Race Review: Barrie Waterfront Half Marathon

This was my third time taking part in the Barrie Waterfront Run. The race has a 5km, 10km and Half marathon. In 2013 and 2014 I ran the 10km and this year I ran the half. I try to have a spring and fall half and when I can keep them local I do because races can get expensive with hotels and travel. However, in terms of "local" (drivable distance morning of) half marathons, I am somewhat limited living in rural ontario.

I wasn't too excited about the Barrie Half Marathon but after some humming and hawing I signed up for it as my spring half as I couldn't find anything else "local". This would be my 5th half marathon and I am getting to a stage with my running (about 2.5 years in) where the consistent PBs are starting to level out. I knew the course was hilly and therefore decided in my mind it wouldn't be a personal best and I had to come to terms with that, besides, they can't all be BESTS, I reasoned, and that has to be okay. Sometimes we must run for the love of running. I also struggled through this training schedule and found myself often sick this winter or generally fatigued. I often skipped my hill training (also sidelined from that with injuries and shoe troubles) and speed work. The twice weekly cross training was cut to once and sometimes not at all due to a Wednesday night run group I take part in.

BUT, all that said, I was going to give it my all and chase those goals, you know, see what I could do. 

I love the Barrie Waterfront run as a whole. I keep coming back year after year for MANY reasons:

-It's local

-It runs along the waterfront which is just beautiful and I LOVE running by water. It's pretty much my thing.

-It's very well organized

-It supports many local charities

-There are local celebs like the local news anchor Tony Grace and our up until recently MP Patrick Brown, who is now head of the Conservative Party of Ontario and will likely become our Premier.  

-Great medals

-Nice shirts

-Great time of year

-Nice swag

-Nice people

-Well course marshalled

I may have commented to my parents "I love the whole race except the course" to which they laughed, pointing out the the course just might be the most important part. They may be right. 

Friday night, as usual, I headed over to Barrie to pick up my race packet. It's about a 35 min drive from work, which on a Friday after school isn't a bad thing. It's nice to have that quiet time to drive. The packet pick up was hosted at the local Running Free store and ran flawlessly. They have it set up at the back of the store so that once you follow the steps and get your swag bag you end up in the store with a 20% off coupon. Shopping for running stuff? Don't mind if I do. I should mention that all volunteers at the packet pick up were very pleasant! Also the race director Jeff was there and equally as kind and welcoming. I get the feeling he is a very hard working man. 

Race day was beautiful weather! Sunny and warm, about 12 degrees to start up to 17 degrees. There was a slight breeze off the water, but a welcomed breeze as it wasn't over powering but rather just cooling. We arrived at 7:35 which was just enough time to use the washroom and get prepared to go. 

The first km was fairly flat but from there, from km 2-4 it was a gradual uphill climb. Then there was a short but steep downhill (which I shuddered at the thought of being an uphill on the way back). From 5-6 it was a range of up and down, both gradual and sharp. At 6km we turned around and headed back towards the start/finish. Just when I thought I'd have a 2km gradual downhill the course changed and we headed a different way. This way had a more steady downhill which could only mean, yup, a large uphill. At the top of which was a water stop and if anyone thinks I can drink water after chugging up a hill like that they are nuts. The course has ample water stations which is fantastic, about every 3km or so. I stopped for water at most, maybe skipping 2 or 3. 

The course went back past the start finish at about km 12.5, where I got to smile and wave at my parents and the cameras. At this point I was starting to fatigue but proud of myself as my watch confirmed I was maintaining an overall 5:15min/km pacing. I was hoping for a 5:12 which would be a sub 1:50 but with that course I decided a 5:15 would be great too! Up until this point I was able to chug up hills and then fly down them to balance my pacing where I wanted it. The course continues on past the start/finish where a very well trained course marshall split the 10k racers toward to finish line and the half marathoners to continue on the course. At this point the clump of runners thinned out. Our course ran along the water and onto a gravel rail trail. A straight....flat...gravel trail in the direct sunlight. This is where the wheels fell off. Not the hills, no no, but the FLAT. My pacing slipped and the km markers seemed to stretch apart. I watched my pace hit 5:30s...5:40s...and higher. I thought my pacing goals were shot because I still had so far to go, I was only at 13km or so, had to go out to 16km, turn about and run ANOTHER 5km back. I just did my best to chug along, and then at 15.5km the course turned UP onto a short steep hill and a quick jaunt down a road and back. As I travelled back to the start I started to feel a little lighter, realizing that every step was bringing me home. I should also mention my feet were writing braille onto themselves in the form of beautiful blisters. The shoe troubled I'd fought through this training program included shoes being too tight in the toe box leading to pinched nerves and painful toes. So as a result the new shoes had a wider toe box which of course means more movement...and blisters.

