Race Recap - Indy Mini 2015

Another Mini has come and gone! Actually, it's been gone quite a long time. It's been almost 2 months so I remember very little. But, I must post so I can move on with life...

I remember very little of the race other than the last few miles, which is the opposite of normal. I held a very steady pace of a little better than 8:20 through the race which was exactly where I needed to be to break 1:50. I told myself I could speed up at mile 10 if I still had anything left. I didn't. My last three miles slowed to an 8:32 pace.

Even though my average pace (8:21) should have earned a PR and under 1:50, the course was longer that 13.1 miles which it always seems to be. I thought I had accounted for this in my calculations, but I had used 13.2 and it was actually 13.25 or something. Crazy how that makes a difference! But, when you're only 30-some seconds from your goal, every tenth makes a difference.

It doesn't really matter because I had no juice left in the tank anyway! It sure seemed to get hot during those last few miles too which I'm sure didn't help! And, once again, that last mile was an eternity!

It was a course record for me and only 8 seconds (8 seconds?!?!) from a PR. Surely I had that in me?! Either way, I'll have another go at it.

I will say that all of my strength training totally paid off. My legs were fresh as a daisy during the entire run and soreness was virtually non-existent after the race. That alone is worth it all!

And now for some photos...

The day before the race, I sat with Estrella in the waiting room at Riley while her son, Koby, was undergoing open heart surgery. Koby is the most recent Gift of Life child to receive heart surgery as part of the program.

Gram and Pop arrived in time to see Tessa's art in the county-wide Art Show. 

And, then, our annual pasta dinner! Complete with mom's Bison Meatballs!

New shirt for the big day! And new Gu packs. The vanilla is yummy. The coffee (cappuccino? mocha?) flavored one at mile 10? Not so much. Gross...

The day was beautiful!

And, at the finish!

Mom and dad...

Where was our selfie stick when we needed it?!

And, couldn't miss the Indy sign. Dad makes a nice, tall "I."

We wrapped up the day with lunch at a new place in Greenfield. 

So happy this is part of our May tradition now! A great way to kick off summer!

Pre-Race Thoughts - Indy Mini 2015

Well, we're only one sleep away from the big race! This is the one where I beat 1:50 and all of my wildest dreams come true! Or that's what happens in the fairy tale finish anyway.

Hard to believe it's my 6th Indy Mini and my 13th Half Marathon!

I haven't written about this training cycle at all really.  After my near sub-1:50 in Austin (only missing it by 22 seconds), I decided to pull out the big guns and hire a trainer. He put together a run schedule for me but also, and I think most importantly, a strength training schedule.  This is one area in which I need some major work. That was blatantly obvious during my first few sessions when I could barely make it through a "real" sit up. I can see so many weaknesses in my core strength and even leg strength. I can also see how improving those areas will show a great improvement during the race.

The running has been so-so really. It feels like I "feel" each mile more this time around and have dread/put off more runs this time around. I think as our lives get busier, running seems like something that I can put off and becomes a burden. I need to work on this one. Just get it done. That being said, I had a lot of 5 run weeks and that is not common for me.

I have enjoyed the hills, speed work and timed events like 5k, 10k, mile etc. Those felt good. Once they were done anyway.  Building up the cardio on those should, in theory, help too.

The last piece of the training puzzle was diet. I was convinced that losing weight would magically take time off of my race. I'm still not unconvinced. Heading into the race on Saturday, I am within a pound or three of where I was last year, which is 10-15 pounds lighter than previous years.  Here's the difference though. I now have muscle. My measurements have decreased. (And I'll add for vanity's sake, my clothes fit better.) I attribute it to both diet and strength training.

My last few weeks have been less than stellar for multiple reasons. But, it only comes down to running two seconds faster each mile than my best and I'm better trained than I was then. Minuscule really. I'm shooting for 8:20 per mile with a few at 8:15 or so to give me a little buffer. No starting fast. That puts me in around 1:50 pretty comfortably even if the course is longer than 13.1 which it will inevitably be 13.2 at least.

I can do it. I know that. Whether it is tomorrow may be another question. I will certainly give it my best shot. That I know. I have some playlist work to do and some scouring of previous blogs to remember how great it all is. And, maybe even a bedtime of pre-10 PM.

Let's do this.

