Sunday, April 3, 2016

Centerpoint Half (WW # 35)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are excited that we continue to have new linkers each week.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's a truly wonderful way to make new friends, gain invaluable support, and all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


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Monday  --  Rest
Tuesday --  Ran 4 Miles
Wednesday -- Physical Therapy
Thursday -- Rest
Friday -- Rest
Saturday -- 13 Miles
Sunday -- Cycled 20 Miles

Total -- Ran 17, Cycled 20

After feeling tired on Tuesday's run, I decided to just rest leading up to the Centerpoint Half Marathon (my 39th half).  Last week's training was pretty productive and I felt resting would be the smartest thing.  I had several inches cut off my hair this week and had to go to my double pony-tail system.  This is the only way I can get my hair up when it's too short.  



After two days of heavy rain, race day dawned clear and bright.  I decided to wear arm sleeves after seeing the temp drop to 50.  It was windy and predicted to get worse.  I also wore gloves intending to throw them out when I warmed up.  I never did, mainly because of their Kleenex-ability

I've run this race several times.  It is not totally flat having a gain of 234 feet, but the hills are manageable.  My PR is on the course, but I knew I was not in PR shape after my lengthy injury last fall.  I hoped to run strong, pace well and perhaps have a better time than my half three weeks ago.





Debra from Happy Running Sole was there.  I saw my fellow half fanatic buddy Valerie and other running friends too as this race is held in a neighboring town.   Debra and I started together while Valerie took off like a rocket (and had a great finish time with a 3rd AG placement)!   We chatted during the first mile as we were both trying hard not to go out too fast.  I dropped behind her for a while as I was determined not to overdo the beginning.  Debra had a stomach bug earlier in the week so I was very impressed with her performance.



It was great catching up and discussing upcoming races with Debra and Valerie.

The course passes through different residential neighborhoods.  There are over 60 turns so you never see a long stretch of road.  It's a continual up, down, left and right.  I think it keeps things interesting and helps break up the race.  I caught back up to Debra after my warmup and we paced together for a while.  She really helped me find my groove:  9:53 / 9:53 / 9:33 / 9:30 / 9:36 / 9:21.

Sadly, I slowed during the next few miles.  I walked too many steps at the water stops and was fretting over my left knee which had begun to feel tight.  I shortened my stride and slowed occasionally to do some high marching steps to stretch it out.  These miles reflects that: 9:50 / 9:42 / 10:00 / 10:10. 

The race provided free pictures.  I have no idea what mile this is.

The knee pain held but didn't get worse.  I pulled my pace down for the final stage:  9:37 / 9:46 / 9:18.  I continually train for a fast finish and am so proud when the last mile is the fastest!  My official time was 2:06:00 with an average pace of 9:38, although my Garmin tells a slightly different story.  In fact, my watch didn't record a full 13.1 although others did.  I came away pleased with my best half time so far this year and with the satisfaction I'm moving in the right direction.



Side Rant:  The volunteer manning one of the final turns -- which was a  male teenager or perhaps young adult -- yelled to me "YOU GO, GRANDMA!".  {Blink...Blink...Me?}  [Why yes, I am a grandmother and proud of it.  But sonny boy, do you see me running with any grandchildren here? Apparently I look rather old to you, but I am definitely not old enough to be YOUR grandma.  I suggest you never make that gem of a comment to anyone ever again!]   It is simply not what I needed to hear at mile 12.5 trying to hold pace.  Ugh...so deflating to my old ego.    Mmm-k, I feel better now.

I placed 4th in my age group, a common occurrence.  The finisher's medal is very lovely.  The tech shirt is nice, but big.   This is a well-done smaller race with a hometown feel.  They had themed water stops and people were in their yards cheering you along.  One group was dressed in Star Wars costumes and having a light saber battle.  I appreciated the effort!


We celebrated at our neighborhood Mexican restaurant Saturday night.  I love their fish tacos!  Our movie selection for the evening was Blackwood.  It's a thriller with a slightly different plot twist.  Yes, it passed my "Can you stay awake for the entire movie?" test.



Sunday I felt like I had been run over...and backed up and run over again.  It must be the "grandma" factor.  But, I took my bike off it's trainer and went on a 20 mile ride anyway.  I came away with 94 minutes of cardio with an average HR of 147.  A nice workout, I think.  Who could stay inside on a day like this?  I love the combo of blue and green and you can only see this green in early spring.

And that's a wrap!


Was the weather nice for you this weekend?

What's your favorite way to celebrate after a race?


103 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your 4th place AG finish! Way to push through! Sorry to hear about the knee pain but glad it didn't get out of control. The medal is beautiful. I love fish tacos too! Wow on your bike ride the next day, too. You are a warrior! And curses to that guy with his grandma comment. Totally the wrong thing to say! You are strong and powerful and we all can only wish to be as active as you at ANY age!

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    1. Thanks, Emily. Your very kind words make me feel much better. I think I could eat my weight in fish tacos!

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  2. congrats on your placement. Wow you did great considering that you were in such pain, you are such a trooper.

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    1. Thankfully, the pain didn't worsen. Otherwise I would have been forced to walk.

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    1. I thought they did a great job on the medal for a small race. It's large and very pretty.

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  4. LOL on that boy's comment. You need to track him down and send this to him. It's also funny that you have no idea which mile that pic is from - you must have been in the zone! It sounds like you had a great race and had something left in the tank for that bike ride -- not every grandma could do that. ;-)

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    1. Grandmas rock, yes? I was in shock from the comment, else I would have given him a special retort. And well, I couldn't talk at that point! Gasping only.

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  5. You Go Grandma???!!! Are you kidding me?? I would have probably said something mean back. You do NOT look like a grandma. Nice effort on your race - the medal looks great. Take care of your knee!

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    1. Really motivational, wasn't it? If I could have talked at mile almost 13, I would have given him a piece of my mind. It would not have been pretty.

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  6. Wow congrats on 4th place. That is a great medal!

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    1. Thanks. I think I've always been 4th at this race. Maybe one day...

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  7. I think you should have smacked that boy! It would totally be worth having your last mile be only your second fastest ;-) I cannot believe he shouted that at you, but it was very rude. You and Debra look like y'all coordinated outfits! I feel like you have really been cranking out the races lately, and you've run strong at each of them! This one had a really neat looking medal, too.

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    1. Yeah, he was standing there pointing. Wow -- what a strenuous activity! Your GRANDMA has just for over 2 hours. Booyah.

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  8. Awesome job on the half! I would have been thrown by that kid's comment too. Who's old? So disrespectful! I think we look young, myself.

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    1. We are NOT old! I refuse to accept it. I found another race picture near the finish where all these young people are behind me. LOVE IT. I'm curious, what did he should to them?

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  9. 39 half marathons! That's so impressive! Congrats on a great race, a great finish, and placing in your AG! Do you have something big planned for #40? What that kid said is incredibly rude. But I've learned that some people just never learned basic people skills, so my guess is he's just oblivious to what an idiot he is.

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    1. I have a very beautiful #40 planned at the beach next weekend. It'll probably be warm, but I don't care. I plan to celebrate.

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  10. OMG that Grandma comment?! I would have whipped back around and talked some sense into that boy!! RUDE.

    Congratulations on your race - my gosh, even with knee pain, you are still such a great runner! Nice job. :)

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    1. I couldn't talk! It was almost the mile 13 marker and I was sprinting at that point. Thanks for the very sweet comment.

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  11. Wow, I can't believe that Grandma comment! Who says something like that during a race?! I would have never guessed you were old enough to be a grandma if you hadn't said something on your blog.
    Great job in the race!!

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    1. You are too sweet. HoHo is my Grandma name, after all. I'm curious what he said to all of the other runners!

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  12. You are really coming back strong. 39th half? Really? Wow! You should've slapped the kid tho (just kidding, but tempting, right?).

    The weather this weekend sucked big time up here, and they're predicting more snow overnight, which makes me very glad I haven't taken off my snow tires yet.

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    1. Thanks, Judy! # 40 I hope will be spectacular. Yes, I wanted to knock him silly. Kudos for standing there and pointing, kid. Way to go.

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  13. Great race! It sounds a little bit like a race I run in Medina, Ohio: lots of turns, themed water stops, and a community feel. Oh, and some roller hills. Last year they had tons of signs along the way with supportive quotes and funny sayings, but the only one I remember was one at mile 12 that said something like, "This was a mistake." It's weird how one comment / phrase can drag down an otherwise good day.

