A PR

What a day! I am so exhausted...my legs hurt....and I'm sunburned. But I had a great time and loved running my race today:) From the minute I started I felt strong. My only disappointment is that the Forerunner had me at 27:39 and and called it an 8:50 pace and the race results say 27:42 and 9:12. I like the 8:50 better, don't you?? he he. I get so worked up about the numbers. My splits:
Mile 1- 9:26
Mile 2- 8:50
Mile 3- 8:23
.1- 7:40
I was 16 out of 64 in my age group. I'll take it, though the first three places were at 22:00 and 23:00- Ugh. That's a long way to go. Still, a minute faster than SH 5K and  a minute and a half faster than the New London 5K in July. Don't lose hope, y'all. It may take a while, but eventually it all starts to come together. (I never said y'all when I was in Virginia. That's twice, now that I'm in CT!!)
The first mile threw me. Lara (by the way, she *rocked* but I don't want to give it away) and I were saying how hard it was to get around everyone--there were 2400 in our race and we all started together. I was getting downright aggressive as I pushed to get in the low 9:00 pace range. Once I did, I was smiling. All this long running seems to be paying off (and the excessive carb-loading last night must have helped:) Seriously, I just ran. Dianna was right--it was a flat course. The highlight of my run came at around 2.5 miles. I was checking the watch (I'm not sure why I do that because I can't see without my glasses). This guy running next to me said, "are you trying to decide when to pour it on?"
"No, I just want to beat my best time," I said.
"What's that?" he asked
"28:48"
"You've got it," he said. "Go for it"
Woo hoo...I poured it on and crossed the finish line feeling slightly woozy for a few seconds:)
After our 5K, Lara and I headed over to the finish line to watch the rest of the 20Kers come in. The elite runners were amazing, coming in just under an hour. We were stunned. I think I heard the second place female finisher was 41! Amazing.
Anyway, we were ready. We had Sarah's cookies to keep us energized while we waited. Cameras in hand, our intent was to take pictures as they came into view. We practiced, tested, and waited patiently.
Suddenly, I saw Sarah. "GO SARAH," I yelled, smiling and waving. I forgot to take the picture. I turned and Lara was just raising her camera. Ok, we'll try on the next! We ate a cookie and waited. I looked up and there was Dianna in front of me, hoofing it down the road. "GO DIANNA!" I screamed taking a picture of her back:)  I looked at Lara. She shook her head. We were not having much luck. Jon and April Anne were coming right at us, and with a shout from Sarah, who had joined us by then, you would have thought we could manage a picture. NOOOOO. Mine died...and Lara shook her head again. I think we were so excited to see them all actully running, that we just couldn't get it all together. David soon crossed in front of us and then Bill, but I never did see Michelle until after the race. Despite our inept photography skills, the RBF ran well. Records were broken, and new PRs were set. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
Soon we headed over to the food table, where there was plenty left because Jon had warned us not to eat it all before he finished running. Some of us even had free beer (at 10:30 in the morning???) I kept looking around at the group, feeling all warm and happy, because here were people that I had been talking to, writing to, reading about--for so long. And we were all there, putting ourselves on the line, pushing the limits whatever they were for each of us, and supporting one another. Big grins.
I'm sorry my camera died. All I can give you are more pictures from yesterday...but we did ask someone to take a group shot with David's and Lara's cameras, so I know as soon as they can, they will post them. Until then, here you go:

Jon...and who is that guy laughing behind you?

Lara, digging in!

David, Sarah, Lara, Jon, two of Dianna's friends,
and Dianna.

And one more of TEAM RBF. Hey, Mark. Aren't you the proud blogfather???

After the race, David and I raced down 95 to get to the train station so he could say goodbye to his son, then raced over to the beach to grab a few more hours of sun, then raced back to the airport so he could catch his flight to Florida. All in all, a perfect Labor Day weekend.
Edited: Just in. Lara sent one of the group. Where were you Michelle? She suggested we all post our photos on Flickr, and as soon as I figure it out, I will:) Thanks, Lara!

Comments

[Mia]

This was so fun to read! Thanks for making those of us stuck at home feel like we were right there, cheering you all on! Um, and you are getting smoking fast!

[Mark]

*sniff*

[Mark]

and *sniff sniff*

[Lara]

Digging in,indeed. That's when I was still being dainty and using a fork and knife. By the third slice I was two-fisting it! What? No picture of me with sauce and cheese dripping down my chin?? :D

[Michelle]

I was waiting right next to the beer truck like I thought I was told to!! I just missed you guys though. I'll post my pics soon.

[runr53]

I didn't know you could get to Connecticut from Michigan, I wonder if Jon will find his way home... Great job on your PR Susan!

[jeanne]

Holy cannoli, my own personal superheroes!! Congrats Susan, you flew!! Congrats to everyone, what a fun report!

[Debbie]

Way to go on the PR!! Sounds like you all had a ball.

[brent]

alright susan! sweeetness!!! you are so fast, i can't keep up with you! i love it. great race!! thanks for the pics, everybody's lookin' good!

[David]

Thanks for letting me be your Dietrich all weekend, driving you all around on $3.29 a gallon gas.
The race was S-W-E-E-T. Everybody was so nice. Let's do it again.

P.S. When do I start getting photo credits for your postings Miss Susan?

[Jack]

Sounds like a super race, super weekend and just a good ol' time. Thanks for the pics (David) and posting your adventures!

[Danny]

Great report! I want to be there with you guys next time!

[Annalisa]

Congratulations on your PR, Susan!!!! Sounds like a wonderful race and a great weekend.

[Dianna]

Your pace was 8:56 according to the calculator I used...I think the 9:12 is based on GUN time for some reason.

Great race either way Susan!! YOU'RE AWESOME!!

(and it was my fault Michelle was missing. I take full responsibility for not being a better cruise director with that aspect!)

[Deene]

OMG!! you've become the Speedy Chick. Congratulations. Thanks for posting the pics.

[Rebecca]

Congrats on your pr, susan. And thanks for the report! You guys look great, I'm glad you had so much fun!

[Sarah]

AHHH...I need to find more time to comment! Susan, you had a fabulous race...I only wish I could have seen you cross that line! Thanks for such a memorable weekend :-) More later!

[Dawn (aka Pink Lady)]

Congrats on the PR. Wow, sounds like such a great time.

[aprilanne]

It was nice to finally meet you Susan. You have a sincere, sweet spirit which I admire. Congratulations on your PR! Let's meet again soon. :)

[Scott]

Congratulations on your pr Susan. By the strength of your training run on Saturday, I would say you have quite a few more in your future. It seems that CT is the social hub of the RBF. It's great that all of you were able to get together - sounds like you had a fun time.

[Wil]

Holy cow! Awesome job on the PR! What an perfect day you guys had. You'll remember this one forever :)

[Rachel]

Way to go!! That's a huge amount of time to shave off your 5K. It sounds like you guys had such a blast. Thanks for all the pictures and details for those of us who couldn't be there!!!

[BD]

Woo hoo! Congratulations on the PR!!! It's a major accomplishment to set a new PR.

It sounds like it was a terrific race on a wonderful day.

[chris taylor]

Way to go Susan, your such a stud! Great report, felt like I was there. Made me warm all over. Chris

[Dawn]

Susan, congrats on your PR you're doing great. I was in such a whirlpool this weekend I was not thinking. When I saw a hugh sign that said "go Dianna" I was thinking could that be the Dianna I read about. Yes I'll be in Hartford doing the Marathon. You all look like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing