Sunday, February 14, 2010

Grab A Snack...You May Be Here Awhile

Remember me mentioning this event a few weeks ago?  It finally came to pass.

First, a little background info.  I travel to Virginia frequently; about every 6 weeks.  Specifically, Northern Virginia.  About 12 miles outside of DC.  I also occasionally travel to Virginia Beach to visit my daughter.  And to run in the many foot races this fun city hosts, which is what took me to VA Beach this weekend.  And while I have a very comfortable, reliable vehicle, she is carrying close to 350,000 miles on her back.  Yes Internet, my American made, 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis is an anomaly.  And I couldn't be more proud.

But I don't like to ask too much of her these days.  So, I rent a car for my long weekend excursions.  This week, I hit pay dirt!!!  Just look at this little beauty...(it was almost a sexual experience!  ha!!)

A black, 2010 Dodge Charger

I arrived in VA Beach violation free late in the afternoon on Thursday.  A quick stop at Holland Oaks Veterinary clinic to visit my daughter at her place of employment and then I was off to a hair appointment that Brandi thought was much needed!  I left there with my locks a good 4 inches shorter and blown dry straight.  You'll have to get your own visual of this my friends because the chances are pretty good that you'll never see it in real life! 
Then it was home for evening where I finally got to hug, rub and kiss my grandcats...


Beannie

Free


and Baby Bebe

Friday was a treat.  All day with Bran all to myself.  We ran a quick 3 miles together in order to get ready for my big day Saturday.  Then it was off to downtown where we hit a mall, Cheesecake Factory for lunch, Dick's Sporting Goods and finally the Sadler Center for Performing Arts for race packet pick up.  It's at these packet pick ups that the butterflies set in for me.  Being handed that bib and official race number just makes me feel there's no turning back!  We ran back to the apartment to change and then we were off again.  This time to a hot yoga class!  Words cannot explain the pure bliss of this experience.  I don't know what I liked best, the warm heat on my body after so much cold these last few months, the soothing scent of lavender in the facility, the 125 tea light candles that surrounded the circumference of the room or the mesmerizing tone of the instructors voice.  Regardless, I left there limber and completely relaxed and anxiously awaiting my next visit.
The big day finally arrived...with winds averaging a steady 30 mph and - SNOW SHOWERS!  Yep, that's right, snow showers.  With early morning temps barely reaching 30.  These are not optimum running conditions to say the least.  But there was no turning back.
We headed out early and made our way to the Sports Complex and Verizon Center where the race would start and end. 

Oh yeah, it was all happiness and giggles in the beginning...


...especially in the heated event tent!


My biggest fan...my little bitty


My cheerleading team..I'd be completely unmotivated if not for these little people.  My cup runneth over.


I slowly made my way to the start line...it takes awhile to push 3,000 people through an arch.

8.70 miles and 1:32:50 later, I ran through that arch again!

It made it a little easier to finish knowing there was a medal, a flower, a bean burrito and a cold glass of Yuengling waiting for me!

Stay tuned for part deux of my fun-filled weekend.  I don't want to overload you tonight.

Happy Valentine's Day, my blog buddies!  Happy Valentine's Day

3 comments:

Just Marianne said...

I loved the pics, but I know you loved spending time with your Bran better! Glad you got there and back safely and I now you enjoyed your weekend! Awesome job, runner girl. We need a Carolina Brewery night, just the two of us. I feel like I hardly get to say "hey" at book club meetings!

love and miss you!

Brandi said...

I love it! Such a good one! :) The weekend/visit was too short though, once again...:( But, until next time!!! <3 Love you ooodles!!!

Karen said...

oh what fun!! and what cool cats!! they appear much loved also.

stay warm and i'll see ya in a couple of days!

(never fear, spring is on it's way!!)