I was able to sit and relax in a quiet house. I really appreciated this.

When the official times came out, mine was 2:29:15.  This was a 7:24 minute PR. Imagine what it could of been if we didn't stop at the porta potty.

All and all, a fantastic day. I am already signed up for the Triple Crown next year, and this is the last race of that series.  Looking forward to it.

Five weeks to the Philadelphia Marathon!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

Chasing My Sanity

Women's Run - The Sanity Chase, well, what can I say?  It was awesome!

First, let me start by saying, this is one of my most favorite companies.  I discovered them just over two years ago when I was just starting to run.  To be honest, I am not sure exactly how I found them but the moment I saw their products and read their manifesto, I was hooked.  You all know this if you have been reading my blog for a while.

My first purchase was a shirt, maybe a hat too, can't remember.  Doesn't matter because I now own about 5 short sleeve shirts, 4 long sleeve shirts, 1 sweat shirt, a hat, two magnets, a coffee cup, travel mug, not to mention, the items I have gifted.

There are a few more things that I want, but I have to space these things out so I don't give Mr. RWM a heart attack.  BTW, Mr. RWM, Christmas is right around the corner and then my birthday soon after that.  Just saying...

I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with Kyra, founder and Chief Runner of Women Run, a number of times now.  The first time I met her, was at the Providence Rock and Roll Expo. She knew my name when I introduced myself and it was just a thrill to talk with her in person.  Since then, we have been at a few races together but we didn't always know it.  One of the last ones being the FirmMan.  She was also on a relay team for that race.

Kyra and I at the FirmMan

When she first announced the Sanity Chase, I checked it out but was hesitant to do an obstacle course in the middle of marathon training.  I was afraid of getting hurt.

The more I looked into it though, I was quite certain, no one was going to leave injured. There was paddle boarding, hula hooping, tricycle riding and to finish it off, a chocolate slide.  You could also be as young as 9 to participate.  Since I am so close to 9...

I sent out an email to all my running and a few non running friends and after a couple days, we were a team of five and we called ourselves, Gansett Girls Run.  For those of you who don't know, Gansett is short for Narragansett, RI.

Once our team was together, we had to decide on what to wear.  Yeah, this is a, "have a super good time and dress cute",  kind of race.

It was Elaine's idea to get the Gansett shirts from Crosswyndes Traders and from there the obvious choice was a tutu to go with it.  I picked up socks for everyone and our outfits were complete.

Look how cute!

Painted my nails to match my shirt and tutu.

I woke up the day of the race to cold and rain.  This is not what my guy at channel 10 had said the day before.  Not nice weather man, not nice!

We all met at Steph's house and from the moment we were together, the fun and laughter began.

The race was held at Fort Adams which I thought was the perfect spot.  Easy to get to. Plenty of parking and big enough for all the obstacles.  Oh, and real bathrooms!

We headed to check in to get our numbers and the woman at the table recognized my name and introduced herself to me. Her name was Krissy and she also works at Women run.  She knew my name from FB and said it was nice to meet me and that, "I was one of them."  Wow, just wow!

There were waves every half hour and we were the 11:30 wave.  When we first got there it seemed the rain was letting up.  By the time we got our numbers and headed back to the car, it was drizzling.  I grabbed my hat and was just hoping it didn't pour on us.

Our wave was very small. We lined up, got our instructions, and off we went.  There was no sun, but luckily, no rain either.  This is good, yay!

Steph and Lori are not really runners but they did a great job!  To get to the first obstacle, we had to run a mile.  Since the race was not timed, we only ran when all of us were able to.

The first obstacle was paddle boarding, something I have never done.  Oh, and I can't swim.  The water was only waist high and we had life jackets.  Plus, there were two kayakers in the water with us.

Agnes, was the first to hop on the board and go.  She was finished before I was even to the first buoy.  She rocked it!  Elaine was next and then me.  I got nervous when I started to stand, so I stayed on my knees.  Once I figured out how to move and turn, it wasn't so bad.  I had fun and would try it again.  Have to be able to stand up for next year for sure.