About 2km to go I looked at the sad pacing and said to myself, I know you are tired but your legs have more to give, lets go, and I picked up my pace. As I neared the finish line with about 1/2 a km to go I looked down at the overall time reading on my watch and was shocked to see 1:48ish. What?? How could that BE? Seems my watch was SHORT compared to the km markers meaning I was going faster than what my watch said! (That NEVER happens). I was in shock but said let's go body! I could see the start/finish but knew I had to wrap around in order to get to it. My personal best was 1:52:33 and I thought to myself, I can get through that banner in less than 4min, now is where it counts and I booked it (or felt like I did because honestly, everything hurt). I turned into the finish stretch and read a time clock of 1:50:3x and nearly cried crossing the finish line with a 1:50:38...a nearly 2.5min PB! A PB on a hilly, hot course with gravel trails. WOW!! The results also showed I was 3rd in my age category which I am super stoked on as I've never placed in a half marathon so that was exciting. I placed 96/331 overall, 26/169 women and 3/17 Females 25-29. 

I met my mom moments later and she said "PB?" (she knew) and I said "PB BABY!" and we embraced in a sweaty hug. Soon after came along dad with a similar interaction. I walked until I no longer felt nauseous and started to rehydrate. 

Wow. What a day. I should also mention it was my cousin's first half marathon! I was his "coach" as I made him a training schedule and checked in on him. We stuck around to watch him finish and I ran the last little bit with him. Super proud. He texted me today and said "so when's the next race?" for the love of running :)

Also the medals were HUGE! They have magnets on the back and the ribbon is removable. The top of the medal acts as a bottle opener! There were post race massages and Clif bars. I am waiting on the FREE race photos that they provide. 

I am already planning ahead of how I can improve for my fall half marathon and chase that sub 1:50. I want to up my cross training to twice a week and work on upper body strength. My arms seemed useless during this race when I needed them. I also want to get my nutrition in check (and hydration). I know I have it in me, because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!". 

National Running Day

Today is National Running Day and what a day it was! I woke up and saw online this image:

And it got me to thinking. First things first I struggled to simplify and put into words why I run, how I run, what I run for and all those things. I decided to try not to over think and so I posted the following to my instagram:

Then I thought, what if I print the template off and give it to the kids. What would they write?

You see, being a teacher runner I try to inspire the kids with my love of running. My colleague and I started an after school run club for grades 3-8. We run it by a sign up basis on Tuesday nights. We run the kids down residential areas behind our school or over on the local track. We even take them down different trails. In fact, just last night we discovered a new and beautiful trail not far from the school. It ran down in a ravine with beautiful embankments and a river running alongside. We even saw a deer go running by. What a great experience it has been running with children. So I presented this "I run..." prompt to the kids in run club. (From my teacher hat it was also a great chance to work on their "because" statements urging them to support their statements).

I then took pictures of each beautiful child holding their response. I can't post those, though I'd love to. I made a collage of them and posted them in the school.

 Upon reading them all I came to some conclusions about running. I laughed at the responses from my two runner colleagues. They too found it challenging to properly respond to the prompt:

 But the kids, especially the young ones, their responses seemed lack lustre and not creative in the least. I found the predominance of the Grade 3s wrote all along the lines of:

Then I realized, this is exactly why kids run. They run because its fun, end of story. They enjoy doing it so they do it. Couldn't we all learn a little from the pure simplicity of children running? 

My grade 4/5s extended their responses a little and added in things like the following:

 Not only because it's fun, but because its "healthy" and it makes them strong. These are not things they have learned from experience, these are things they have learned from others, namely me. It's interesting how they get to an age where they start to listen, learn and apply. (proud teacher!!)

And the highlight proud moment was this one: the beautiful child that likes run club for the opportunity to spend more time with her teacher, me! Children naturally idolize the important people in their life and want to be just like them, whatever that may be.

I am thankful for the chance to be a positive role model (the best I can be) in these kids lives. Happy National Running day from this teacher runner!

