The Night Before VCM

I don't think I can ever NOT race this race.  I have been feeling a little burnt out lately with all the racing I have been doing. This will be my third half in 7 weeks and that feels a bit much for me. I was not feeling the love for racing this distance again. But two rides and one run on the bike path began to change my mood into more of an excited one than a feeling of dread.  Then Emily flies home for the race and Jameson, Em and I hit the Expo both Friday night and Saturday morning.  A fun lunch out, a walk on a very packed Church Street FULL of excited racers, banners everywhere, runners all over the city, everyone talking about the race and I am totally caught up in it.  Emily hopes to run the first half with Jameson (on her rather tired legs) and then the second half with me. It would be absolutely wonderful if that happens but of course it may not.  We are all - Jameson too - wearing hot pink and black.  Mr. AJH is going to come to the race and watch at least the latter part.  He rarely comes to my races - who can blame the poor guy when I am racing every other day- but he is making the effort with all of us being there. And believe me I have told him he is to keep June 24 free.

Let's talk about the Expo deals. First - I have to say this is one of my favorite race shirts ever. I put last year's on only to take it off and NEVER WEAR IT as it is extremely uncomfortable. It went right into a bag of unworn race shirts I am saving to give my class when I have enough for all of them.  But this year's woman's shirt - great colors and great fit!

I got two more official shirts. One is a hoodie and the other is my new favorite color - orange - to go with my newest shoes!  They were both youth sized and very good prices!  

If you bought VCM merchandise you got sweaty bands free! They retail for about $15 so that was an excellent benefit!  I got a button too which I get every year pretty much. I should organize these in one place.  

Today I got a bib belt mostly for my triathlon but I may try it tomorrow.  I got a couple gus too.  Who knows why?  

Okay I guess I should think about goals.  Last year I was really disappointed with my time as it was a lot slower than the year before.  This year I think I would be okay with that time! I am running later - lots of waiting around, some walking to get to the midway point, heat perhaps certainly somewhat more although it is not looking too bad. Last year my time was 2:09:10.  My most recent half was more than 2 minutes slower than this. Last year my Maple Half and VCM had similar times. We'll see. I am guessing I will be 2:10 to 2:12.  Of course I hope to have fun and look forward to running with my children. I hope to see people I know as I am running. One of my students is working in the food tent and I want to see her when I am done with a smile on my face!  

I hope another year to see some of you here!