Race Recap - Indy Mini 2014

I think this is my most delayed post-race recap yet! I am beginning to see a trend on the blog front. Life just keeps getting in the way! Here it is - well, what I can remember anyway!

Friday was race expo day. In the past, just Jack and I had gone to collect everyone's bags. This time, Tom wanted to come along so we went to breakfast first at Cracker Barrel. Delicious pre-race carbs! I ordered Jack an extra pancake so I could have some and then he wouldn't let me have more than three bites!

Off to the expo we went. I tried on a few pair of shoes that aren't in typical stores and didn't like them. I did walk away with a new, highly discounted, sports bra and Tom got new compression socks. As always, it was a great expo with lots to see and do.

In the afternoon, my parents arrived bearing meatballs and pasta. But, first, we were off to the soccer game. Man it was COLD!!!! Winter coats and coffee was the only way to get through it. Tessa scored her first goal though so it was all worth it!

We came home and turned on the fire. In the first week of May! The kids and dog loved it and Josie and Tessa snuggled up with books while we finished prepping dinner.

Dinner plate looks pretty familiar. Look at what we had before the last race!

2014

2013

The kids entertained us during dinner. Both by dancing and flexing their back muscles. 

I had said all night that I didn't want to be eating dinner at 9PM. We sat down at 8:45. Good enough! After dinner, we gathered our things and set our alarms. I think we were asleep by 11 which was great. 

The morning of the race, the sitter arrived around 6AM. The weather report, which had looked good all week, was dismal. 

Off we went anyway. In the car, I snapped a photo of my bib. And, then we arrived to a beautiful morning!

We parked near the convention center and hit up the Westin again. I feel fairly experienced at races by now and I'll tell you that they are by far the most accommodating and runner-friendly that I've seen. So many of them try to block the doors and even put security out. At the Westin, we were greeted by two doorman who opened the doors for us. There was in info table in the lobby. They even had staff directing us to the restrooms. Really, why not embrace it! What does it really cost other than some extra toilet paper?! Plus, I'm convinced it has to be their highest grossing morning for Starbucks!

I was pretty nervous. Next year, I may even split from the group a little earlier as I was really itching to get to gear check and the start line. I know it doesn't really matter and I could jump in at any time, but I don't like feeling rushed. We took off toward gear check and I immediately noticed something was up in my sock/shoe. I worked on it and it still seemed off but it couldn't have been too bad as it didn't bother me during the race. 

Tom and I split from my parents at this point. The plan was for Tom and I to start together in wave 2, in his corral. I had in my head that he was in corral E so we jumped in right as the race started. Turns out, he was supposed to be in corral F which was the start of wave 2. So, we kept moving right up to the start line. Due to satellite issues with our watches, we hung back. Mine got service first and he sent me along. Come to find out, Tom had major issues and was the only one from the first wave to not cross the start line for about 4 minutes. He got out of there when he heard the Colts cheerleaders were on their way. He did get an individual wave from Mayor Ballard though!

The first few miles definitely felt as crowded as previous years. I was bobbing and weaving pretty good. As usual, in mile 2, I started to second guess things and felt a side cramp. But, I powered through. I remember very little about this race and even remembered little right after it was finished. 

A few memories...

1. I felt really good and was really impressed with my time through mile 9. I started to hit a wall there. However, around mile 8, I started to tell myself that it was supposed to be hard and not meant to be easy. 

2. I also told myself that once finished, I never had to run again. 

3. I wish the course had Gatorade and Water at each aid station. One time, I took a gel expecting water up ahead and it was only Gatorade. Sticky gel mixed with thick Gatorade tasted pretty nasty. 

4. It started to get hot toward the end. I would take two water cups and put one on my head or shirt and drink one. 

5. I felt like I majorly slowed down in the last three miles. My Garmin says differently. My slowest mile this race was still faster than my average from my previous PR. 

6. Everything else was a bit of a blur. I think I kind of just let my brain take a break. All I managed to do was keep calculations going in my head. 

The whole time, I was convinced I needed an 8:30 pace to finish under 1:50. That was, in fact, false. I started to realize my mistake around mile 11 and I knew I wouldn't be able to hit it but I wasn't off pace. However, I managed to end the race with an 8:24 pace (for 13.2) which was better than I thought my goal actually was during the race (8:30). If I had run exactly 13.1 at an 8:24 pace, I would have beat it. So, I'm counting it a win. :) Plus, I didn't majorly slow down in those last few miles. Mile 12 was the absolute longest mile of my life. It felt like it would never end! But, it did and I had a new PR. By 4 minutes! 1:50:58.