Sporting Life 10km 2015: Race Review

It depends on how you look at it to determine whether this race was one of the best I've experienced or one or the worst.

In terms of running, this race was one of my worst. I set out with lofty goals as the course is a fast one with a fast atmosphere and lots of downhills to stretch the legs on. Last year I got my 10k PB of 47:20, also the first time I broke 50. So that shows you how well last year went. I was ready for that this year. I was setting a lofty sub 45.

The weather was hot, humid and hazy. I believe the car was reading 20degrees when we drove into the city, and with a humidex of around 27. I was wearing a tank top and shorts (and couldn't have worn less). I was hot before I started running. I started in the red corral, the sub 45 min corral. The people were intense and competitive and took off right from the start.

I started out strong and tried to maintain but slowly began to slow as I heated up fast. There was not a breeze to be found. I make sure to drink and dump water at both water stations (which I usually would just skip). My 5km split had me at 23:14 (4:38/km). My original goal of a sub 45 quickly became a PB (sub 47:20) and at this point it was still doable. Then the wheels fell off. My second 5km took 25:53 (5:10/km) finishing at a 49:06. Within the last km I saw 3 people sitting on the side of the road, the final, about 200m from the finish was passed out of the side of the road with a volunteer running toward her. It was HOT and I was starting to feel dizzy. In fact, as soon as I finished and stopped running I was fairly certain I may pass out or throw up (as I also witnessed someone do) but I put my hands on my head and steadied myself as I walked toward the medals and water.

At least I beat my time from a few weeks ago when I ran the Toronto Yonge Street 10km which is the same course. That day I remember being cold after the race and had to stop for a coffee. Wow how things change.

But here's where things turn around, where one of my worsts becomes one of my bests. I knew I'd get to see the faces of one of my students and his brother who fought cancer and won. The Sporting Life 10km hosts 25,000+ runners and is a primary fundraiser for Camp Ooch, for kids with cancer. I've learned firsthand through these boys how great Camp Ooch is as it allows kids to be kids and have great experiences and not just the children with cancer but their siblings as well. Camp Ooch puts on frequent fun events for the kids like most recently they went to Ripley's Aquarium. So cool!

My students are like children to me. So getting to receive my medal from my student was so much fun. As I wasn't feeling my best I went through to the water (drank 5) and food and came back. By this point the boys were over the medal thing as they only had a few people they wanted to see. So I played tag with them and ran about. They are the reason I participate in the Sporting Life 10km. They are the reason the event itself runs. Not personal bests (though they are nice), not medals or bananas or anything else. The kids.

It was also a fun event as I've recently helped my very tall cousin get into running so it was his first major running event. He really enjoyed himself and can't wait to do his next! The love of running is best shared.

I wanted to stop in the sporting life store to get a momento. I think the boys were shocked how quickly I was in and out.

Also, had to get a post run dollar drink (large diet coke) and I may ALSO have gotten a medium iced coffee because they are only a dollar, all summer. It's all I wanted after I ran :)

This week in running

There's a lot going on this week for me in the running realm. So much so that I can't focus exactly what to blog on, so you are going to get a smorgasbord of stuff. Ready?

Olympic Dreams:

When I first started running and bought my first Canadian Running magazine I read about a woman named Krista Duchene who was attempting to appeal to make Olympic standards and was not successful. At this point, as a new runner I couldn't name a single runner. Wow how things have changed. I would now acknowledge Krista as my "running hero", as a woman I deeply respect and look up to for her speed, dedication, hard work, balance and love of the Lord. Krista proves that with hard work and dedication anyone can achieve great things! She is a working mother of 3 who is a real person. She's endured her fair share of trials and tribulations but just recently ran a super fast marathon and just this week the Olympic standards were posted and she's in! Krista is the first female to make the near impossible Olympic marathon standards in 20 years! I feel like I am just as happy as she is. Read more about it here:

Injuries:

All runners ignore pain and hope it goes away. I've been having foot pain and general tightness in my whole left leg resulting in consistent pinpoint pain and when I run this pain is amplified and my toes go numb then hurt. On my last serious run I kept telling myself, you need to call your physiotherapist. I am afraid of 2 things: that I will be told I need to take a rest from running and that it's going to cost a lot as I do not currently have benefits. I finally booked an appointment for next Monday. Pray for good results (aka cheap therapy and quick solutions that allow me to still run :))

