RedLegs Run 2014

I've still got it!  My kids think my lack of confidence is crazy but each time I run there is a part of me that is concerned I won't run the entire distance.  Sometimes I still can't believe that I am a runner.  Today's race was no exception.  I visualized the race for several days before and this morning before we left I looked up my time from last year.

And here is the story of the day (mostly in pictures).

We met up with Andrea before the race so we could all start together.

Matt ran with me although he could have gone faster.  I think he knew it would help me to keep running.

 

When we finished and walked through to get water and bananas to get our timing chips cut off, I was disappointed that there were no medals this year.  Just as I mentioned it to Matt, we saw a guy letting people know the medals were outside the park.  Yeah!!

After the race Andrea and I posed in front of the band before making our way to the goetta, pizza and ice cream.

The she spotted my favorite news anchor (Kathrine Nero from WCPO) so I introduced myself and posed for a picture (her idea because I was slightly starstruck*).

And as we were leaving we posed in front of the Johnny Bench statue at the Great American Ballpark.

I was really happy with my results (which they printed out for us after the race).

I compared my results from last year and was thrilled with the improvement!

2013

bib number: 340

age: 55

gender: F

location: Oxford, OH

overall place: 1424 out of 2202

division place: 10 out of 48

gender place: 715 out of 1283

time: 38:57

pace: 12:34

2014

bib number: 241

age: 56

gender: F

location: Oxford, OH

overall place: 1094 out of 2473

division place: 12 out of 81

gender place: 523 out of 1525

time: 34:23

pace: 11:06

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*When I met Kathrine Nero I walked right up and introduced myself as if she should know me.  I did tweet her last week about the race, I guess I figured she would remember that.  She is so familiar to me because I spend every weekday morning getting ready for work while watching her on Good Morning Tri-State.

Below are the five things I would have said to her if I had thought of them.  They are not in any particular order except part of number one I did manage to say.  Number four is the one I really wish I had remembered to say because I think she would have been surprised.

1. (I've always been a Channel 9 girl since the days of Al Schottlekotte) and later Walt Mayer and I still remember the intro. I watched him after the Uncle Al Show which I loved and still know all the words to all those songs too!
2. Channel 9 is my "go to" station for news, weather and sports.  I even have the Storm Shield App.
3. I love channel 9 so much that I was mad when CBS dropped them but I like ABC now anyway.  Being a marketing person, I also was mad that they they were forced to change all the "eye" references.
4. I remember when your husband Bob co-anchored with you for several days and his family watched from their home!
5. I love "TMI" and want to always be informed of the issues.

And I could also add that I hope she doesn't think I'm a stalker.  I have a really good memory but I just don't think fast on my feet sometimes.

"Taking Steps" Award

Even though I missed the Red Brick Run AND the Team Miami Celebration, I received this award.  A little motivation was definitely needed and this did that!

It so nice when people recognize the effort.

Back in the... running shoes!

I'm fully recovered from my trip and am now back on track to run.  I skipped the Red Brick Run last week with Team Miami which makes me feel a little disappointed but the race was at 10:30 a.m. which was the same time as my niece's first holy communion.

So last night I ran for the second time since returning from Thailand.  I ran 3 miles which made me feel like my upcoming 5Ks will be no problem (hopefully!).  A little knee pain is telling me that I need to really hit the gym and do my PT exercises but I've done it before and can do it again.

 

Most of all I am going to try to remember where I have come from and that I'm pretty darn accomplished.  Sometimes I beat myself up for not doing more and more but I'm going to stick with 5Ks, throw in a couple longer races on special occasions like Thanksgiving, and be proud of myself!