Because I had an AWESOME race. I beat my previous time by 22 minutes and even beat my "stretch" goal time by six minutes. I thought a 15 PR was plenty to ask for, but after I PR'd my most recent half marathon by 15 minutes, I subtracted two more minutes from my goal. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a pretty huge jump at the end of the race. I could have finished sooner, but I stopped once to help a guy who fell right next to me, and once at Mile 15 to put a band-aid on a blister, under the assumption that the minutes I took to care for my foot would be shorter than the minutes I would lose limping at the end because my blisters had burst. I do need to think about new shoes, though.
The day was much warmer than last year, so I chose to run in a skirt and tank top (with arm warmers) and didn't really need the throw-away sweats that I bought for the morning. I wore them anyway, as did a lot of people, because I had bought them just for the purpose. Everything wearable that gets tossed at these races are collected, cleaned and donated to homeless shelters, so I bought new, warm sweats that I thought some woman would want to wear.
Sunrise was beautiful despite the fact that it feels like a two mile forced march from the metro to the actual starting line. At least I made it early enough to see the parachute jump.
I dislike most of the pictures that the Marathon Foto people took, so will not be spending the $$$ on that package. I might buy the single print of me at the Marine Corps Memorial because the selfie doesn't really cut it.
At least you can see the medal ribbon, though! And a friend did get a picture of me at about Mile 17, so I'm happy about that.
Not only did I run significantly faster this year, but I felt better afterwards. I only had moderate soreness for a couple of days and now I'm just sort of waiting for the joints to stop aching. It had better happen soon because I am running The Race to End Women's Cancer (caution:fundraising page linked), a local 5k in honor of my friends and family that have fought various cancers over the years.
Congrats on a successful race! More races should publicize what happens with discarded gear - I think people would be more likely to wear what they should, and more willing to discard it, if they knew.
Posted by: Iris | October 31, 2014 at 07:25 AM
Shanti - I'm so proud of you! Keep up the great work. I love reading about your adventures, dedication, leadership, caring, intelligence and bravery. I can't wait to hear about the next exciting and amazing adventure you have!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 31, 2014 at 06:33 PM
Back from visit to daughter up North, 38 every day for over a week, Summer is here now.
Congratulations on a great run, you must be quite chuffed with your results, well done.
Posted by: Margaret | November 04, 2014 at 04:13 PM