I am currently icing it and decided it was a good time to write a blog post as it would keep me sedentary for more than 10 minutes :)

Life as a Race Director:

I knew organizing a race would be a lot of work but I've gained a new respect for race directors as I've worked with some colleagues to plan out and organize a fundraising run for our school. You see, I work at a private Christian school that aims to teach those students that couldn't be taught properly in the public school system. I love that we have the opportunity as a Christian school to be open about faith and teach the kids how much the Lord loves them. We keep our tuition low and do what it takes to give the kids the education they need. What that means is we rely largely on fundraising efforts. So, since I love my job, my kids and running I decided a fundraising run would be a great opportunity to get the community involved in a fun, active way. Plus we live in a super beautiful area with Blue Mountain close by and Georgian Bay. The run follows the trail systems of the Wasaga Beach provincial parks. Wasaga is the world's longest freshwater beach. To say the views are breathtaking is an understatement.

So I've been trying my best and giving my all to make this race the most successful event it can be. It truly has been draining me as I've seen my fair share of high moments (we have received so many awesome donations for our bib raffle, lots of people have signed up and I've truly realized how blessed I am to have some supportive friends and family) and low moments (costly insurance, facilities, lack of help, last minute course changes etc). Last week was incredibly stressful for me and I wasn't myself. I prayed for peace and had a friend pray as well and this week I have felt a peace that could only come from God. This week has just been draining as it has meant long hours spent in preparation, sorting and organizing shirts, signage and race kits.

We are 2 days away from race day and I am very excited for it. I will be thankful when it is over. To learn more about the run visit the race roster page here or the facebook page here. We are still happy to receive donations :)   Stay tuned for a race recap!

StrideBox Ambassador perks:

I received this fun package in the mail today.

I was so pleased to be chosen to represent such a fun company. I've loved receiving my monthly StrideBox. It is a box of an assortment of fun running items like chews, gels, hydration mixes, hard goods and other fun things. I feel like I get to be a product tester without having to do the research or having to go out and find these new products on my own. StrideBox is like the wise running friend that introduces you to products you will love for life. StrideBox has introduced me to SkratchLabs, JTree and Picky Bars, all companies I would have never known about before and swear by now. Thank you StrideBox for the fun new socks. I plan to be able to wear them as I run the charity race I planned this Saturday!

To learn more about StrideBox visit their website here. BONUS: If you want to give them a try sign up today with the code "aal2508" before May 8th to receive $10 off your first box!

25 Signs You're Hooked on Running:

I just came across THIS post today and had a good giggle as I can agree with mostly all of them.

Speaking of hooked on running, last weekend I got my second tattoo. I knew I wanted something running related and decided on the symbol of the Goodlife Marathon. I decided on this because the image is neat as it is a runner and a canadian flag but also because this was my second half marathon (so my first one where I knew what I was doing). It is also similar to symbol of the sister race, our local half marathon, the Collingwood half-marathon. Also, the Goodlife full marathon is on my bucket list for sure. I got it on my quad because these quads were made from running and it will be visible when I run in shorts.

Fun fact: my other tattoo is Ecclesiastes 3:4 on my back in memory of my Papa Jack.

Try Something New: April 

It's on hold for the time being due to illness and because both of us have been exceptionally busy this month it seems. So May will be 2 in one! We will do Heather's pick for April and then my pick for May. I already have it picked- stay tuned!

Race photos

Two days ago I ran the toronto yonge street 10k. In my race review I rambled about how much I loved it for a number of reasons. One major reason is that I felt so strong the whole time! I was running it with a friend as though I was running at a fast pace I wasn't running "suicide pace" and as a result didn't feel uncomfortable or in pain. I also felt overwhelming joy and blessing. I felt like I was smiling the whole time. Okay, most of the time. 

I love seeing my race photos after a race. I try to see the on course photographers and smile at them but running this course, especially with Lisa I did as she did and waved all crazy at them. As a result I had copious, great race photos! They truly reflect how happy I was the whole time. I'd like to share them with you and pass on the knowledge I learned through reflecting on these race photos. 

Let's start with the not so great. 

I mentioned I felt like I was smiling the whole time but this photo proves that wrong. The "candid" shot. 

Lesson learned: sometimes we don't look as graceful as we feel, focus on the feeling. 

Slightly better of me, but from Lisa you can tell how windy the day truly was. I kept looking over at her as we ran and she angrily shoved her hair behind her ears. 

