After a 5AM wake up call, I drank some coffee, ate a little oatmeal, and got dressed. I probably went to the bathroom 5 times before we left. I’m a nervous pee-er (probably TMI). Hubby lugged the good camera in his backpack and we and 35,999 other people headed over to the race. I just happened to be at the start line when they played the National Anthem. I stopped with my hand over my heart and sang, and then I waited in line for the porta-potty for 25 minutes. There were still 5 people ahead of me when it was our turn to run. So I left the line and got started, only to stop 15 feet past the chip activation line so I could go to the bathroom. (Please save your judgment until after you give birth three times). And then I took off. I was so happy. The race atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Miles 1-6 flew past me. Along the journey I saw: People waving happy face signs (just for me), hubby, Captain America, awesome back of shirt quotes, 60 year old “College Roomies” running together, Elvis, and more pigtails than I could count.
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Another potty break and I was golden. Then I made it up a HUGE hill faster than I should have. I allowed myself to walk the hills guilt free. One unintentional stroke of genius was waiting until the last minute to do a Facebook poll of favorite running songs, and adding those to my playlist just before the event, so I had many new tunes to entertain me. And even without my high-speed music device, Cincinnati also brought out many of its talented musicians to serenade the participants. Fun and happiness was anywhere I looked.
Along the route, I was offered a plethora of Gatorade/goo/gummy fish & oranges. I was encouraged to tap a piece of poster board for more power (it worked), AND I wore blue to remember my fallen classmates in case I ever felt sore or tired along the way. I texted family and friends as I walked up the hills, and it was wonderful to receive their encouragement during the race. I was on cloud nine until I hit mile 11.5. Thankfully that was where they handed out the oranges, and my college roomy already prepared me for weird body experiences at this mile marker. I reminded myself I was wearing blue, I took a pic to document it, and moved out. A couple miles later I saw The Finish SWINE!
Along the route, I was offered a plethora of Gatorade/goo/gummy fish & oranges. I was encouraged to tap a piece of poster board for more power (it worked), AND I wore blue to remember my fallen classmates in case I ever felt sore or tired along the way. I texted family and friends as I walked up the hills, and it was wonderful to receive their encouragement during the race. I was on cloud nine until I hit mile 11.5. Thankfully that was where they handed out the oranges, and my college roomy already prepared me for weird body experiences at this mile marker. I reminded myself I was wearing blue, I took a pic to document it, and moved out. A couple miles later I saw The Finish SWINE!
I crossed the line/Swine with my ARMS UP HIGH! I got my bling & took a picture with the PIG! What a moment. My aunt always sent me care packages when I was a cadet at West Point. On the outside of every box she used a stamp to write, “YOU CAN DO IT!” I saw a sign along this run, that said just this, and at the finish line I said to myself, “ You. DO. It!” I grabbed lots of food goodies, took some more YOU DO IT pictures, and then limped back to the hotel for some food and a hot shower.
It felt great to check this item off my list. What are you DOING that deserves an ARMS UP HIGH moment? I’d love to know.
 | This post brought to you by MH, mega-momma by day and blogging mammarrazzi by night! To read Half Crazy Part I & II please visit: Mommy Monday: Half-Crazy Part I: CLICK HERE! Mommy Monday: Half-Crazy Part II: CLICK HERE! Mommy Monday: Half-Crazy Part III: CLICK HERE! |
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