Tuesday, August 26, 2008

the race!

Sunday's race was the best I've ever run...and the most beautiful. We (my dad, SIL, and two high school friends) weaved through Annapolis with beautiful weather. Crystal and I got up early and headed to the Naval Academy Stadium while downing our bagels and Gatorade. We met up with our fans and waited with 5000 of our closest friends for the starting horn.

Next time I plan to bring a camera because the views were amazing. We ran down Main Street, past the Naval Academy, over the downtown bridge, through the neighborhoods of Cape Saint Claire, and back again. I was energized the whole time! It helped that Crystal, my dad an I ran the entire race together. We talked from mile 1 to 10. It didn't feel like we ran for one hour and 53 minutes. It felt like 20. Seriously! I haven't had a race fly like this before. Usually I'm eeking out the last few miles.

But I couldn't have done it without our dedicated fans! We saw them at miles 1.5, 3.5, 9.5 and the end. Jim even ran the last half mile with us.
I think I'll plan to run this every year. Even with all the hills. It was just awesome. After the race we chowed on pizza and oranges, showered and opted for a game of Settlers instead of a nap. Then back into the car for Jim and I to trudge through Annapolis traffic. I ran some of the same streets earlier that day, faster than we were driving them. We eventually made it home and I was tired!

So that's the story of my best race ever. I'm hoping to channel some of that same energy for this weekend's half marathon. And then I think I might take a break.

For more pictures, check out Life At The Circus.

11 comments:

Erin said...

Karen,
Awesome! That seems like an awful long time to run. I'm glad it was enjoyable. Looking forward to more race stories.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, it was a gorgeous run! So excited that you plan to make it a tradition. I'd love to continue to run it along with you!! Thanks for being better than a virtual running buddy. :-) Good luck this weekend. Wish we could be there to cheer you on, we'll be thinking of you from far away though!

Muthering Heights said...

You girls did an amazing job! It looks like you had a ton of fun too...

:)

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

How exciting for you!

Unknown said...

You all did a terrific job - what an exciting day!! Best of luck for your next run!!!

boqpod said...

Hey! What the...?!?!

(Something must be wrong with my browser...)

Anonymous said...

I love the proud look on Jim's face in the last pic. How could he feel any other way? You look and are fabulous my dear. Well done! DR

Happy said...

Just reading about your race made my feet hurt and I got those cramps I get when I run...from one end of the room to the other...

I could NEVER do that!

Congratulations on a job well done~!

Anonymous said...

YOU ROCK!!

Megan said...

I love that picture of you waving to the camera in the middle of the crowd during the race - I could tell you were energized! Great job!!!

shannon_milinovich said...

so excited for you! i admire your dedication! keep it up -- maybe soon i will be inspired to do the same!