8 on the 8th (well . . . on the 10th)

Non-runner Nancy planned and hosted a virtual race - 8 on the 8th. I wanted to participate but didn't think that my schedule would allow me to put that many miles in. Well, I did it! (And I can walk today!!!) I am pretty sure this will be the one and only time that I will be able to participate in an "Olympic" event.




My run started at 5:51am on Sunday morning. Nancy is cool like . . . . being flexible about the start time. Here are the rules:



Virtual Race Directions -

1. Run 8 miles sometime around the 8th. I'm easy, any time between now and the 10th is fine. I'm also easy in the event that you need to do two-4 milers. Just join us!!
2. Post a race report on your blog.
3. Extra points for Olympic-type flair (but absolutely no pressure to do so!) - I brought back some official Olympic stuff from Beijing for prizes!!

I want in on that official Olympic stuff from Beijing.


I could have gone the easy route and taken the my runs for the whole week and added them together to come up with 8 miles and a better time, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could run the 8 miles. So, I did!

I woke up Sunday morning and put on my snazzy new running skirt, laced up my shoes and hit the road. I decided this morning to run with my cell phone and a bottle of water. I wanted my cell phone, not so much for the safety aspect but in case I got to the out portion of my out and back and realized that I couldn't make it home. Nathan would have to drag himself out of bed and come get me. I don't think I will take the cell phone again until I get a fuel belt. It was annoying. It fit great in the pocket of my skirt but didn't fit so well on my leg. We got through it though.


The weather was perfect and I know that the air quality was perfect compared to what the Olympic athletes are enduring. The course though was torture.

Hill

after hill

You know what the stupid part is though, I picked it. I should have picked a nice easy, flat course, but nope, I had to challenge (kill) myself.


I must complain about a couple of things about the race:


Crowd Support could have been a bit better! This is all I got . . . . NICE!
















Water Stations



I wasn't about to waste my time climbing up that thing! Though I did put my water bottle in a friend's mailbox and picked it up on the way back so I didn't have to carry it the entire 8 miles. (Just most of them.)









The post race food was okay. Left a little to be desired. But my pop-tarts did have a nice note on them.

All in all the race was great! I was a little disappointed that my cheering section, consisting of my husband, son and dog, were all still in bed when I got home. THANKS!

I had to walk several times but I did beat my goal of finishing under 1:20:00. And I got back in time to shower and clean up before heading to church. I am sure those sitting in the pew beside me appreciated that!

Bring on the hardware!