    Anyway, 39th half! I'm running three over the next two months (I normally run three a year) and I'm totally using you, Tricia, and Debra as inspiration!

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    1. I like the smaller races. All of the logistics are so much easier. Less stress. I was really taken aback by his comment. Gosh, don't use me for inspiration. I'm nuts! LOL. Good luck in your three!

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  14. Congratulations on your half marathon! Wow, I've never run a race with so many turns, I would think that it would make it hard to keep a good rhythm. The medal looks gorgeous and it's always great when you can run with friends!

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    1. I actually like all of the turns. There's not any real long stretch of road, which messes with my mind. (Are we there yet?) It's very well done with plenty of volunteers to help you navigate the course.

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  15. Congrats on your 39th! And congrats on your time!! Okay, your rant cracked me up! You do not look like a grandma at all! I was surprised the first time I read on your blog about you having grandkids. You definitely don’t look old enough.

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    1. Tara, that so sweet. HoHo is my Grandma name, and I love having grandkids. But, they were not running with me. So why would you say that to anyone? Rude! What did he say to the young folks behind me?

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  16. Excellent job!! And that medal is pretty sweet ;-) The Grandma comment...yeah, he probably meant well, but still not necessarily appropriate. At my first marathon, about 1/2 mile into the race, there was a group of cheerleaders cheering, "Let's go joggers" clap*clap*clap "Let's go joggers".....I rolled my eyes and kept going, but I'm sure there many people in the herd that wanted to punch them LOL

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    1. Joggers? What??? That's worse than Grandma! I'm sure he didn't mean it disrespectfully. I was just taken off guard. Think of something else!

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  17. Congrats on your AG place and best half of the year!

    The weather here was crazy with the wind today. A couple of my friends skipped the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler because of the wind, but those who went said that it wasn't as bad as they anticipated.

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I read about that crazy wind! I can't imagine. I'm working on pulling my paces down. It's hard. Baby steps.

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  18. Congratulations on your 39th Half Marathon! Wow, such an accomplishment!! I hope you enjoy some rest & recovery time. Thank you for hosting the link-up :-)

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    1. Not too much rest because #40 is on the horizon. I'm trying to make up for lost time. Thanks for linking!

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  19. Congrats on 4th in your age group! 39 half marathons is a huge accomplishment, you should be so proud! The weather in Seattle is sunny and warm, already such a huge change from how it was in March. Thank you for hosting!

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    1. I believe I've always been 4th in this race. Maybe I'll get to the coveted 3rd one day. I appreciate your support of the Weekly Wrap.

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  20. Congrats on a great performance. Those hills and curves would do me in. Too much pressure on my knees coming down and going around corners !
    And gloves = Kleenex. Yes, I do that too !
    Have a great week.

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    1. HA. I kept thinking, "I should ditch these gloves. It's warm". But, no. They came in very handy!

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  21. Wow, 39 half marathons. Any plans for your 40th?

    I'm really impressed with how well you did, especially your strong finish and 4th age place. I know my injury wasn't as bad as yours but I hope I can finish as strong for my half I'm doing in May.

    I'm also impressed you managed a bike ride the day after! But it does look like too nice a day to stay indoors.

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    1. Yes, I'll be running on the coast next weekend for #40. It should be beautiful! Any time my knee starts pulling, I immediately shorten my stride. It usually buys me a few miles. It was enough to finish this race. You'll do great in May!

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  22. Congrats on your 4th place finish. Fish tacos sound so good. That's amazing that you've done so many half marathons!

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    1. Well, I'm a little crazy that way. 17 in one year! It sounds slightly nuts, actually.

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  23. Nice job! Sorry about the knee pain. And that teenage boy's cheer! Weather was not so great and I didn't get outside for any runs. It was cold and windy and one day we had thunder snow!

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    1. Wow! Thunder snow! It was windy here, but soon it will be nothing but hot and humid. I'm trying to take advantage of the still cooler weather.

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  24. Great job in your race! I love negative splitting a race - always feels great. I cut my hair a few months ago and always struggle to get it all pulled back when I run. I haven't tried double ponytail but I may...thanks for sharing. :) -C

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    1. Try it Christine. Make one really high and then add it to the one you make low. It works like a charm! Sort of a french braid looking pony tail. I always aim for negative splits. I don't always get there, but it sure feels good when I do.

