Bowl of Berries

This past Saturday I rode with my sister in her first bike race!  Ok so it wasn’t as much of a race as a very fun ride complete with t-shirts and FOOD!  I do love the laid back style of cycling events

We entered the TarWheel Century Ride in Elizabeth City so I drove to Va Beach and then rode with Steph to my Grandparents house where we spent the night.  The alarm went off at 6am, which was actually sleeping in for me considering most race starts,  but Steph is not used to waking up that early on a Saturday (or ever!) Grandma made us very cheesy toast, coffee and juice then we packed up and set off for the race site.  I could tell Steph was a a bit anxious about the race but I tried to ease her mind and encourage her along the way.

My chain had come off my bike and since I am not the best when it comes to fixing even simple things like that, we quickly got to the race start to check in and find someone to help me…which was super easy in a group this big!  I promised Steph I would braid her hair and I did so while they had the rider meeting so I missed the instructions but soon figured it all out when people started taking off on their bikes, so much for a mass start!  It actually worked out and we followed others until we were out in front of a group and I realized I had no idea where we were going so we stopped so I could get the map straight.  After we set off again we were golden.

That is until the rain came.  It was overcast and the weather called for a 50% chance of showers but I was so hoping it would hold off.  Nope, down came the rain for a good 5 minutes or so.  It was a chilly day too so I instantly got cold.  Luckily we weren’t far from our first stop and by then the rain stopped so I threw on the long sleeve race shirt to give myself another layer.  Not one complaint from my sister though, she was a rockstar!

We used the typical race porta potty, grabbed some fig newtons and deviled eggs (ok those were just for me) called Mom to give her an update then we were off on a short 7 mile loop.  Steph was doing great!  We were able to chat about tons of stuff and then there were times when we just rode, it was perfect!  We stopped once more at the sag stop and chatted with the volunteers as most of the riders had gone on for the 66 or 100 mile route or were already on their way back from the 33 mile route.  I called Mom once more to give her an updated arrival time then it was back on the road for the final 13 miles.

At this point Steph had reached her new personal distance record!  The week before she completed 20 miles and she was on her way to crushing that!  She was slowing down a bit but not one complaint come out of her mouth and she still stayed strong and happy.  What a great race partner!  Dad called with about 3 miles left to try to get a more accurate time and soon enough we were there!

Steph was rather disappointed by the lack of fanfare at the finish, the Finish line as literally spray painted on the road, I wish I would have taken a picture of it!  Regardless it was fun to see the parents and grandparents waiting for us at the line.  We stopped and Steph got some pictures then we made sure to take advantage of the food, hot dogs (and veggie dogs) cookies, water and nut bags!  Haha!  Steph’s name for the little baggies of nuts, M&M’s and raisins they had.

All in all it was a great day despite the uncooperative weather.  But I think we have a cyclist on our hands!  She is already talking about the next ride and next year maybe the whole fmaily can ride in the race!  Could be fun!

Better late then never right

I was so looking forward to this race.  In the back of my mind I was bummed I wasn’t running the full marathon but I knew deep down I was going to have a much better half then full. My long runs leading up to the race were awesome and I was getting faster, if all went well I would have an epic race!

I had much on my mind during this race, my Grandma passed away just 2 days before the race which in the end was even more of a driving force.  I was running this race for her.  I woke up early and had the traditional PBJ bagel, coffee and water.  I wore my totally girlie purple skirt that I bought months before and wrote Grandma’s name on my wrist in Sharpie.  Not only was this race for her, but my whole season will be dedicated to her and my Grandpa.

Scottie was a trooper and got up early to drive me to the race and cheer me on.  We met up with our friends Alan and Jenny and carpooled to the race site.  I was so glad I signed up for a parking pass, the start line was steps from our car!  I immediately jumped out of the car and got in line for the porta potties.  One thing I didn’t think about was the lack of sunlight which led to a very dark porta potty experience, which in the end I suppose was a good thing.  No one wants to see the inside of a porta potty before a race!  I finished my business with just a few minutes to spare.

The start was a cluster f**k but I found a decent spot near the 2 hour pace group.  Once the national anthem was sung (and I got emotional ofcourse) we were off!  I tried to settle my emotions as best I could and keep a steady pace at the start.  I had a great start and noticed I was near the 1:50 pace group, I knew I had to slow down as I thought that would be too fast for me to sustain.  But I just listened to my body and went with what felt right.

The morning was amazing, the sun was rising just as we hit the actual trail and I immediately thought of Grandma,  what a morning she brought me!  I will from now on think of her when I see a sunrise (I think of Grandpa when I see a rainbow, two came out just before his memorial service)  I took it all in, enjoying every step, thankful for the ability to run!

Before I knew it I was running with the 1:50 pace group.  To be honest I really didn’t want to run with a group but every time I would speed up or slow down I would just end up with them so I just went with it.  The leaders were awesome and I just kinda hung out in the back so I could stay in my own little world.  I took a bag of shot block type things at mile 3 and popped one in my mouth, not a fan of cranberry apple- bleck!  At mile 5 I tried to grab a Gu and dropped it, went back for it and grabbed a vanilla one, eww…cake icing, not something I wanted mid race, but I forced it down with some water.  I stayed with water only as I find sports drinks leave a weird taste in my mouth that just isn’t pleasant.

We hit the 10 mile mark and I felt awesome!  No pain, no tiredness, I was cruising.  I stayed with the leader until about 2 miles left, when I grabbed a lemon lime Gu (he grabbed a cup of water for me to chase it with, how nice!) and off I went.  At this pojnt we were on the road and we were squished into the bike lane which made it a challenge to pass people.  Before I knew it I could hear the announcer.  I kicked it up a notch and then into overdrive as I saw the finish line.  I sprinted in with all I had and was thrilled to see 1:49 on the clock!  I shaved 30 minutes off my half marathon time!  I finished the race with “jazz hands” which has sort of become my trademark.

I immediately found the water, heed and bread to refuel with.  I knew if I didn’t get something in me I would probably pass out.  I also signed up for a massage :)  While I waited for my massage I chatted with a few of our tri friends before I finally found Scottie.  He was so proud of me and had some awesome pictures of the finish.

I stretched out a bit then we waited for our friends to finish their marathon.  Overall it was a great race.  Everything was perfect; perfect weather, perfect nutrition, no tummy troubles, no knee troubles!  I was super happy with my race and it only has fueled me more for my next marathon!