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.