Race day in pictures

Sunday morning at 6:15 and mom already has a sign ready to go. The dogs are sleepy and angry:

Three of my five fans, with their sweet shirts!

Eek, the starting line!! [I've been told this is a frightening sight but it really wasn't:)]

Karen, Sheri and I before the race trying to stay warm. I like meeting new running friends and sharing this amazing experience with them. 

Mile 7.5, full of smiles and waves. Note the glorious sun at this point as we shed our long sleeves. [Feel free to click on any picture to make it bigger]

Mile 14, still smiling and waving. Being more than halfway done rules--and that would be Nate's big hand on the right, awaiting a high five.

Mile 19, by myself now but still plugging away. I like how the pavement is fully saturated with fluids at this point like it's weeping for our legs. Everyone seems to be a little slower now, no?

This is the face I made at 19 when my father-in-law told me to smile for the picture. I'll translate for you: "I will smile so I don't cry, mmmmkay?" Plus I was rummaging around my fanny pack for some more beans so I know I must have been tired at this point.

Mile 21, a half wave/ half smile. Or maybe I just lost control of my wrists? I really don't even remember this picture being taken.

Walking through the water station at mile 21 and meeting up with my man for the last 5 miles. Don't I look relieved? There is Dad with the camcorder, if you look carefully. 

Discussing my aches and pains before starting up again. This is when I said, "Dude, I'm hurting so bad" and he told me I was kicking major butt. So I looked up at him and said, "Well let's go, then." It was pretty fantastic:)

End of race, notice the painful face and bright red skin. If I contort my mouth will that make it easier to breathe? Nate almost appears to be twisting his nipple??

And....we're finished! The whole crew right before it started to rain. [Perfect timing indeed].

So freaking happy. 4:19:19---who would've thunk it? 

Holla! I've got a silver shiny bag stuck to my sweaty skin! At least Nate wiped off the drool, sweat, gel, and snot from my face for these pictures.

And now, the numbers: Note the calories burned on this baby!

Silly Garmin, giving me an extra 0.2 miles! It's still a beautiful sight if you ask me.

I clean up nicely with that shiny medal around my neck, no? Work it, own it, sleep with it. What?

I'm trying to be Michael Phelps here, did it work?

At our celebratory dinner, post-chow fest.  Which reminds me, some runners wore shirts during the race that said: "Run to Eat Club." I like it!

Sigh, can I do it all over again please?