Freedom Run October 2012

Well, the half marathon is finally over.  No more running for me now, haha.  I did have a blast this past weekend though-- I think I'm just ready to take a break from scheduling long runs :)

On Friday afternoon, the boys and I drove down out to Shepherdstown, WV to pick up our race packets.  When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw that all 3 kids were sleeping.  I decided to let them sleep and enjoyed some NPR and reading on my kindle app :) 

That night, Karen drove down from PA.  Erik and I had a nice time visiting with her for awhile before we all hit the sack.

Wake up time was bright and early at about 5:45.  Race time was 8:05 am, but with the 45 minute drive, parking, and just being ready to run the day started early.

The race itself was awesome.  I kept telling Karen she didn't have to stay and run with me, but in the end our strides matched pretty well and we ran together the whole time.  Karen made the race seem to fly by, because she was so much fun to talk with.  She really is a sweet, fun person to be around!  Our time ended up being 1:57 something which beat the half I did in 2010 by about 5 seconds :).  I was especially happy because that course in Sacramento was known as being the flattest half around, and this one . . . well this one was not even a little bit flat.  It was however, gorgeous.  The leaves have turned brilliant shades of fall colors and the course went through plenty of groves of trees.  It took us through country roads, which was quite charming- especially when the homeowners would come out and cheer us on.  A portion of the race also goes through the Antietam battlefield, which I was really excited about.  Pretty cool to run through such important history.

After the race, I was so hungry!  These bagels tasted like the best things ever.  About an hour after downing one of those, I also helped myself to the free pizza offered .. . gotta take advantage of free food.

The one bummer of the race was that Erik and the kids weren't there  (I am a little needy I guess ha).  Jackson had a football game in the morning, and since he missed last Saturday, we decided he better go.  I'm happy with our decision too, because he made his first touchdown at his game!  Yeah, go Jackson!!

They left right from the game and met Karen and I about an hour after our half was over.  Just in time for the kid's mile race to start.  Both boys wanted to participate.

Getting ready for the start.  The last thing I wanted to do was jog another mile, but Wyatt really wanted me to run it with him, which is a hard offer to pass up.

The kid's course took us on a loop from Shepherd University campus through downtown Shepherdstown.  It's a cute little college town.

Jackson took off!  I told him he didn't have to stay with me and Wyatt and he certainly didn't.  I never saw him the whole race!

 Happy with his ribbon.  This little boy was quite impreseive as well!  I really expected him to stop half way through and complain and want me to hold him.  He kept on going on his own though!  He jogged the whole time, and would periodically yell out "turbo speed" and run fast.  It was pretty cute.

All of the runners (plus Anna)

Anna enjoying the bean bag toss (like her hair? haha I only had one of my elastics and I felt bad that her hair was constantly in her eyes).

I wish I took a picture of the stadium where our race ended-- that was a pretty festive scene.

We walked over to a bed and breakfast where they were doing the medals for those who placed (yeah I definitely wasn't that fast, I would've had to run it in 1:30 something to have placed in my age group).  There also was lunch for everyone.

Our of our sweaty race clothes, and enjoying some burgers and live music :)

hard to see the pretty view.

When we first got to the inn, Karen and I were able to get one of these glasses as part of our "race swag."  On our way out, the guy giving them to the racers asked if Jackson and Wyatt wanted one too.  Of course they did, and then Karen asked if she could take two for her kids back home.  Then Erik asked if he could have one, and then Karen asked if she could bring one to her husband.  The guy was looking more and more put out, and I'm sure he's going to think twice before trying to be nice and offering one to kids he sees.  Haha, I'm happy we have a little set though! 

The whole day was a great experience, I'm feeling it in my legs tonight though! :)