Race #15

Race number 15 is finally in the record books.

If anyone has been counting they know that New Mexico was supposed to be the fifteenth race. Old man winter got in the way of that race and I never made it out to New Mexico. Nine inches of snow in Dallas the Friday before the race made getting to New Mexico impossible until after the race start time, so I had the airline send me to Miami! I was headed that way after the race anyway so this just gave me an extra day or so with my aunt and cousins. Wish I could say it gave me more time in the tropical temperatures, but that was not to be. The cold temperatures that have been strangling the rest of the country made their way south resulting in highs only in the 60's. Burrrrrr.

From Miami I made an unscheduled trip to Lincoln, NE to hang out with my sister for a couple days after her husbands heart surgery. Then it was back to North Carolina for a week before finally getting in race #15 in Oklahoma City.

This was by far the flattest course I've been on and I don't think I'll ever be given such a gift again. Yes, it was flatter than Phoenix! Unfortunately, during all my travels since the Krispy Kreme run, I spent time eating, drinking, visiting, buying art and avoiding running opportunities at all costs! Hence, what could have been a great opportunity to post 10 minute miles was squandered. My time of 33:25 was better than I deserved. I was 6 of 9 in my age group and 60 out of 113 females.

But I didn't walk away without a small world story. My flight from Durham was routed through Detroit. While waiting for the connection in Detroit I sat across from a young family with a little two and a half year old girl, Elizabeth. A truly well behaved child but given to fits of "drama" as her mother called them. When we finally got on the plane, two hours late, they sat directly in front of me. Of course I immediately tried to convince Elizabeth that everyone was going to be taking a nap and she should do the same! It didn't work work for her, but she at least stayed quiet enough for me to get in a nap. The next day, I'm lining up for the race and look over to see Elizabeth's dad getting ready to run! So I went up to say hello and chat. The story gets better. He is just getting back into running after a couple year hiatus so has been running races of various distances, including the Dallas White Rock Lake Half Marathon. What race did I run last month that started 15 minutes after the Dallas White Rock Lake Half Marathon? The Dallas White Rock Lake 5k!! Kevin Bacon can't be all wrong with his six degrees of separation business.

I've realized that a few of my major character flaws are really getting in the way of my Quest (yes, I'm now referring to this as a Quest when I talk to people - sounds more intriguing and less harebrained). My short attention span, inability to commit and quick boredom level are a constant battle. I'm forever on the lookout for new training schedules as I don't seem to be able to stay focused on one for more that a couple weeks. I had opportunities to run with my favorite first-cousin-once-removed, Jason Y. while in Miami and slept in instead. Today I ran over to Kinko's to do this update and know that I should take a longer route home, but I'm already trying to plot the shortest course possible. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, right?!

Krispy Kreme Challenge

2400 Calories, 12 Donuts, 4 Miles, 1 Hour

I think this was an experience I don't need to repeat! Dodged a bullet in that the rain that kept us inside all day Friday stopped over night and the snow that fell in the afternoon didn't start until I was driving home. Unfortunately, my friend Erin R. could not make it down from Washington DC due to a "storm of the century" that came in Friday. So I ran alone --- with 5,999 other people who wanted a little exercise and a dozen donuts.

All smiles before the raceThis explains it all - sounds so simple doesn't it?!? A few characters at the start line. Elvis was also in the race, but then what did you expect when there were donuts being given away!

The race was well organized and started right on time. The run to Krispy Kreme was mostly downhill so I took advantage of that and had a good first two miles. I was a bit stiff as I hadn't run too much all week but I pushed through. At about the mile and a half mark we started to see people running back. the first few runners looked pretty amazing, considering they had just consumed a dozen sugary delights. As more and more runners came by I saw more carrying their box of half eaten donuts and a few looked a little green around the gills!

Still all smiles as I open my box of sugary goodness. This didn't last long. The first bite was bad and even with two glasses of water I only was able to consume two donuts. I was disappointed in myself as I really thought I was going to be able to down at least six. I did learn a few things from my competitors (in case I ever think I need to do this again):

1) Run with friends, specially ones who will dress up in strange outfits
2) Make a "donut sandwich" so you only have to eat four mega donuts
3) Fill your cheeks first4) If you're going to blow - give yourself plenty of room!

My inability to "complete the eat" kept me out of the running for a Challenger designation but it kept the contents of my stomach intact.

I must confess that I didn't have a very good run on the return. Chalk it up to lazy but I found myself walking a good deal of the way just because I could. One would think the sugar buzz most people were on would have served them well, but the gooey goodness does sit like a lead weight in the bottom of the stomach.

At least I didn't finish last and guess what? My friend Erin R. actually finished the race two people ahead of me!! What's up with that Erin??? www.krispykremechallenge.com