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  25. Way to go, Grandma! Congrats on another strong race and placing 4th in your age groups. What an achievement!

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn! I should have yelled "Grandmas Rock"! Cause they do.

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  26. Grandma? Teens definitely lack the discretionary gene. Congrats on the 4th place finish!

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    1. I'm thinking he just didn't know any better. But, it's killing me to know what motivational phrase he shouted to the younger runners.

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  27. Congrats on your 39th half marathon! Love when races give free pictures! The medal is nice! The weather was great this past weekend. Spring is here! :)

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    1. I appreciate the free pictures too! These were just local folks volunteering out on the course and support this race. They weren't professional photographers. I think that is wonderful!

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  28. Oh gosh what a terrible thing to shout! Shame on him for not knowing any better. Congrats on a strong race! That is a really lovely medal for sure.

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    1. If I had enough breath to talk... It was a very nice medal for a small town race! The ribbon is pretty too.

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  29. Sounds like a great race! Congrats on the strong finish. Though that volunteer comment is definitely aggravating!

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    1. Come to find out I wasn't the only one he said that to. One of my running buddies who is 70 got the same Grandma comment.

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  30. Congrats! I got 4th place this weekend on my 10K- the grandma comment would have hacked me off too! Sounded like a great run and you had a great performance! Our weather was much nicer on Sunday, Saturday was another rain day. Love the double pony! Cute!

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    1. Hooray for our 4th places! Heck, I'll take it. I never think I'm going to place in any race, much less a half.

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  31. Oh man, the weather was okay here Saturday & then I think Mother Nature went out drinking Saturday night because we got snow, in APRIL!

    I would have turned around & given that volunteer a talking to, "Grandma". But hey, pretty good pace there all things considered & I love that you headed out for Mexican. Sometimes I prefer a nap to waiting around at a restaurant after a race but when I do go out, I love me some chips, salsa & a margarita!

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    1. HA. Mother Nature was on a bender. I couldn't talk at almost mile 13, or he would have had a ugly piece of my mind. We waited until mid afternoon to go out. I piddled around the house for a while first.

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  32. Way to go on your 39th half marathon! Congrats on 4th in your AG! Love the medal and great job getting on the bike the next day! I find it hard to resist getting out on a beautiful day too! :)

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    1. I really couldn't tell I had raced the day before while on the bike ride. It's a different set of muscles, for sure. I tried to keep my HR in a lower zone too.

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  33. Congrats on 39 half marathons! Will you be doing something special to celebrate #40 (or #50)?
    Great job on getting that bike ride in the next day!

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    1. #40 will be on the beautiful panhandle of FL next weekend. I've definitely got to something special for #50. That will more than likely be next winter or spring. Too far way to plan just yet.

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  34. OOH IU love that medal! And now Blackwood goes on my list! I won't even address the Grandma comment. RUDE!

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    1. The funny thing is, I AM a Grandma! And proud of it. But the remark was so out of context. I wasn't running with any little kids! And I'm ahead of all those young folks behind me.

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  35. Grandma!?!?!

    I would have wanted to punch him.

    You look so young (and you don't even have gray hair!)

    I have to wear a baseball cap because my hair is so layered.

    Good job on the race. I am only coming up on my 19th. I better get going.

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    1. Actually my hair is solid white. It has been that way forever. It's a genetic trait I got from my Father's side. I DARKEN (not bleach) it to blond. Thank goodness for L'Oreal.

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  36. Ohhh I would have wanted to punch that kid - you look SO young!!! Congrats on the 4th place! My favourite way to celebrate after a race is with a good burger and a nice pint of cold beer. Probably not the best thing but I do enjoy it every so often!

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    1. A cheeseburger is one of my favorite meals! I think we can afford to eat something like that after a race.

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  37. I've never thought you looked like a Grandma, who knows maybe the kid was saying that to everyone, some parents forget to teach their kids class these days.
    Congrats on your 4th age group finish!
    That is awesome the race gives a free photo, I wish all races did that, I know I am one of the few who would say this, but in most races I'd rather have a photo than a medal anyway:)
    I think it's awesome your fastest mile was your last!!!

