Eugene Women's Half Marathon

My coach looking especially coach like with that mustache!

 My crew

 Slow and steady

 Getting closer...

 Enjoying the post race festivities

All the gals: Kellie, Kara, Marianne, Me, Miss Audrey June

Kara talked me into running another half marathon.  Here are the pics from the comeback race, courtesy of Eric Jensen.  Thank you, Eric!  It was a beautiful day and a great race.  I can't believe how long it's taken me to get back into running after baby #3, but I'm glad to finally be moving this old bod again and I'm grateful that it still moves!  Ha! 

I was a little sad not to be running with the 9 minute mile pace group this time around.  I thought it best to try and shoot for a 10 minute mile pace.  My finish time was 2:05, which was better than expected.  I was nervous when Kara and I started out.  I kept looking down at my watch and seeing nines.  Hmmmm..was I starting out way too fast?  Would I burn out at the end and pay for this?  It felt good to be running at that pace so I decided to keep up with it.  Many times, at the end of a long run, I fizzle out.  During this half I felt like I was able to kick it up a notch after mile 9.  I don't think that's ever happened!  It left me wondering if I could have pushed a little harder.  Luckily I was able to live vicariously through Kellie who did hang out with the 9 minute mile pace group and acheived her goal of running this half in under two hours.  Awesome work, Kellie!!!  It wasn't long after my finish that I heard them announce Kara's name.  What a gritty performance!  I am amazed at her natural running ability.  Did I mention that she has a baby younger than Audrey?  Did I mention that SHE's the one that motivated ME to get back into running?  I can always count on Kara for a much needed dose of motivation.  Mere seconds after Kara crossed the finish line I heard them announce Marianne's name.  My jaw dropped.  She was aiming for 11 minute miles and finished way under goal pace.  Whoa!  I have to tell you that I got emotional upon hearing them announce her name.  Marianne has worked her tail off and I was so incredibly proud of her performance out there.  She really pushed it and looked awesome doing it too!  I should also give a shout out to Juliette who is also a part of this group.  We did quite a few early training runs together and she even got up early on a Sunday morning to come and cheer us on.  We all love Juliette, how could you not?  I'm looking forward to running a race with her soon.  I think she mentioned a marathon, right Juliette? 

At the finish line we were met by Eric, Mike and the combined brood of seven children.  I was pretty impressed with the crew's performance at this race.  Both of the guys made it to several stops to cheer us all on--not an easy task with all of those munchkins.  Since Eric and Mike are both runners themselves I feel like they were extra enthusiastic and supportive of our race endeavors.  Thanks crew!  A special thanks to Mike who has taken on coaching responsibilities too.  It's nice to be able to have an expert to consult!  I'm looking forward to the next race.