Tom was waiting for me in the finish area and first thing he said was, "You did it! Under 1:50!" Well, not quite, but I'll take it! Then, he said, "That mile 12 was the longest of my life!" Ditto! He managed a course record which is impressive since it was only two weeks after his hell-ish trail half. 

We recovered a little while waiting for mom and dad. 

(total staged photo)

Mom and dad crossed shortly after with a PR too! Under 2:30 which was a huge goal!

Home we went to relieve the sitter and get some lunch. I felt surprisingly good even this was my first race where I felt like I may have tummy troubles after but I didn't. After lunch, Tom mowed the grass and tackled a few other projects while I took a three hour nap in bed. :) 

We finished out the weekend by letting Josie make dinner for everyone. She choose pancakes and asked it they could put Nutella on them. They've never done that but why not? They loved it and Tom and I loved hanging on the couch while they handled dinner. 

By Sunday, we felt back to normal with minimal soreness. All in all, great race and great weekend. I am so thrilled to have that PR under my belt. That feeling alone is why I do this. I will likely never win a race or even my age division but I can certainly keep beating myself. 

Next up is another half but I'm thinking fall. (I have two more to hit my goal for the year.) We just joined a gym and I'm enjoying doing anything but running. :) Plus, I'm working on leg strength, intervals and flexibility/yoga in hopes of improving my speed. Hopefully I stick with it and don't fall back to my comfort zone of just running. 

Two Days Away! Indy-Mini Thoughts!

I'm so glad I write this blog.

I was all ready to post something like this...

I can think of a lot of words leading up to this race.

Unconfident
Unprepared
Unexcited

And, then I read all of my Indy Mini posts from other years.

This happens almost every year. Well, except for the unexcited part. Now that I see I've had these same thoughts every year, I think the excitement may kick back in.

I was doing OK with this training cycle until about 2 or 3 weeks ago when I got a bad cold/cough and took a week off. I think that shook my confidence. My 11 miler two weeks ago was painful and not much fun. That also shook my confidence. My hopes of doing 9 this last weekend were dashed and after only 4 miles, I called it quits. On top of all of that, I just haven't run the miles. So, yeah, my confidence is low.

But, here's the thing. When your confidence gets low, your performance suffers. The "I can do it" attitude turns into "No way I can make this happen" and "It hurts" and "I'm tired" and "This sucks."

When reading my most recent Mini thoughts (my PR race), I saw a pattern. It was a pattern of positivity. From the first mile, my time was good and my thoughts were upbeat. At the end of the day, these races are a mind game over anything else.

So, for the next two days, I will be changing my thought pattern. I will be switching out my nervousness about being unprepared with nervous energy.

Here is why this could be a great race...

1. Weather - It's calling for a high of 69, which would be really too warm. But, a 0% chance of rain! After my last two races in a torrential downpour, this is welcome news. My guess is that it will get warm near the finish line but be OK the rest of the way.

2. Time - We have a little later start time this year. I believe it has started at 7:30 in the past and we're in the second wave so we'll be closer to 8AM instead.

3. Waves - This is a first for this race. I'm not sure how it will work but Tom and I will both be in the first corral of the second wave so I'm hoping for less bobbing and weaving.

4. Long runs - The long runs I have done for this cycle have been faster than normal. (We're just not going to talk about the last few miles of the 11 miler.)

5. Course - This is a flat course. Great for a PR.

6. Weight - I've lost some weight since last year. I'm not exactly sure how much since last May, but I'm down a fair amount since the marathon this fall. I recently read that 10 pounds can take as much as 20 seconds off of your mile pace. (It has to do with your VO2 Max. Google it - I can barely understand it let alone explain it!)

This will be our 5th Mini and my 8th Half. When I look back at my times for this race, I notice a big difference in 2013.

Indy Mini - 05/03/2013

Time: 1:54:51

Pace: 8:46

Overall Place: 5074/30,059 - 17%

Division Place: 229/2516  - 9%

Indy Mini - 05/05/2012

Time: 2:03:33

Pace: 9:26

Overall Place: 6,789/31,170 - 22%

Division Place: 403/2739 - 15%

Indy Mini - 05/07/2011

Time: 2:02:43

Pace: 9:22

Overall Place: 8,973/30,649 - 29%

Division Place: 561/2759 - 20%

Indy Mini - 05/02/2009

Time: 2:04:51

Pace: 9:32

Overall Place: 10,238/30,280 - 33%

Division Place: 709/2905 - 24%

Here are my goals for this race...