See how I've just seen the photographer? This is my usual response to them, a smile I think is over exaggerated. Not always the case. 

Lesson learned: smile always. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts. 

Here comes the big waves:

I love these three. I love the (what felt like)  crazy waves and ridiculous open mouth. I smile just looking at them because they truly show how happy I was in those moments. Also note poor jay in the middle shot. He looks miserable. 

Lesson learned: be dramatic! Go big! Have fun! 

The other awesome series is the finish line series. About 200m to go Lisa said "go ahead, take off. I know you like to finish fast" and I said no, I want to finish with you, give me your hand. And this is double the joy because its shared joy. 

Lesson learned: share the things you love with the people you love and watch the love grow. 

Race Review: Toronto Yonge Street 10k

Warning: I love the Toronto Yonge Street 10km race wholeheartedly. The following review is full of butterflies, rainbows, glitter, kittens and all things happy. You've been warned, you may proceed.

This is the second year I have participated in the TYS10k. Both years I have won my entry through the Canada Running Series facebook promotion: 12 days of inspiration that always happens prior to Christmas in early December in which different reasons or prompts or questions are presented and each day a free entry into the TYS10k specifically is given away. This is genius marketing and whomever came up with it deserves a pat on the back. I don't say this just because I didn't have to pay for entry two years running (pardon the pun) BUT due to the fact that two years in a row I have, as a result of winning free entry, chosen to pay for a friend to participate and ended up attending the race with another paying friend. Also not to mention to enormous impact social media has alone. Who doesn't love a good contest? 

Last year I paid for my mother to participate in the walk category as she is a competitive walker. Never call her this, as you won't hear her admit it, but she knows that's what she is. It was such a blessing to spend those 10km together and see her in action. My mom is a powerhouse. Did I mention she completed 10km walking faster than some people ran it? (1:17:56) She passed many runners and I giggled the whole time. I can't maintain her walk pace, it's ridiculous and I have to run in order to keep pace with her. I do NOT have the proper muscles developed to walk her pace. We also made a fun girls weekend of it with my best friends Andrea (she ran the 10k!) and Ashley and their mom Merrilyn. We did some shopping and had a fun hotel stay! 

So this year, much the same, I won entry and then decided what a great idea for my friend and colleague for a birthday gift to pay for her entry and make a girls weekend of it again with 2 of our other colleagues (one runner, one non). 

We packed up and hit the road just after lunch Saturday. We were all very excited to get away together as our work atmosphere can be busy and on the go and we don't get the opportunity to sit and chat and enjoy one another's company. Plus, we are all much closer than just colleagues, we are friends!

We got to the Sheraton around 4pm, checked into our room and then headed down for packet pick up. Well, I directed everyone down downstairs with the assumption that it was in the same place as last year. This was the point the girls should have realized I am not to be trusted with the directions! After following the "ask me" shirts advice we realized it was now upstairs on the second floor. As pick up had less than an hour left it was quite vacant. I worked my charm on the running room lady who was spinning the wheel, much like last year when despite where the wheel landed I ended up with the free hat (see above photo) and this year I ended up with the free socks! score. 

The swag was good. I like with this race you get an addition hard goods as well as the race shirt. Last year the options included a second T-shirt, a hat or sunglasses. This year the second shirt option was removed and likely for the best as I got them both last year and haven't worn either much. This year I chose the sunglasses (as I have a few nice hats) and was a little disappointed that the so-called "neon" sunglasses were navy blue and we were given no choice of colour. 

Also in the swag bag included some magazines, juice box, some apple sauce and really nice sunscreen.

My eye was caught by the Shoppers women series race booth at the expo as they had a plinko board and who doesn't love plinko? I played and won $5 off a race. As I didn't have the desire to sign up for one right then and there (though I certainly love the idea of women's races and would love to do one at some point) she gave me the free bracelet you could also win. In fact she gave one to all 4 of us and now we have beautiful matching friendship bracelets!

We did some Saturday evening shopping in the Eaton centre, some smoothie drinking to tide us over for a later dinner and finally a wonderful carb load at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I've never been and I loved it. Also notable the amount of walking we did Saturday. whew! I love the city for it's accessible walking, not so much the driving. 

We even got the waiter to bring cake and sing as this weekend was a birthday gift to Lisa (left) from December and it's Kate's birthday next weekend! Neither of these two much enjoyed the attention. I don't know why.

