Long Beach Marathon 2008

Well, I have completed my third half marathon. I wish I could say it was my best time but it wasn't....wait, but it was! Well, let me explain. In terms of my finishing time it was my worst but I am OK with that because in terms of my experience it was my best yet.

(The crowd...well part of it, @ the start line before the race)

San Diego 2007 will always be special since it was my very first one and I met 2 AWESOME ladies who I cannot imagine my life with out now....Autumn and Maria!

(Autumn getting everything ready the night before the race)

Long Beach 2007 was fantastic because Autumn, Maria and I ventured out on our own away from TNT (technically we were still part of TNT but we won't go there!). This was so special because Maria had moved to Chicago just about 1 week before the race and flew back out to CA to be with us!

(Maria, the morning of the race. Of course she was the first ready!)

But this year not only did I have Autumn and Maria, we were joined by Anne (Maria's friend), Tracy (Anne's friend) and my friend since 6th grade--Nicole! This was Nicole, Anne and Tracy's first half marathon and we were so lucky to share it with them!

(Autumn getting ready on race morning)

One week before the race Nicole and I headed out in Rancho for a 10 mile run which turned into an 8 mile run due to lovely me rolling my ankle! I was bound and determined to get better and run the race so I saw my trusty chirosport, Dr. J daily until the race.

(Tracy and Anne at the start line)

Autumn, Nicole and I were together for the first 7 miles and this is where Autumn continued while Nicole and I stopped to stretch and treat my ankle/foot that was starting to act up! I also said a prayer and regrouped and made it to mile 9. When I got to mile 9 I had a horrifying pain shooting up my shin and down the side of my foot. I had to slow my pace but was determined to finish and I did--with Nicole by my side! I felt so bad in holding Nicole back but she was amazing and encouraging and with out her there I think I may not have made it past mile 1o since the pain was so intense.

(Another shot of the crowd before the race)

Crossing the finish line listening to "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock and being next to my childhood friend was a feeling I cannot explain! We later found everyone else and I plopped down on the grass. I was D-O-N-E and it felt like my foot was going to fall off! Since I could not walk Maria went to get me a wheelchair to get to the medic tent. For those of you who don't know Maria, she is probably the only one in the crowd of 30K+ that could get a wheel chair!

(Maria, Autumn, Nicole and I before the race)

Long story short we rode in an ambulance back to our hotel because there was no way I was going to be walking there! Maria was kind of excited for this as she had never been in an ambulance before! Neither have I and I hope to never be in one again. But I have to admit, it was fun!

(I know you can't tell but we are actually starting the race!)

I ended up with a 3rd degree evulsion of my tendon in my foot. It is one of those lovely things that you can do nothing for and hurts like you know what! I am in good hands with Dr. J and am taking a rest to let it heal. The question I keep getting is, 'You are done with running, right?' The answer is NO! Yes the pain from mile 9-13 was like nothing I have never felt but it will not keep me from doing it again! I am a dork and love the runners high, the feeling of the Marathon atmosphere is a thing I think all should experience and the bonding with my friends is amazing!

(Anne w/ her medal after finishing her first half marathon!!)

If all goes well I am hoping to do the Las Vegas Half in December.....hey Kitty, want a rommie for the weekend! But if not, I will be in Long Beach with the gang again in 2009!
(Tracy taking a break after her finish!)
(Being picked up into the wheelchair....can you say embarrassing!?!?)

(Me & my gang after the race)

(Mama Maria and the Ambulance driver helping me to the ambulance. Their help was much appreciated but slow so I decided to hop!)

(Almost there!)

(Tracy and Anne on the way back to the hotel)
(A must have picture at every race!)

Thank you ladies for a great weekend! It was a blast and I feel blessed to have done it with all of you! Much love!