Park to Park Run

I love this race. I find point to point runs so satisfying - kinda like the hash, you know? You're actually going somewhere.

This years' P2P was big fun, with a special thrill at mile 1. I glommed onto Roger and decided to hang on for as long as i could stand it. But 5:03??? "I think it's a little short,"offered the volunteer.

"Ya think?" I giggled to my running companions. "I'm going to the Olympics!!" I hollered, to no one in particular, for an intended comic effect. They laughed, I was happy.

But the bummer was that I really had no idea what my pace was. My fancy Garmin lay next to the computer at home, me figuring I wouldn't need it with mile markers. I could guess a range, but with a race this length, you need a little more precision to plan your strategy. As a runner feeling wimpy, I wouldn't mind if the run was short. As the "benevolent dictator", I knew it would be a problem.

We finally passed mile four and I could hear Heide breathing down my neck. I mentally calculated how long I could hold her off, and I wasn't optimistic. How bad do I want this? How much pain will I put up with today?

Beleive it or not, I decided to suck it up and hope for the best. I held my pace with her righ behind me even as we made the turn onto the gravel path. Afer the final left the finish clock came into view and I tried to sprint. Seeing my form and the look on my face in the photos, I really wasn't doing too well, so I am thrilled with my finish. 35 second PR! For 5 miles! Cool!

Ironiclaly, my watch time was 33:33. Can I knock another 13 seconds off for the LP Run?

Indexed

I have a new favorite blog. It contains two of my favorite things: ironic humor and graphs!

Actually, charts are one of my favorite things, of which graphs are a subset.

The above graph explains teenagers. Discuss.

Leather and Lace Hash

Great news! My old buddy High Maintenance was going to be in town, and she was looking forward to hashing on Sunday. Grind was to be in Stevanger, so she would spend the night and we would have a girly day. Very cool!

So then the notice comes around on the hashline: February 10 will be the Leather and Lace Hash! Hooray! Because nothing says an "Great afternoon Run" like running in your underwear.

Ahem.

So against my better judgement, I agreed to go and tried to make a plan. Cute running skirt seemed like a good start for a more modest, yet girly ensemble. Now for a top...geez. This one? Too loose. This one? Too revealing. This one? You're joking, right?

I went for the layers and it didn't turn out half bad, if I say so myself. Purple is a good color with me being a "winter" and all.

The first bit of trail was clever - we twisted about the Sabine street area so much that we were still in a pack after a mile or so. I didn't love the next move, however. I usually have no problem running through a dicey area, but the 5th ward in a purple merry widow sorta pushed my patience. Maybe it was just me, but it felt weird. Montrose had never before brought me such relief.

Then flour started to disappear. This, unfortunately, became the trend for the rest of the run. Thankfully the area was familiar, but the mark-to-mark checking became a bit stressful. NARC and I hammered through the last few miles together, with me still trying to maintain my effervescent personality. Ahem.

The big highlight for me was the contest. CONTEST??? You mean we get to COMPETE?? Yeah, so the hares called in a few hashers...no Gaslight? WTF? They apparently forgot my fab running attire because I reached the end and immediately bundled up. After running for and hour 15 - big wimp that I am.

Anyway, I ditched my fleece and dropped trou, much to the delight of Snatchatarious who squealed, "That's so naughty!" This, ladies and gentlemen, was all the encouragement I needed. Much jumping a waving of hands ensued until I claimed the grand prize: a blue ribbon, fun hash buttons commemorating "G", and medical restraints.

See me jumping? Much ham for the GL.

Down-down of victory

Training and racing

In case anyone is still reading, that's what I've been doing lately.

The Spring Series began earlier this month with the Buffalo Wallow, maybe 2 weeks after the marathon (or maybe it was 3)? I don't know. I did it because I felt like I should after rolling out of bed at 7:15. Not my best first lap ever. Although my time was stanky 27.54 vs 28.13 2 years ago when it was MUDDY.

(Last year I had to sit out after I slipped down my stairs - carrying my gym back, ready for the race. And I broke the bottom stair! With! My! Back! Yeowee! )

But I digress...anyhoo, I felt like a slacker. Big Tom R passed me on the final lap and motivated me to push it in, so I didn't feel completely lame.

Then Spyder went and got me a Starbucks. My friends rock.

Then, one whole week later, I tried the Fund for Teacher's Run. 'Cuz nothing says love like a 5K on cobblestone. Alright, so San Felipe isn't really cobblestone, but it sure felt like it. 95% of the Watermill Express team kicked my ass, my I still managed first Overall master.

The next day I decided to re-enter the world of weekly long runs. The marathon was now but a memory, and I don't wanna get fat. But I must eat. and drink. A lot. So I will run!
Erick tugged me into an extra mile for 12 on that brisk, sunny Sunday, and I felt awesome. So I awesome that I decided I could run the hash that day. And how did that go? heh heh. More later.