A - 2014 Goal - under 1:50 

B - PR - under 1:54:51

C - Finish under 2 hours

Honestly, I'm thinking I'll be somewhere between B&C but a PR is not out of the question. I'm thinking my 2014 goal of sub 1:50 may have to wait for another race, but it could happen I suppose. My biggest question mark in my head right now is how fast do I start. Do I shoot for sub 1:50 or do I shoot for a PR? Thinking PR at this point.

Enough about that. Off to drink some water and eat some carbs and work on the positive self-talk! 

Random Thoughts & Photo Dump

Man, it's been a while. I blame the never ending winter. Who gets snow the week of Easter?!?! Especially, when Easter falls mid-April?!?!

Enough of that...

Random thoughts on this random Thursday...

The girls like stealing my phone and doctoring photos with A Beautiful Mess. They're pretty cute and sweet on their brother.

Jack is also a fan of stealing my phone. Usually for Subway Surfer but this time I got him to take a selfie.

Josie is such a reader just like I was. Now, I tend to get stuck playing mindless games on phone like 2048. Every once in a while, I force myself to read instead. I love curling up on our sectional in the hearth room and reading. Josie apparently does too.

She picked out a real winner at the library last week - an Italian Dictionary. 

I was in a goofy mood this morning on my way into work. I like those moods. They don't come around often and they don't tend to stick around either, especially on office days. I probably should have gone and done something creative but instead I sat at my desk and filled out condo questionnaires and other random paperwork.

We checked out an architectural salvage company this weekend. Wow was this place cool. Tons of neat stuff for a home. And, a Spiderman statue. Too bad it was sold.

I'm feeling very (very) iffy about the upcoming Indy Mini. I was sick last week with a cold and didn't run at all. Now, I can't keep up a good pace and everything hurts from my knees down. I haven't been very consistent with my mileage this cycle and I think it's catching up to me.

Also, I've given myself a pass on one part of my running goal this year. My thought was that if I hit under 1:50 in a half, I would train for another marathon. I decided this week that I may be sabotaging myself with hitting that time because I really don't want to train for another marathon. So, new goal... if I can hit a sub-1:50, I can quit running. (I'm in a "I hate running" season right now. It will pass.)

The "Marathon Man" we saw during the October race reached his goal of running the most marathons in one year. I can't remember how many but it was a lot. I'll bet his knees hurt worse than mine.

I'm signing Jack up for preschool which makes me tear up a bit. He saw the brochure and thought it was hilarious that Santa comes to preschool.

I decided on Friday that I wanted to make bows for the girls to match their soccer uniforms. I got this one done - beginner's luck because now I can't seem to make any more without really screwing it up.

We "planted" a "garden" this year. Use of the double quotes is needed because it was a little more like sticking seeds randomly into some dirt. Our plot is where an old, dead pine tree used to be. I used a yard rake to churn it up a bit and then let Tessa stick some seeds in haphazardly. I'm pretty sure you won't find those instructions on any gardening blog.

I want so badly to be the type of household that has a bountiful harvest every summer and fall - so many zucchini that you have to put it in everything. Well, we didn't even plant zucchini. We have lettuce, spinach, red peppers, jalepeno peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, and spearmint along with some sunflowers and sweet peas for Tessa. My best guess? We'll scrounge up one or two cucumbers.

The 100 Acres at the IMA is really cool. Tom was a little less than impressed on Saturday when we took the kids out to enjoy the 70 degree day. But, I still say it's cool.

Promptly after "planting" a "garden," and frolicking around in the outdoors, it snowed.

We got a call on Saturday asking if we wanted tickets for all five of us to go to the Pacers game. In a suite. Uh... yes please! The kids were totally spoiled for their first professional sporting event! They loved it though.

We've done a lot of spring cleaning this spring, including the guest room and the garage. The garage could already use it again.

The kids are loving the ability to play outside. Everyday they beg. And, Josie finally got up the guts to take off the training wheels on her bike. Her favorite thing to do is ride around the loop in front of our house. I have a sneaking suspicion that Tessa won't be far behind.

