Great Floridian 15k

Change of events usually don't end up good for me, but today it was totally in my favor.  I had seen this Dr. that had told me I was a LASIK eye candidate about a month ago.  We scheduled a follow up 2 weeks ago and I was told my eyes were too dry and to wait 2 more week for the surgery.  I went back last Thursday pending surgery Friday and Doc says I'm not a Lasik candidate, that instead he can do PRK on me.  I said NO THANKS! The recovery would take 6-8 weeks and it's more painful because instead of just opening up your cornea flap like LASIK, he would make an incision from my cornea through to my retina.  I wasn't ready for that, especially Friday.  Plus I wouldn't be able to run for a few weeks and that would just mess with my half marathon training.  So, needless to say I was super bummed! I had already taken a few sick hours at work to cover these 3 appointments and have been out of my contacts for a month dealing with my ugly glasses.  But I'm glad the Doc didn't proceed with LASIK and make me blind.  So, to feel better I woke up this morning and met up with my runner friend Shannon and headed to Clermont for the Floridian 15k and Triathlon events.  I paid the $45 and signed up around 8:45 a.m for the 15k.  I was able to see Kitzzy, former FL runner friend now living in CA.  She ran the 15k as well and her boyfriend was doing the Tri.  Amazing athletes both of them.  3 of my girls from CFWR were also there for the 15k.  Deb, Kristen S., and Emily.  We had such a good time pre and post race.  I never thought I'd find such great people in my adult life.  Everyone says it's difficult to meet good friends, but with this group it's been so easy.  I guess because we're all obsessed with the same thing and our social life is running.  I think this 15k had like 40 participants and the course had been changed last minute.  Us city girl runners were laughing.  No one new where the starting line was and could direct us. This was Clermont and everyone was interested in the Tri going on.  I started the 15k on my own and ended up running at least 6.5 miles of it with Deb.  Her husband Pual had gone on ahead of us and the speedsters Kristen and Emily went way ahead! During the first mile I saw a lady cramp up bad and looked like she was having a panic attack.  She was a little heavy set like me and I stopped briefly but the medics were running with us and took her back.  Deb gave her one of her water bottles which was so nice.  We kept going.  Then it got good.  The hills were pretty serious, at least 3 of them were worthy of making my butt go numb.  But I loved flying down the hills.  Deb was staying with me and we were working 2:1 intervals pretty well.  I had to stop at every water and gatorade station because my mouth was so dry.  The headwind when the course turned around was ridiculous.  I just kept laughing and listening to music.  I felt really good around mile 7 and new we only had 2 miles left.  I wanted to push on and Deb wasn't feeling too great. She's had problems with her achilles and put in a lot of running miles already this week.  She told me to go ahead but I stayed with her and broke away after meeting a nice dirt trail we had to go on around mile 7.5.  I was like "what else?" I knew when I looked at my watch I would be doing better than Miracle Miles race and was happy with that thought especially because MM was a flat course and no wind or hills.  I really enjoyed the dirt trail and the hills during this race and the fact that I had my ipod working properly and Deb to chat with most of the way made a huge difference.  She's very positive and motivating.  when I saw the finish line I was so happy.  The girls were waiting and Shannon with her pro camera and I saw Kitzzy waiting for her medal.  I couldn't have been happier.  What a great race. You just have those days when your legs just go for you and your mind is convinced you're going to end up great.  My finishing time was 1:51:58 so I kept a 12:01 pace!!! I'd love to keep that pace for a half mary.  My MM pace was 12:37 so I was happy to scratch that race!  My friend Kristen won 3rd place for overall female.  So we all were just sitting around camp ground style eating snacks and celebrating what a wonderful day it was.  We got luck for a late race (started at 10:30 a.m.) we had some cooler weather.  Around 75 when we started I believe.  I got to see Kitzy's boyfriend Jason fly by on his bike during his 100 mile bike ride portion and snapped a pic.  It's so nice to watch all these great athletes, very motivating indeed.  So, best last minute $45 shopping binge ever! 

Here we are! I'm in the bright greeen! 

 

Here's the ridiculous bling I love!

UCF (U Can Finish) Distance Dare

I met up with my running group for a quick group pic and well wishes and then went on to do the 5 miles with my friend Cristy. Let me just say that this girl is remarkable! Had knee surgery not even 3 months ago and did the 2:1 intervals like a champ! I felt very comfortable and easy running this pace and was so worried about her but she kept saying she felt great! The course through the campus was nice. Not much entertainment or crowds cheering but I had my iPod working properly this time and a good conversation going with Cris. We finished the 5 mile with a 12:23 pace and chip time of 1:01:57. Way better than I thought. We had stopped to say hi to her husband and kids along the course and take a pic. So when I checked my watch I was sure I'd see 1:15 on there lol The 2 mile distance dare we walked a lot of it...part of it with our friend Kristian and Cristy's husband and two kids. We finished the 2 miles in 31:50. Had a blast watching the kids race and afterwards we went to Keke's. I really love my best friends Cristy and Kristian. I don't think I could ever laugh harder or have a better time with anyone else.