Running for the Booty at Gasparilla

2013 Gasparilla Weekend Festivities

 At first I wasn't feelin' Gasparilla weekend because there were many friends and a brother who could not run their registered race. As I arrived late to the start of the 15k on Saturday morning, I found another brother Aaron pulling into the same parking lot right after me. After our taking pic we set off to find our Strider friends at the start. Literally at almost the last minute we found our friends and grouped into our pacing abilities to walk to and cross over that starting line. Thousands of people set off to see what they had.

Sister catching up to me at mile 9 = priceless!!

Races test us, but we love them. They test our determination to start, our muscular abilities, our desire to be alone or surrounded by others, our determination to finish, and our mental stability. These tests come about throughout the course with no warning at all sometimes. In mile 1 I wanted to be alone (as much as that is possible with thousands of others), so I sped up. I find that in races if I start out at a faster pace it is easier for me to keep that pace up as long as possible than to start slow and speed up.

As I passed my brother-in-law, he told to me I was running well and to stay strong, but that second comment was for my sister, his wife, who  just then realized that I was not far in front of her. She caught up to me, touching my shoulder, and said, "Hey" with a smile. I got so excited I wanted to stop and hug her, but we were on our way to a double PR. We ran the last bit together and STRONG, finishing with a 1:15 personal best. Then the hugs ensued! Also, my brother Aaron was pacing a Strider and PR'ed. This reminded me that it pays off to sacrifice your desires to help others in any aspect of life. The post race food was good, as I always leave with my hands full of bananas.

Next on the agenda: the half marathon on Sunday. Still feeling the pounding on the legs from the day before, I decided to run a comfy half, which ended at 2:11. The weather took a turn toward hot and humid for the weekend and I sweat like a dude. Therefore, I carried my water bottle, walked through water stations, and even made a potty stop. Highlight of the race was running with birthday boy, Mike, and then running with him again for a deja vu conversation.

Jodi reaching out to pull me in!!

Feeling the miles on my legs told me to stop and walk..that it would be okay and nobody would care. You know there are times when you it is good to stop, but this was not one of the those times. I rolled me eyes at that little voice in my head and kept on until I heard some awesome Striders yelling at me and then later saw this hand reaching out for me with Jodi & Gene's smiling faces. You know it is ALWAYS awesome to have someone yelling your name, telling you that you look great and to finish strong coming up to the finish line. Always love seeing their happy faces, especially multiple times along the course.

Finishing the Half!

Always happy to see familiar faces and hear those encouraging voice cheering me on. It reminds me that smiles and encouragement are contagious and we should always remember to pass it on!!

Made my way through the food line before changing and forcing myself to get back out onto Bayshore to find my friend, Jen. She had to change her race from the 15k to the 8k due to the passing of a very close friend of hers. From what I have heard, I wish I had been blessed to know Anne Marie. She must have been an amazing woman. I found my struggling Jen two miles out from the finish. She looked up and screamed my name, excited to see me. I decided this was the opportune time to "Pass It On!" and stayed with her, stopping when she felt the need or yelling at her to run strong if needed. Yes, it was hard, but SHE did it and I am extremely proud of her perseverance even under the tremendous stress of grief and loss. We all can learn a lesson from this strong woman of God. Faith and love carried her through. Love you JEN!

Next up, Long Play Half marathon in the frigid, windy 40's temps. While I could have used that last weekend at Gasparilla, I am going to enjoy it in the Withlacoochee Forrest. For sure I will be the one with four layers, a beanie, tights, and gloves under that race bib!! Bring it on!

Happy running, encouraging, and loving to all!