The Third Time's The Charm

This is the happy face of a finisher! Last year I crossed the finish in 3:08:39, my goal was to beat that time, my dream was to finish under 3 hours. I wasn't sure my dream was possible since I spent the week before the race with a head and chest cold. I woke up on Saturday with what I feared might be the start of an ear infection.

I headed north with hopes that 5 hours in the car would scare the germs away. It seemed to work - by Saturday evening I was feeling pretty good & getting excited to return to The Ave.

With a year of running under my belt I was able to keep up with my teammates and have people to talk with through the course. Last year I ran most of the event alone. I felt good and strong. I was able to stop to take pictures, cheer on my friends and enjoy the course.

At about mile 5 I began to feel a blister forming on my left foot so I removed my Superfeet orothotic insert and ran "lopsided". It worked, no blisters!

Everything was going great. I estimated my time between 12-13 minute miles, if I kept that pace I'd kick this race in the rear. Then I got to mile 8 and realized I needed a potty break. Oh, no I broke the seal. From then to the finish I had to stop at EVERY porta-potty along the course. This will definately slow me down.

Mile 10 brought calf cramps - no! Must drink more electrolytes. Must take another Gu.

Mile 11 brought thoughts of my dad and tears. He won't be at the finish line to greet me with a jug of beer. I think I have a sense of what it feels like to have asthma. It's hard to run and breathe while crying.

Mile 12 brought Lolo! Thank God, I needed some support & distraction. She ran me to the finish line.

I completed The Ave 2008 and beat my goal and my dream came true. I crossed the finish line in 2:59:54. I beat my course record by 8 minutes 45 seconds, I beat my personal best (Nike 1/2 2007 3:00:04) and can now hang up my running shoes.

Up next... a few months of rest and then I take on the challenge of a century cycle: Solvang's Finest 100 Miles.

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