We had quite a group at the starting line- me, my running partners Amber & Hanna, their friend from Indiana, Sid & Marcy and Ameber's dad, Randy. I had decided not to try to keep up with my friend Amber because she was going for a sub-2 hour race. My only race I could compare with was a 2:36 (my other two races I was sick) so I wasn't going to try to go that fast! We were ready to go, but I still had to pee.

We started out and all stayed together. About mile 2 Randy fell back (he ended up feeling terrible and quit.) Then there was a tunnel that went way down and quickly way back up- that was tough!

Mile 3 Amber took a huge fall and skidded across the pavement. She got road rash on her wrists, knees, hip and ribs, but she hopped up and kept running!

We went across the (very steep to us Floridians) bridge to the beach about mile 4 1/2. From there it was a flat out and back along the ocean most of the way. So far we were all still together. At some point Amber & I got in front by a little bit. Twice we stopped at the water stations to wait for Hanna. I still had to pee, but I wasn't going to stop and lose them. I thought about going while I ran but we were driving in Amber's fiance's car so I thought that would be rude.

Oh- I took two Tylenol before the race because my back had been hurting on every run - it helped a lot. I was really surprised that I was keeping up with Amber and we were at about mile 8. She had a Garmin on but I told her not to tell me our pace - it stresses me out! Still had to pee.

I started to feel a few aches and pains - one in that spot right where your thigh meets your groin and for about a mile the ball of my right foot hurt - that was strange! The leg thing was new, too and that never totally went away.

Mile 10- 12 were super tough. Mile 12-13 I saw Amber look at her Garmin and I could tell she was speeding up a little. I told her not to tell me but I kept up with her while I was huffing & puffing.

I was never so happy to see a finish line - and to see how fast I was made it all the better!!

Nothing! Oh wait, I would have peed again before we left.

Peed!! Phew. Had a cookie. Stretched. Smiled! Got on the bus back to the start line and walked about 1/4 mile back to our car.


Nothing - this was the fastest I've aver run for a long distance.