At the airport right now. Would have been home a bit sooner but couldn't pass up the $600 vouchers and $30 to blow on drinks for us to hold for the next flight. So that's what we're doing.
Will be home soon. It'll be nice to get some puppy kisses when we return.
12.07.2008
12.06.2008
I Partied Like It's My Birthday! Kiawah Island Marathon Race Report
Whoot! Whoot! What a day. It started at 4:45 am as we got up and around and headed out the door towards Kiawah Island. They parked us riff raff not staying on island in the tomato fields and bussed us to the starting area. Once we arrived, they had a huge conference room open for all of us runners to sit and stay warm. Not like we really needed to stay warm. The temperatures were great. I think mid 40's at the start. But, it was great to relax inside beforehand. They even had a pre-race yoga class which we did not partake in, but it was something nice for those that wanted.
The race started at 8:00 am. They had pace signs for 7, 8 and 9 minute miles. And then what was after 9-cuz there are those of us that do run slower then a 9 minute pace? Well, I guess that meant you were a walker. That was the next pace sign after the 9 minute pace sign-Walkers. Thought that was kinda funny. We think it was because they ran out of parking lot space to put the pace signs-who knows. Either way it wasn't a big deal-just kinda silly.
Off we go. It's pretty crowded the first couple miles. Doug and I are running together. About mile 3 he turns to ask how the pace was. I told him it was too fast for me. We kept going and at mile 8 I turn to him and tell him that we're still going too fast. We'd been doing approximately the same pace since mile 3! Yet, we continue on at the same pace. I didn't want to crash again like I did in SA but something kept me going. At least through mile 8. Ha!
This course runs through the neighborhoods of some of the private homes on the island. These houses are amazing. And to think a lot of them are vacation homes. They were absolutely some of the most gorgeous houses I have ever seen.
The course was essentially 2 out and backs. For some, that is a real downer. I usually don't particularly like out and backs either (especially when it's through an industrial area or something of the such) but I loved running this course. I didn't mind the out and back at all. The course was also f.l.a.t. flat flat. I'm not sure you could get much flatter.
The waterstops...super. They had water, full strength Gatorade (I hate when RD's try to dilute the Gatorade and you can't even taste it.) and they had bananas and oranges. At every stop. We actually even passed up some water stops as they were about every mile and it just got to be a lot of stopping and drinking. I'm sure they have them every mile because you don't ever know what the weather is going to be on race day. I bet it can get awfully warm sometimes, and then you would need them every mile.
So loop 1 is done. We shake loose the half marathoners that out numbered the marathoners 2 to 1. Once we did that, it was pretty quiet. There were still people to see and talk to, it just wasn't as crowded. We had a great time on the loop talking with people. Everyone seemed to be having a really nice time and was super friendly.
After completing lap 2, we crossed the finish line in 5:09:12. With that said, that's my 2nd best marathon time! I was pretty happy. I beat my previous 2nd best marathon time by like 18 minutes! Whoo Hoo for me! And...did I mention. On.My.Birthday! Oh...I might have mentioned that somewhere.
Afterwards they had a fantastic post-race luncheon. They had pasta salad with all sorts of yummy stuff in it like chicken, olives, carrots and green beans. They also had white bean soup and brownies. And free beer. We all ate outside next to the water and chit chatted about our journey today.
So this makes marathon number 17. And I've done a full or half marathon in 20 different states now.
I loved this marathon. I love this city. I recommend it to everyone. Like I said before, it may be 2 out and back loops, but the scenery is gorgeous. It's much better than running down strip malls in Phoenix or industrial areas in Portland. I would run this marathon time and again over some of the others I have done. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Now it's time for a nap and then off to have a great birthday dinner to celebrate...me! And our marathon.
Speaking of my hon...I'm not sure I'm buying this ankle injury anymore. The last three marathons he's run, he's run each one faster than the last. I would say he's healed, however, I can truly see his ankle swell like a balloon after each marathon he runs. He's a real trooper.
The race started at 8:00 am. They had pace signs for 7, 8 and 9 minute miles. And then what was after 9-cuz there are those of us that do run slower then a 9 minute pace? Well, I guess that meant you were a walker. That was the next pace sign after the 9 minute pace sign-Walkers. Thought that was kinda funny. We think it was because they ran out of parking lot space to put the pace signs-who knows. Either way it wasn't a big deal-just kinda silly.
