DEGA BABY!!!

Well, April 11th was the day, I have been anticipating for quite some time! The Talladega 21000 1/2 marathon! Misty and I met at the track and were ready to run!

Arriving at the track, I immediately was overwhelmed with how big it was and how excited I was to run all over it! We caught the tram heading to the START line. Let the games begin!

We ran into superstars Kristin and Brittney. It is always good to see them and we were just in time to be sprayed down with a glitter spray bath! Misty glowed and glimmered in the sun the entire race! Brittney, You are too fun!

And we were off!

We began pacing at about 11 to 12 minute miles getting all warmed up. At about 3 miles I knew I had to set my pace and take off, to see what I could run this thing in. I told Misty that I would see her at the finish line and that I loved her and I was off! The rest of the journey would be mine alone. MP3 blaring and pace set I was ready for an amazing run!

I ran into Chris Carpenter at around mile 4. Way to Go- Chris!

My good friend Christy was there to support her man, Chris and also walk the fun run.
Way to Go, Girl! You make a beautiful cheerleader!

While I was out running, the kids hung out with Mimi and Bibi and soaked up the hot sun! Mimi is such a supporter and I am so thankful to have my encouraging Mom out there with me. I love you, Momma!

V is for Victory! Victory Lane that is!

The pace car!

Love the track. It was so awesome to run down below and up high to be able to see the angles at which the race cars are driving. I know that the cars can slide down the track if they are not going fast enough but to see it just brings it home!

Around Mile 8.5, I began having some serious pain in my hip and knee, so much so that I was forced to walk some. This was disheartening because, up to that point, I had run the entire race, except for slowing to get water and goo! But the leg pain was just too much to bear. Each step began to be excruciating until it finally eased up enough to resume a very slow jog. I was determined to finish strong even if I had to drag my leg across the finish line. At about mile 10, I saw Brittney and Kristen, who usually finish WAY ahead of me. From that point on, my goal became to catch them and I did between mile 11 and 12. It was good to chat with them for a few minutes and run along side the pros for a while to get my mind off the pain in my leg.

2 hours and 22 minutes after the start of the race, I finished, and I finished strong!

What a very snazzy medal!

Way to go Group!

It is so fun running along side friends! We are all crazy and lovin' every minute of it!

I am so happy to be running in the shadow of my all-time athletic hero, Daddy!
He is such an inspiration to me! I run for the both of us!
I love you, Daddy!

My very hot and very tired cheerleaders!

Way to go Misty!

When you look this good at the end of the race, you know it was fun! I am so thankful to be sharing these fabulous times with her!

Woo hoo!

Victory Lane!

Bring on the mounds of Jim and Nick's BBQ! Man it was good!

Awesome job!

So unattractive but so telling! My leg was done when I stopped running. It served me well but it was time for some serious rest! The spot is the best spot in the whole world-on the back of my parent' house on the porch! Ahhhhh.... It has taken a little over a week so far to recover this from this one. The leg is still not well and I had a very scary time trying to get back to the car running one afternoon last week when it decided to quit working! I am on rest but can't wait until I am all healed up and ready for the next Big Running Adventure!
I know I am crazy- you don't have to say a word! : )