Run Fest Half Marathon

The Tri Cities Half Marathon was a great way to spend a February weekend.  Evan and I both agree that this was our most entertaining trip together.  I really like the Tri Cities, it has always been good to me, and this trip was no exception.  The people and the weather were simply amazing, and I had a ball.  A very big thank you to Nicki and Eric, Evan’s Parents, for setting us up in a true [half] marathoner’s palatial suite.

*Thanks to our own personal bike-escort!

It was super nice of Ayla to come to the race with us.  It is always a comfort to have her on the course to chat with us, take pictures, and collect clothing or gear that we shed.  Something as simple as “being there” means the world to me.  We had a great time with her.

*We always go to Three Margaritas.  The owner, Victor, is always so generous in asking about Evan and his family. 

*No matter how much I complain, we always end up in a romantic dinner for two, never fails. lol

Yes, we did run a half marathon, and that was the reason why we went, but overall I think that was overshadowed by the other fun adventures.  Not to go unmentioned, however, was the fact that Evan finished 3^rd place overall and set his personal best. I saw him on the course a few times and he looked great.  He did awesome, darn near won. 

*Evan at the start

*Who smiles this big running a half marathon?...idiot

*The same dude who takes such pleasure in having a lil' gummy bear snack, it's the simple things. 

I have not run a winter (or spring for that matter) half marathon in over 8 years.  Because I race so many events in the summer, I have often times been closed-mined to other adventures, I have broken out of that this year.  For a long time I felt like if I went to a “race” such as this, then it would be a waste of time if I didn’t go my absolute hardest.  Over the years I have discovered that there is a place for slowing down (figuratively and literally) and enjoying the feelings of easy workouts and events. There is a time to go bezerk and go your hardest, and there is a time to enjoy the simplicity of having a body that doesn't have pain or illness, something that many people would beg to have. 

*Evan laying it down.

*Still smiling, I feel like such a clown looking at these pictures :)

The first 7 miles were pure bliss, distance running is a special thing, and I enjoyed being there.  Near the half-way point Ayla, who was riding the course with us, picked me up.  We both have so much going on in our lives and we just got to chatting while I ran and she rode.  By the time we had “girl-talked” (the man version of it) about everything under the sun, but none of it about running, I was already at mile 9.  I ran the last four miles at a good clip without much effort or strain. The pace difference between the first half of the race and the second half was nearly a minute and half per mile so I passed a lot of people late in the race.  I am sure I surprised a few people as I ran past them jabbering to Ayla like a chatter-box.  

*Run and hide, it's a Quad-zilla!

*In case you're wondering why I'm wearing my medal in the pics; every time I win a medal, I wear it home just like I have done since I was 10.  It makes me feel like a kid again.  

When Evan drives, I control the radio, I sing, and I car-dance like no one’s business.  We are constantly in stitches the whole time.  Evan and I cannot communicate in the typical fashion, speaking, so we have to use gestures, notes, pictures, etc.. Often times our communication becomes exaggerated and over the top.  Evan’s impressions of people makes me bust a gut every time.  

*Car dancing like no one's business....but in this case it is my business because I do it like it's my job, boiii!

*Btw, how many bags do we need for an over-night trip...total man divas. lol

There are times when we can read each other’s minds.  There are other times when I think we are on the same page and it turns out completely different.  We find our miss-communication strangely hilarious. For example, we needed to go to the Red Lion to pick up our race packets. Evan and I discussed it and he drove us there.  Well, there were two Red Lions in the area and we were at the wrong one.  Understandably the front desk clerk had no idea what I was talking about and seemed puzzled.

Right after we left I was trying to explain to Evan that the guy had no idea what we were talking about.  I didn’t need to finish my explanation because Evan began doing an impression of what he saw, the guy looking puzzled and confused. The over-acted impression lasted about 15 seconds before Evan gestured back to the hotel waving both hands as if to say “Forget it.”  His priceless impression just about brought me to tears in the parking lot, struck with laughter.  It is the simple things that I would never think of without Evan, that I am so thankful for him.  We had a great trip, a great race, and great food.  It was an amazing adventure and a great return to winter half marathons. 

Winter Update

First, here is a winter motivation song to listen to while you read this post, this song makes me happy. Ra Ra Riot! 

A few years ago I didn't much care for winter.  November-December would roll around and I would close my eyes and dream of summer.  Over the past few years, I have made my weakness (winter), into one of my greatest strengths. I no longer close my eyes and hope for summer, I now find myself missing the disappearing harshness of winter that I have learned to embrace.  

*During the cold months, I used to dream about riding in places like this, race bikes, and HOT race outfits. 

I've made no qualms about it that some winters have been tough, but those same winters have allowed me to find myself.  I have adapted my training and lifestyle to use the things that once made me weak into things that now make my mind and muscles strong.  I now love the harsh winds, deep snow, and darkness.  It was also during winter that I discovered that I do my best training with a little bit of snarl.  Just that little bit of edge of having those un-named people's voices in my head saying "You can't do that." and over-powering that doubt with hard work and the phrase, "Watch me."

It is during times of challenge that I have found my creative side and discovered things that I had no idea I enjoyed so much.  Stepping outside the box is a good thing...

....Getting tossed out of the box in a full on skid is even better.

This winter I have been on a new adventure.  It is something that is both motivating and intimidating.  It is always on my mind now , it makes me nervous. I admit that at times I am actually quite terrified.  It is very much out of my element and it challenges me to learn about it, train for it, and keep a never-say-die attitude.  I, like all people, have that feeling at times of -if I just give up, all this stress would stop-.

All of us have that point where we question what we do. Often times people quit when things get tough. There is a cowardly side to us all,  but there is also a part of some of us, deep down, that will never give an inch.  I have a part of me that has stick-to-it-ness, and the courage to keep going even when I am nervous, even down-right scared.  I call that part of me "Brodacious." That is the part of me that has physical power to keep pushing when I am tired, and also the forethought to plan my attack and seek help when I need it.  It is that part of me that has the courage to take that first step in saying this is my dream and this is what I want to do.

When thinking about this "big secret adventure" I ask myself, what if I look like a fool?  What if I totally suck?  What if I am out-classed and people laugh at me?  I know that my challenge for the time being is countering that inner doubt with What if I do well?  What if I totally rock the socks off this sucker? And maybe, just maybe, what if this turns out to be a dream come true?  I know that if I am scared, nervous, and intimidated now, but I keep focused and put in the time and effort to do what it takes, then on May 3rd I am going to feel like a million bucks and it will be a dream come true.

It is already mid-February, and I haven't even completed the "Training Montage" post yet.  Blink your eyes and it will be March.  March is always my month, and I am doing a great job of chasing the elusive and sometimes scary dream that awaits...  

...and that is why I keep pushing.