Running the Rock (well, 5 miles of it!)

The White Rock Marathon and Half Marathon took place today, along with the 5 person relay. As most everyone knows, I ran a 5 mile leg of the relay today and it was more than awesome. Now, it was cold and I had to wait a lot, however once I got going, it just was incredible. Since the relay is the full marathon course, we ran with the marathoners. Since that was the case, I really felt like I couldn't slow down, couldn't walk (as much, trust me, I still walked. And so did they. They know how to work it). But the energy coming from them propelled me forward to my end point. I did have some knee issues which slowed me down. I could have probably done it in quicker time. Oh, yeah, I did it in 61 minutes! I was very impressed with myself. I thought I would be a tad longer, so that time worked for me. It is an unofficial, Kim's watch time, but it was still a good time.

The bus to our relay point was at 7:30 but I got to AAC pretty early (took the train). Once we left the AAC, we landed at the lake at our relay point. I bought the ear warmer things on Friday and didn't think I would actually need them today. It really wasn't that cold when we were waiting at the AAC. However, the wind coming off the lake almost killed my ears! And my hands got cold too. Soooo, next time I think I don't need them, I am taking them anyway. I didn't need them during the run, but we had to wait a few hours. It was needed.

On the bus to the relay point, I met this gal. She was pretty cool (and very chatty, which was funny since it was 7:30 AM). Anyway, we talked about her training, her life, my training, my life, the silly girls running around in NOTHING! (they were supposed to be santa's. ), and just anything else. She is running the Dallas Rock and Roll in March. She got done before I did but she stayed around and found me at the 15 mile mark. That was pretty cool of her. She even said how proud she was of me. A total stranger :). She was nice. Anyway, she has my number and told me to consider training for the Rock and Roll in March (13 miles... 1/2 Marathon... seems very daunting!). I think if I start it hard in Jan, it could work. And then I could also help propel Jen on her quest to do to the Chicago Rock and Roll in August! Something to think about it. Now I feel good -- sore, but good. Pretty accomplished. And watching the marathon runners do their thing was inspirational too!

Everyone have a wonderful Sunday. :)