Once upon a time I used to think people who ran the Virginia Ten Miler were crazy. Well, now I know they're crazy, but I'm one of them for the second time this year and I couldn't be happier.
Not much about the race itself has changed since last year, and you can read about that in
this post.
I'll try to make this post short, so I'll cover a few of the highlights.
Packet Pickup:
I was all set and ready to pick up my packet in the middle of my school day, but due to a traffic accident they got started late and I had to send my husband. He's never been to a packet pickup before, but they were nice and organized. He didn't have a bit of trouble figuring it out (not that he's dumb, sometimes races are just really unorganized).
I'm in love with this year's shirt, it may be my new favorite.
Race Day:
Now that I have moved, I live 1.5 miles from the start. What better way to warm up then to run to the start? I have to say it was one of the best racing decisions I have ever made. I got nice and warmed up, and didn't mind shedding my jacket as soon as I got to the bag drop off. I even ran into one of my favorite high school teachers as he was prepping to spectate!
The actual race itself was amazing as always. I felt great, much stronger than last year. I even managed to be able to run up most of the hills, something I never thought possible. The spectators were encouraging, and a lot of the people on the course were inspiring. There was an entire color guard that ran carrying flags to honor our country, military, and fallen heroes. One man ran the entire thing in Army fatigues, boots, and with a full pack. Whenever I wanted to stop, I kept thinking that if they could do it, I could do it with no extra weight.
There's still something magical about running through your hometown with 4,000 other people. I really can't describe it, but its something you have to experience for yourself one day.
Something else magical happened during the race, I too an attractive picture while running. something that never happens.
I kind of want to print this out and frame it.
Post-Race:
I really didn't stick around for much of the post race activities, it was getting hot and I had to slog my way back home. I did enjoy some amazing food (thank you Dominos for the pizza!) in the food tent after.
Oh, and of course there was the best part of any race, the medal.
Isn't it gorgeous? Last year was the 40th anniversary medal, and I have a goal to run it every year to get every medal from 40-50.
I haven't been very good about blogging lately, and there's some older topics that I want to cover, but I'm trying to get back on track so look out for those soon!
I'm also running a half marathon this weekend, so expect a post on that, too!
