JavaFest 2008 Race/Fest reports

For one of the best weekends I've had, I'm at a loss for words, so I'll just show some pictures and maybe it will all come to me. It was in Phoenix this weekend with fellow bloggers, Lisa, Lori, Marcy, Karen, Tayrn, Eric, Pat, hubby, David and many others, including Clay (Tayrn's hubby), and JavaDad. We had a crazy, fantastic time with laughs constantly, even though most of it was laughing AT Lisa, not with her... :-)

After arriving in town, we met the infamous Tewonda


A bathroom shot dedicated to Marcy from Friday night


Blogger Lunch at The Hard Rock cafe - I didn't get the "black shirt" memo


Before the race


A special pic of Marcy - to everyone that has commented on her mouth always being open




David before his first "official" Half-Marathon.


A little about the race, itself. After all, that's why we went? Well, originally....

When we started the race, I heard a guy behind us say "I don't know if it's the runners high, or VODKA", and Yes, He was talking about our crew. And, NO there was no vodka. Marcy had drank it all the night before... j/k. So, needless to say, those first few miles were a hoot. We had many bathroom breaks, rocked with the bands, high fived the cheerleaders and danced along the way.

Going into the race, our goal was to have fun. We got there and we REALLY wanted to give Lisa her PR for this race. All was going well for the first few miles for her. But, after a while (read her race report), she hit a wall, and Lori, none other than the under trained, Ms "I only did 7 miles as a long run" dug into her own tank, put aside anything else and focused on getting Lisa across that finish line no matter what... and I do mean that. Lisa was begging Lori to let her take breaks, but Julian, I mean Lori, wouldn't allow it. Lisa got her PR! Lori was amazing! in both leading Lisa to the finish, and running for 13 miles, when her longest run was half of that. Adrenaline shot blocks, and perseverance.

As for the rest of us, we scatter along the way.

Taryn had a goal time in mind, and after a few miles with us acting like lunatics, decided to do her own thing. I am always a solo runner too, Taryn, so I feel ya. I never could get focused at all, but I'm okay with that. I actually needed the support next to me during this race. You did terrific, Taryn, and I'm glad you achieved your goal! You were sweet to stay with us those first few miles, and I enjoyed running with you. Hope to see you again!

Then, there were 5.

Somewhere around 5ish, I think, Karen broke off from us. She needed to do her own thing also, and I don't blame her one bit. Sometimes it's better (physically) to go your pace. Despite the pain in her legs she had, she did terrific and even had a PR too! I was happy to see her after she crossed the line!

Miles 5ish - 7/8 were a little distorted because I had to use the ladies room BADLY. Marcy and I were looking for port-o-johns for quite a while. Why were there sooooo many in the beginning, and none to be found now. We finally found some, and told Lori and Lisa to take off around mile 8.5. They needed to to get Lisa in in her time.

Even after my bathroom break, I didn't feel like I was 100%, in fact I was more like 50% at this time. I felt a little better, but not good. Marcy and I ran through the last few miles together and she is the best, most supportive person I've met. Really, this was such a leisurely jog for her, and not once did she sigh or complain when I had to stop to straighten myself up or walk a little. The ladies have touched in their own blogs about me "not feeling well". I felt horrible the entire race, and all these girls were very supportive of me, and kept throughout the race asking me if I was okay. I wanted to so badly to catch up with Lori and Lisa for the finish, and regret now that I didn't push myself to do just that. That's the only thing I wish I could have done differently. I couldn't help that I had severe menstrual cramps (sorry if TMI) the entire 13 miles. I've had to have a surgery because of problems in this arena, so I'm not normal, when it comes to this subject. On top of that, I had GI issues too. I've never ran through anything like that before. I hardly ever even run during it, much less 13 miles. My stomach was sticking out so far, that you'd think I was 3/4 months pregnant (and NO, I'm not). I had to stop a few times and straighten my body alignment after being hunched over a bit while running. I had NO nutrition the entire race, with the exception of 1 cup of Accelerade early in the race, and then water only afterwards. I didn't want to make matters worse with my tummy so I didn't take that chance. So, that's my excuse of the not so good race (for me).

Results:
Chip Time 2:54:06
Pace 13:17

Marcy and I crossed the finish line together and I was so relived that I finished, considering how I felt the entire race. We both raised our arms in honor of Lisa, who finished ahead of us. Marcy is the BEST!!! She could have at any time in the race, ran off and did her own thing, but she chose to stay with us, and then me for the last 5 miles. I owe her!! After we found Lisa and Lori, I headed to the medical tent for some Tylenol, then headed to the beer tent to wash it down. :-)



The Ladeez and our medals!


Time to Celebrate!


One of my favorite pics...


The weekend, as most of you can tell was Fabulous! We all got along so well, laughed a lot, drank some adult beverages, ate a TON of food, and just really enjoyed each other's company. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend with these wonderful people! BTW, Lisa made us all honorary members of the Tumbleweed Running club and even got us shirts. How cool!!!

I haven't caught up on blogs, so plan on doing that today, and maybe finish tomorrow, so sorry everyone! I haven't forgotten about you. We may get ice on the roads tonight, so for SC, that means probably no work tomorrow. Yep! We Carolinians are sceered of the ice. Of course, if Grace's school is closed, she won't be going - Therefore, I won't be at work!

We have a busy time ahead of us, with my drill weekend this weekend, and getting house projects completed. I hope you all have a wonderful hump day. Hump day for us is Mexican Food night! Yum-O

As far as running goes, I haven't had another run yet. I had hoped yesterday, but didn't feel well. I was thinking this afternoon, but maybe not. Still not feeling good. I'll get one in this week then will do 8 this weekend. I have another Half in just over 4 weeks to prepare for!

Thank you, Jess for commentating all the updates on the race! Hope you can come to the next Javafest!!! We rocked a picture JUST for you. Hope you like it.

Ta-Ta (sorry for the long post)