Race day! 

It was an adventure to say the least! As the weather wasn't too promising looking, Flat Amelia got an upgrade from short sleeve to long sleeved. I had to wear my super cool new tights though. Patterned with pockets!! PERFECT. 

Also 3D Amelia tends to be too easy going according to others who trusted me to know everything there is to know. I knew we could take the Yonge bus to the start so we wandered outside to the bus stop. My theory is, follow the other runners and you're bound to get there! Well we waited at a bus stop for some time (with other runners!) before someone mentioned that this portion of the street must already be closed for the race. So we scooted along a few blocks up, and picked up a bus. Which went right by the hotel...not our brightest moment.

Thankfully the bus driver sensed we weren't city girls and nicely stated over the loud speaker when the runners needed to get off. We had a bit of a walk but again, I just followed the runners and made it to the start line with only 15 minutes to spare. Well our great idea to check a bag went not so great when we figured out the baggage vehicle had already left so we tied sweaters around waists and donated track pants to the clothing bin often found at the beginning of races. Anyone else notice that these bins often have quite the expensive clothing in them? I've been surprised before. With moments to spare we were off and running with the first (red) corral. 

I love the course the Yonge St 10K takes. It is predominantly downhill which just makes me feel like I am flying. Also there is so much to look at going down Yonge. With the varying store fronts and establishments for the first 7km and the views of the Rogers Centre, CN Tower and the different bridges and Garrison Park you are never short on something to look at. I love that they have different bands and musicians along the course and though I run with headphones in and music loud I make a point of taking them out and dancing a little as I pass the musicians. It's a thank-you for giving their talent to support our running! 

It's such a neat experience to run down the middle of a major artery of the city, surrounded by throngs of people. I felt sort of like I was in that commercial that freaks me out for the PanAm games (the music is creepy). I love the atmosphere involved when running in these larger city races. It's people watching at it's finest and I am always intrigued by each runners unique style and gait. I also get a few good giggles out of those unique souls that embrace their uniqueness and let it shine. 

The wind was cold but it wasn't too unbearable. Eventually I warmed up and was quite hot near the end of the race. My watch started to act up from skyscrapers I assume so I lost knowledge of the pacing Lisa and I were keeping but had a feeling from the time check at the km markers that we were maintaining sub 5min/km which was my main goal. I wanted to be able to run the race with Lisa because it was her birthday gift and Lisa and I run a lot together though we've never run a race together. So I was excited to share the joy and emotion with her. I was pointing out funny sights and making my form of sign language comments (because my music was loud) until she took the fun out of that by getting focused on the run. Pfft. Overall I felt so strong and happy the entire race. Usually I feel more pain coupled with some misery as a result but not this one. It left me feeling so capable and in a wonderfully positive mind set heading into this new running season. Stay tuned for some goals to the crushed!

As we approached the finish Lisa told me to take off as she knows I like to give a final strong kick but I said no, grabbed her hand, and we ran in, arms raised, in tandem across the finish line with identical times of 49:22

Also a fun bonus as we came through the finishers chute, who was standing there but Eric Gillis. We fan-girled a little and the more confident Lisa asked Eric for a picture.

Lisa asked Eric how the race went and casually he mentioned, "oh, I won". No big deal. Seriously though, in what other sport can you compete in the same events with the professional, olympic athletes? I can't think of any other. We also fan-girled in the after race area at the sights of other elites including Sami Jabril, Tarah Korir, Lioudmila Kortchaguina and though we couldn't find her we were on the hunt for Lanni Marchant who won the event for the women. 

I went through the food line for the first time and was pleasantly surprised among the regular options of bananas, yogurts and bagel like bread things to find COOKIES. I ate three. I also was pleased as punch with my new pants as I am not embarrassed to say I filled the pockets with food. I am also not embarrassed that I ended up with clashing patterns as I did not anticipate these pants when I packed for the weekend and brought a patterned sweater as well. I was so cold that I wasn't concerned with the clash. 

We went back to the finish line trying to catch Lori on her way in but somehow missed her. It just meant we got to go through the food line again (yes!) and get our picture together with the signage.

Overall it was a great weekend away with friends. The swag is great, the atmosphere is great, the course is great. I have nothing negative to say about this race and you can likely anticipate another blog post one year from now retelling the events of the 2016 race.