Soccer's been a big hit this season too. Josie is figuring out to be a great defender. Tessa finally decided on her own that she wanted to play. Moms of younger kids - I learned an important lesson. It is best to wait until kids are willing to play on their own accord. Tessa's a real go-getter this year! Attacks the ball and wants to be in the action. Better than the field crying she did the last time she played.

I heard a really great speaker at MOPS this week on Discipline - Marianne Miller - website here. She made it sound so easy. I have really been trying hard to implement her strategies this week but find myself saying her big no-no's, like, "Stop crying" and "if you ______, I'll give you _______" and "you'd better do ________ or else _________." Baby steps right? Most importantly, I remember that she talked about how God made each of our children exactly the way they are for a reason. That helps when Jack is screaming and stomping because I won't let him eat his fourth piece of Easter candy. Or, when I start to win at Candy Land.

I just looked through an old photo album of me when I was a kid. I can't believe how much I see Josie and Jack in those pictures. Tessa? Not so much.

Every once in a while, these two get really photogenic.

Other times, I get this.

I forgot how much 3 year olds love egg hunts. He thought it was awesome.

Told you it was random. Until the next random update...

Race Day Wrap Up - Indy Mini - May 2013

I'm not big on suspense. Let's just say I crushed my "stretch" goal of setting a personal best. My time was 1:54:51 and a 8:46 pace. I am beyond thrilled. I beat my previous best (Indianapolis - October 2012) by almost three minutes.

Now, on to the specifics...

On Friday, Jack and I headed over to the expo to pick up our race packets. I picked up a few friends' too so I walked out with 8 bags! I also walked out with a pack of Yurbuds. I bought the ones that have call and track control. These things are awesome. I've been thinking about them for a while but couldn't really justify spending $40 for a pair of headphones. They're worth it. Not only did they stay in my ears but they were super comfortable and have a great sound.

I'm always amazed at the port-a-johns. I don't know why. But, I am. So, I took a photo on expo day. I am proud to say we avoided those bad boys on race day.

I enjoyed the expo more this year. I don't know why. Jack spun a few prize wheels and I managed to win a $5 gas card. :) I also got a $10 coupon for the Indianapolis Half-Marathon I hope to do in October.

This was a cool count down clock they had before packet pick up.

I spent the morning (pre-expo) working on my playlist. I came across this gem and considered adding it in but decided against it.

I did end up rearranging the playlist so that I had a few fast and pace setting songs together and then a slower song to catch my breath a little. Mom and dad arrived around 5 or so on Friday night. After taking a look at the house we're building down the street, we settled in for an awesome meal of Turkey/Bison Meatballs and spaghetti. We hit the hay early - 10:30 or so. Dad wasn't feeling great - cold symptoms - so he was out by around 8:30!

Carbing up!

We were up around 5:30 the next morning and I downed two cups of coffee and a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter for breakfast. I took another cup of coffee and water in the car on the way downtown. I drink entirely too much coffee, so three cups is nothing for me. (I did drink a boat load of water for the whole week leading up to the race and I think felt much better because of that.) 

We left the house around 6:10 (planned on leaving at 6) and made it to the parking garage at 6:40 or so. We hit up the bathroom at the Westin - highly recommend by the way - no one know and/or cares that you're not staying there. Dad took advantage of the warm temps inside and stretched a bit. 

Then, we booked it to gear check with a light jog. It was nice to warm up a bit, but honestly, we were just running a little close on time. I made it into my corral around 7:15 or so. But, not before a photo op!

This year was the highest corral I've ever had. I was in D and felt surrounded by men! I seriously only saw three women. And, the wind was whipping through there like crazy. It made me really cold and made me think about regretting my outfit choice of shorts and short sleeves. I was afraid the wind would follow us and mysteriously be in our face the whole race. Luckily, it didn't. Maybe something about being so close to the JW Marriott? Wind Tunnel? 

See the sea of men?

Then, off we went. I crossed the start line after only 1.5 minutes or so. Everyone started running way before the start line which was kind of nice actually. Our GPS watch didn't charge right overnight so luckily, mom and dad both brought theirs, and I was able to wear mom's. I would have been a little lost without that on this race.