Off we go. It's pretty crowded the first couple miles. Doug and I are running together. About mile 3 he turns to ask how the pace was. I told him it was too fast for me. We kept going and at mile 8 I turn to him and tell him that we're still going too fast. We'd been doing approximately the same pace since mile 3! Yet, we continue on at the same pace. I didn't want to crash again like I did in SA but something kept me going. At least through mile 8. Ha!
This course runs through the neighborhoods of some of the private homes on the island. These houses are amazing. And to think a lot of them are vacation homes. They were absolutely some of the most gorgeous houses I have ever seen.
The course was essentially 2 out and backs. For some, that is a real downer. I usually don't particularly like out and backs either (especially when it's through an industrial area or something of the such) but I loved running this course. I didn't mind the out and back at all. The course was also f.l.a.t. flat flat. I'm not sure you could get much flatter.
The waterstops...super. They had water, full strength Gatorade (I hate when RD's try to dilute the Gatorade and you can't even taste it.) and they had bananas and oranges. At every stop. We actually even passed up some water stops as they were about every mile and it just got to be a lot of stopping and drinking. I'm sure they have them every mile because you don't ever know what the weather is going to be on race day. I bet it can get awfully warm sometimes, and then you would need them every mile.
So loop 1 is done. We shake loose the half marathoners that out numbered the marathoners 2 to 1. Once we did that, it was pretty quiet. There were still people to see and talk to, it just wasn't as crowded. We had a great time on the loop talking with people. Everyone seemed to be having a really nice time and was super friendly.
After completing lap 2, we crossed the finish line in 5:09:12. With that said, that's my 2nd best marathon time! I was pretty happy. I beat my previous 2nd best marathon time by like 18 minutes! Whoo Hoo for me! And...did I mention. On.My.Birthday! Oh...I might have mentioned that somewhere.
Afterwards they had a fantastic post-race luncheon. They had pasta salad with all sorts of yummy stuff in it like chicken, olives, carrots and green beans. They also had white bean soup and brownies. And free beer. We all ate outside next to the water and chit chatted about our journey today.
So this makes marathon number 17. And I've done a full or half marathon in 20 different states now.
I loved this marathon. I love this city. I recommend it to everyone. Like I said before, it may be 2 out and back loops, but the scenery is gorgeous. It's much better than running down strip malls in Phoenix or industrial areas in Portland. I would run this marathon time and again over some of the others I have done. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Now it's time for a nap and then off to have a great birthday dinner to celebrate...me! And our marathon.
Speaking of my hon...I'm not sure I'm buying this ankle injury anymore. The last three marathons he's run, he's run each one faster than the last. I would say he's healed, however, I can truly see his ankle swell like a balloon after each marathon he runs. He's a real trooper.
12.05.2008
Heron, Alligators and Dolphins Oh My!
I LOVE the Charleston and Kiawah Island area! It is beautiful, the temperatures are perfect, the houses are to die for, the city is nice and clean. It's great! Doug and I have been a lot of places and there are not many places I would want to move to, but this place...I could see myself here.
Doug and I headed out to Kiawah Island this morning. What a beautiful resort. We drove around after packet pick up, did some sight seeing and had a great mahi mahi sandwich with crab soup for lunch.
As we were heading back we saw an alligator in the marsh area. Herons, everywhere.
We came back to the hotel to veg for a bit and then it was off to the brewery for dinner and a beer. I had a fabulous salad of spinach, shrimp, almonds, goat cheese and apples. So delish. And a pumpkin spice beer. Mmm...
Now it's back at the hotel to rest for tomorrow.
I want to say GOOD LUCK to all my friends running this weekend too:
Leslie and Aron running CIM
Robinson52 running Vegas
If I missed anyone, I'm sorry!
Have a GREAT TIME!!! You guys will do great.
Doug and I headed out to Kiawah Island this morning. What a beautiful resort. We drove around after packet pick up, did some sight seeing and had a great mahi mahi sandwich with crab soup for lunch.
As we were heading back we saw an alligator in the marsh area. Herons, everywhere.
We came back to the hotel to veg for a bit and then it was off to the brewery for dinner and a beer. I had a fabulous salad of spinach, shrimp, almonds, goat cheese and apples. So delish. And a pumpkin spice beer. Mmm...
