Finally I am "legitimate"

As you know from my previous post, today was going to be a true test to my running ability. It was make it or break for me. I ran the longest distance I have ever run 18.6 miles. It was the Salem Lake Trail Race.

I had plenty of reservation and worries about many things this week. As one of my running friends told me "chill out"! I sent my last request for shared knowledge out yesterday and after getting good info, decided to do that very thing. I was either prepared or I wasn't. I ate a huge meal last night, drank 1/2 a beer (yes I am a whimp) and got a good nights sleep and just didn't let it bother me. I got up this morning ate what I usually eat, peanut butter on whole wheet, a water and yes a large cup of coffee from my friends at Mickey D's for the drive. I arrived early for the good parking spot as we had all talked about how far the parking ends up if you don't get there early. I got there, got in line to get my number and T-shirt (I do this for the t-shirt) and John and Pam where there. We had decided to bring our chairs and tailgate before the race since we would have to wait at least an hour before the start. Tamara had her dad drop her off, then the rest of our group showed up and we all had so much fun it took the worry away. I think the race crowd was jealous of our fun. Race time comes and we are ready. I feel good! I am pumped, I am ready to run, I just want to be in the right position for this race. Not in the front and not in the back. We were placed just right. They say ready, set, RUN! Off N Running we are!

Tamara and I are just going along talking about how we were going to use this as our training run for the week. I of course had a time in mind that I wanted to come in at. I am all about times! Why I have no idea but I am. Oh and I never want to be last, although there is nothing wrong with last. Bless everyone for being up and doing it! You know me, I talk to everyone and try to make a friend everywhere I go. Like I don't have enough great friends already. I have truely found that I have the greatest and most supportive friends that a girl could ask for. But I start talking to two girls who are keeping a good pace that I like. Yes it was faster than I would ever be able to keep for 18 miles but I liked the thought of trying. Katherine and Gena end up putting up with me calling out how many miles we have left for 9 miles! We lost them at a potty break! But we had a blast. I think that I found the fun again in running. We took bets on how long before the 10K folks would catch us... We were all wrong... Of course I heckeled the passer byers. That is so much fun for me. I think I am hilarious even if no one else does. Then we decided to rate the guys passing us. 1-10 was the scale and if you were nice to us and smiled and spoke you got extra points. Yes Keith you got a 10+++! It was funny! Then Mr. Perfect passed and we lost all train of thought! LOL! But during this time, we start talking about our Scotty watches a/k/a Garmin Forerunner. Katherine says when she becomes a "legitimate runner" she might get one. Well girl, after today we are "LEGITIMATE"! We warned them they would be on the world wide web!So hope you both enjoy reading......

Tamara and I finished and we finished 5 minutes less of the time I had set for us. I said earlier in the run I wanted to finish in 3:30. Then later I said ok 3:45, then later hell I just want to finish and not be last...... Well 3:25..... I am on top of the world tonight.

I am sore but I am excited and I am only 8 more miles away from 26.2! I can do it, I will do it and I will not ever question myself again. OK that was a little much but I am proud of us! I am proud of everyone in the group but I am proud of myself as this was my longest run ever and I did it! YEAH, YIPPY, I hope I did well for my photo opportunity at the end! Thanks to our team photographer, Christine, I will be able to share with you!

Thanks to everyone, for your advise, support and most of all your friendship! Thanks also to our new friends, Gena and Katherine...see you at Cannonball!