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    1. I know he said it to another running buddy of mine (she is 70). These photos were taken by volunteers, not professionals. I think that is awesome. I train all the time for fast finish. Sometimes, it pays off.

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  38. Oh... that grandma comment would get me too! I like to celebrate with a splurged after a race. I'm running a half back home later this spring and informed my mother I wanted her strawberry shortcake as my treat for that race.

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    1. Strawberry shortcake would be a great post race treat!

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  39. Congrats on a good race and a great AG place! Sounds like it was a nice day for a run, although it may not have been perfect. The medal is really cute!

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    1. You know, it's rare they are perfect. It's all about managing whatever the day throws at you. It's part of why I love it so much.

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  40. great race and a great finish!

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  41. He's very lucky you're polite and were busy doing other things at the moment. :) Grandma? Really. Someone should point to him that his own grandmother would likely frown on him calling out to women like that!

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    1. I just want to know what his motivational comments were to the younger ladies, or the guys. I bet he didn't call anyone a Grandpa.

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  42. Congratulations on your 4th place finish. Sounds like a great run to me! Congrats on your 39th half. I'm hoping to do my first in June!

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    1. How exciting to be running your first half marathon! As you probably can guess, that is my favorite distance. Good luck!

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  43. Congratulations on your 39th Marathon - what a great accomplishment. Every time I visit your blog you finished another one. Way to Go! Very inspirational!:):)

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    1. Thank you. I try and do quite a few when the weather is cool. They will stop soon, unfortunately.

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  44. Fast finish feels the best! Congrats! Sorry about the guy who made a rude comment. My favorite dish after a race - usually burgers. I wanted one after I ran the San Diego Half a few weeks ago but we settled for pizza (my #2 choice).

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    1. A good cheeseburger is a favorite meal too! It's even better with sweet potato fries on the side.

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  45. Way to go with the race despite your rough fall!
    Oh, boo for the guy with the rude comment! I say WAY TO RUN!
    I hope you have a fantastic week!

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    1. It feels so nice to have that injury behind me. I still have a lot of work to do, but it's fun trying.

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  46. Oh gosh, that kid needs to be drop-kicked! (not literally... but still) Being a grandma is SUCH an honor but it was very rude of him to yell that. P.S. You totally DO NOT look like you could have grandkids already!

    Great race and nice AG placing!
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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    1. At the time, I was feeling so good about my fast finish mile and being close to the finish without losing pace...and then he yells out that. Sigh.

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  47. GRANDMA?! I would have turned around and given him a swift kick in the booty for that one!!!

    Nice race and your 39th?! Wow!

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    1. He didn't seem to be joking either. Somehow, I guess he thought it was motivational to say that. Um, No.

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  48. Tacos and a margarita are divine after a race. Congrats on your 39th!!! Way to finish strong! I would have yelled back about the grandma comment!

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    1. A margarita does hit the spot! I couldn't yell, or speak -- I was gasping for breath at this point in the race! HA.

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  49. I sure thought I commented on this earlier but who knows. Maybe I had a grandma moment... Oh I remember what I thought I commented now, I asked you if you flipped him the bird??? He needed it! Great job on your race, I am not going to be able to keep up with you on a good day! We'll see how this weekend plays out. I'll keep ya posted!

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    1. Well, seeing how the race was sponsored by a large church, I managed to restrain myself. I bet that would have really shocked him coming from a Grandma and all.

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  50. My hair/head gets sore too if I leave it up all day. The double works well if you have shorter layers around your face. Debra is very nice. I can't believe it took us so long to meet! I felt good on the bike. Different muscles.

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  51. Great job despite the knee pain! That medal is beautiful!

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    1. I think this medal is now one of my favorites. It's very elegant. They did a great job.

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  52. I would have been mad too if a teenager had yelled go grandma to me. Congrats on your race and yes, you are definitely moving forward post injury. The race medal is really nice and too bad about 4th place. I would rather be last in my AG than 4th, unless it is a huge race and they award 1-5. Yup, I kinda like the prizes!

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    1. I can't tell you how many times I've placed 4th -- more times than any other number. At least 3rd place was several minutes ahead of me, not just seconds. Those are the ones that are tough to swallow. I like my prizes too!

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