Then we walked down to the ocean and watched the dolphins swim around. Everything was so peaceful. I wanted to stay all night sipping on my peppermint mocha. The most spectacular way to spend the last night before getting another year older (and better)!
Now it's back at the hotel to rest for tomorrow.I want to say GOOD LUCK to all my friends running this weekend too:
Leslie and Aron running CIM
Robinson52 running Vegas
If I missed anyone, I'm sorry!
Have a GREAT TIME!!! You guys will do great.
12.04.2008
Come Fly With Me
Soon we'll be jetting off to Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
I can't wait to get to the beach.
Even though it may not be bikini weather, I love the beach.
There isn't many things more enjoyable than listening to the sounds of the ocean.
One of my favorite things to do.
Oh...We'll be running a marathon too.
Did I mention...
On.My.Birthday!
12.03.2008
Windy Windnesday
Holy Moly! It was windy this morning on my run. I would have to say it rivaled the Olathe Marathon wind we had in March. Except today I only ran 3 miles in it. Much easier than 26.2.
As I watched the weather this morning, they kept saying it was going to get windier as the day progressed with 30 mph winds and the temperatures were going to drop with wind chills in the teens. I knew if I was going to run, it needed to be early. So on a vacation day when I could have stayed in bed a while, I got my butt up and headed out for my run.
As I started, the stop sign at the end of the street was flailing about. I swear it was going to fly off its post. I wasn't worried about time today, I just wanted to get in a run. And I'm not ready to hit the dreadmill yet. So I continued on. The wind is at my back and every leaf on the street was swirling in the air. It was fun.
As I turn back North, that's when the wind about stopped me in my tracks. All I could do was tuck my head and laugh. There was one point where I actually could.not.run because the wind was blowing so fierce. My hat about flew off 3 different times. My stocking hat.
But I did make it back. I didn't blow away to Oklahoma. However, I am hunkering down (isn't that a funny word...hunkering?) inside and am not taking any chances as I believe the wind is picking up even more.
So for me today, it's getting things ready for us to head off tomorrow for South Carolina. I think it's supposed to be much warmer and please God, not as windy.
I'm going to hit the bike later. Just for a short bit. I need (okay want) to try out my new bike outfit.
12.02.2008
Honey...Company is Coming
I'm so excited to be hosting Nikemom when she comes to town. She's swimming/biking/running her way to Ironman 70.3 Kansas June 14th. You Go Girl! I may have mentioned something about IMKS and she jumped right in. Sucker! I mean...Superstar!
It's only 6 short months away. I can't wait to be cheering her and other friends that will be there. Hopefully I'll see her before then though. Maybe she'll save us a spot on her couch for the Lincoln Marathon in May.
Anyone else up for Ironman 70.3 Kansas?
It's only 6 short months away. I can't wait to be cheering her and other friends that will be there. Hopefully I'll see her before then though. Maybe she'll save us a spot on her couch for the Lincoln Marathon in May.
Anyone else up for Ironman 70.3 Kansas?
12.01.2008
Whoo Hoo It's December!
I love December for...
Christmas lights
Marathons...
On.My.Birthday! THIS WEEK!!
Traveling to a warm destination when it's cold and icky here
Classes coming to an end for another semester
Doug's birthday
Running in the snow
Spending time with friends we haven't seen all year
Peppermint mochas
Cuddling by the fire
Making cookies
Working from home TWO days a week (when I'm there)
This week is going to be a little hectic. With an abbreviated work week (again) and working from home, hopefully I can find time to get some workouts in-to keep me sane if nothing else. Mols is much more understanding about me being stinky after a lunch run than if I was at work with my co-workers.
So here's to a FABULOUS month.
Christmas lights
Marathons...
On.My.Birthday! THIS WEEK!!
Traveling to a warm destination when it's cold and icky here
Classes coming to an end for another semester
Doug's birthday
Running in the snow
Spending time with friends we haven't seen all year
Peppermint mochas
Cuddling by the fire
Making cookies
Working from home TWO days a week (when I'm there)
This week is going to be a little hectic. With an abbreviated work week (again) and working from home, hopefully I can find time to get some workouts in-to keep me sane if nothing else. Mols is much more understanding about me being stinky after a lunch run than if I was at work with my co-workers.
So here's to a FABULOUS month.
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