The first two mile were rough - I'm not going to lie. I didn't feel good. My right, outer shin really was giving me problems. I have never had that happen before so it was concerning. I told myself to just get through the first two miles and see how I felt. I remember feeling like my first two miles were not "fast enough." Usually, I start out faster than I finish (maybe this was key to my PR?) but this time, my watch told me that miles one and two were only slightly under 9. Although, looking back at my splits, it looks like I was about 10 seconds under a 9 minute mile.

I think part of the problem of the first two miles was that everyone was passing me. I'm not used to that in this race. Usually, I'm bobbing and weaving to get moving. This time, I was the person people were bobbing and weaving to get past. I talked with my other friend and she said she noticed the same thing. She felt like she ran the first bit too fast for that reason. I remember telling myself over and over again, "Run your own race."

Either way, the rest of the race was a blur. Somewhere, probably around mile 5, I realized that I was feeling awesome and a PR was certainly a possibility. I took a Gu pack around mile 4.5 and remember just thinking how good I felt. The track was a breeze and I took another Gu pack at mile 9. They handed out Clif shots at mile 10 and I grabbed one, thinking why not? I ended up "sipping" it from mile 10-12. I'm glad I did. I think the extra sugar rush kept me going.

I grabbed water at every water and Gatorade station but didn't walk through any of them. In fact, this was probably the first race in which I didn't walk at all.

I have to say that I really just felt great for the whole race. Miles 10 & 11 were rough, but no where near as rough as last time. I don't remember a whole lot other than I thanked God a few times that I felt so good. (I must have really felt good!) I was totally in the zone. I felt cold chills three or four times out there and my face broke into a big, stupid grin. But, I've only had that happen once before - I think it was a true endorphin buzz. So much of this race felt "in the zone"and that helped the whole thing really fly by.

Toward the end, I was feeling tired (bored?). I started up with the self-talk. "If you've got it, give it" was something I started repeating in my head to will myself forward and to will myself faster. I will say that the last mile was very tough. At some point, (mile 11 or 12?), I was still thinking I could get in the 1:53's but my head wasn't working the numbers quite right and I don't think that was actually possible. Coming over the last bridge felt pretty fantastic, but the finish line was so far away that I was surprised I didn't see it sooner. Once it finally came into view, I rubbed at something in my eye and my contact popped out! So, I ran the last half mile with one eye closed. My vision is ridiculously horrible and I am so thankful that didn't happen sooner because I wouldn't have been able to finish without major depth perception problems and vertigo most likely.

I had just enough kick left at the end to speed it up. I don't remember any of the last half mile other than not thinking people were cheering loud enough. :) I finished strong and was bent over at the end trying to catch my breath and take in what I accomplished.

Here are my splits according to my watch and the recorded splits...

Mile 01 - 8:42:53
Mile 02 - 8:50:12
Mile 03 - 8:41:26
Mile 04 - 8:38:32
Mile 05 - 8:40:36
Mile 06 - 8:40:36 (Is that really possible to have two exactly the same?)
Mile 07 - 8:44:26
Mile 08 - 8:49:19
Mile 09 - 8:40:98
Mile 10 - 8:41:08
Mile 11 - 8:40:57
Mile 12 - 8:32:68
Mile 13 - 8:38:90

Fastest mile at #12?!?!? I'll take it! (The watch was obviously somewhat off because these don't average 8:46, but it's probably close enough.)

Soon after gathering my gear, and most importantly my flip flops, at gear check (no major blisters by the way - yay!), I found our neighbor and went to the beer garden to meet a few others. So many of us had gotten our PR! I'm convinced it was the weather - a nice 50 degree or so day with no rain but no sun either. I found mom and dad a little later and they did great (better than last year!) considering dad's cold and cough.

We headed back home and had a family lunch at Applebee's. I felt surprisingly great on Saturday and pretty good on Sunday too. Today, my legs are really feeling it, but all in all I had a great recovery and a really great race.

I'm not sure how I'll top this one, but I sure want to try! In four weeks, I head out to Colorado with my friend, Claudia, and sister in law, Katie, to run the Steamboat Springs Half Marathon. No major aspirations there other than to finish close to two hours. But, you'd better believe that I'll be gunning for another PR come October. :) The thrill of competition, with myself, is unlike anything else I'm used to feeling. And, I like it.

I'm not gonna lie - I've been pretty much been giddy about my athletic performance since I saw this screen shot. :) What a weekend!