From there, we ran a bit to obstacle number two, the rock wall.  Do you remember this post?  I am not much of a rock climber.  We had a bit of a line here, but that gave us plenty of time to get our harness on.

The wall was brought in by the Army National Guard and was manned by two soldiers.  A cute, young soldier approached me to make sure my harness was on right.  He looked confused and said to me, "Can you lift up your tutu?"  We all started to laugh and I replied, "I bet you never said that before!"  We all got a good laugh and there may have been a little blushing.

I did not get very far on the rock wall, in fact, only one of us made it to the top.  Not only did Elaine shoot up to the top of the wall, she did it on the hardest of the three sides. How cool is that!

The next obstacle, I was sure I would have a hard time with.  We needed to hula hoop and walk from point A to point B. I picked a hoop that matched my shirt and tutu and before I knew it, I was hula hooping and walking.  It never fell!  I went the whole distance and had such a good time!  My best obstacle of the day.

BTW, still not raining on us.

Next we had to get on bikes. Little bikes, the size that my Gracie would ride.  I picked a cool purple one and started to go but was having trouble.  A young man on a bike who was helping, noticed that my back tire was flat.  So back I went for a new one, a pink princess bike.  I really had a hard time peddling. My knees kept hitting but despite that, I was smiling the whole way.  The time and thought that went into this race was incredible. What a wonderful idea to get together with your daughters, mothers, aunts, and girlfriends.

My girls were already at the next obstacle, putting on high heel shoes. I just cracked up as I approached them. I grabbed a pair of black pumps and we went shopping.

Three bins, filled with toys and we had to pick a toy from each bin and put it into a shopping bag. This was not hard, but it was very funny!

We turned in our shopping bags and headed to the very last obstacle and finish line, the chocolate slide!

This was a double sided slide.  One side just had water.  Come on, who did that side? Where is the fun in that?

We went back and forth a bit, tutus on or off. There was no way I wasn't going to do it in my tutu!

Steph was the first one up. She came down fast and hard and got covered in chocolate from head to toe!

Elaine was next and she came down smiling the whole way.

I went next.  The slide was much faster than I expected.  I thought I would have more control but that was not the case. Into the chocolate I went.

Now, I have only been running for just over two years, but I have crossed quite a few finish lines.  At every one, even the not so good races, there is a feeling of accomplishment and joy.  A true feeling of being alive.  This was no different.  I got up, covered in chocolate, looked at my friends and felt all of the those same feelings.  I love this race and I will be back.  Hopefully with the same girls plus a few more.

Agnes, went down the slide without her tutu. This was ok because she was leaving the race and going to a meeting.  She had decided to wear it to her meeting!  Ha, so cool!  I would of loved to see her colleagues faces when she walked in.

Lori was the last to slide.  I wish I had a pic of her face.  Best expression of the day.

We got cleaned up, changed into warm, dry clothes and headed to the beer tent. We all got a free Narragansett Beer.  We got sandwiches and while we were eating, it got windy and the skis opened up.  The race was still going on and we were right next to the rock wall.  I am so very impressed with all the ladies, especially the little ones, who didn't give up under those conditions.  They stuck it out and finished. Now they are true champs! Way to go ladies!

Cheers!

Lori enjoying a Narragansett.

It got cold. Once Elaine put her hood up, I thought she looked like an elf. So stinking cute!

The finial stop of the day, was the retail therapy tent.  I bought two shirts for me, a shirt for Gracie and a magnet for a friend.  My day was complete and I left happy.

Oh, and did we catch our sanity?  Well, I can't speak for everyone, but for just a few hours, I was totally sane and happy!

I loved everything about this race and I am also happy to report that a portion of the proceeds went to the Women's Fund of Rhode Island.

Fun, fun and more fun. A big thank you to the race organizers and volunteers.  You all did a fantastic job and we look forward to next year!

I wish I had more pics.  If any turn up, I will update and let you all know.

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole

FYI, I was not given anything for this post. The opinions are my own.