The Results

The Diva Half Marathon is over!!! I'm glad it's over, but I'm also a little sad because it was such a fun weekend!  Out of it came some new friendships, as well as the realization that no matter what age I get to, running a half is doable, manageable, and this might not have been the last.  I've always admitted I'm not the fastest, although I'm not the slowest runner either.  I think I'm pretty average. As I write this post I'm kind of wishing I'd been better at keeping track of my times, etc. over the years.  I suppose if I really wanted to look them all up online I could, nah, why look back?  Instead, I think from here on out, I'll keep track so I can see my progress.  Back to the race... Three lovely divas and myself headed to Myrtle Beach on Friday, not sure where we were going, or what we were in for.  After all, it was also BIKE WEEK!  That's right, a man must have been in charge, planning BIKE WEEK and the DIVA HALF MARATHON the same weekend!  Moving right along...
We divas did a little shopping, eating, and sunning, perfect mix for a girls weekend including running a half marathon.  I will admit, I felt slightly out of place in the race, as my fellow divas were all major runners who have done multiple races and run way faster than this diva!  But it all worked out. Here's a short recap of my results.
I started out STRONG.  I mean STRONG, running the first 4-5 miles at a 9:30 minute mile to 10 minute pace. This is not my usual fashion, but I was running with another one of the girls in our group (who IS a marathoner), and I wanted desperately to keep it up.  Unfortunately, that did not happen. I had to drop back at mile 5, slowing myself down to a 10:30 pace. Then as the miles went on, my darn hip flexor tightened up and I found myself just wanting to get it done.  I managed to keep running until mile 10, then I had to stop and walk a few times just to stretch out my hamstrings and hip flexor.  I managed to continue running, but at this point my pace was 12-13 minute mile... unacceptable disappointing! Although I didn't have  a specific time goal in  mind, I DID know that I could finish in 2.5 hours or less, but 2.5 was the absolute worst it would be.  Well, that ol' saying self-fulfilling prophecy, yep, that was it, because the exact time on that clock as I crossed the finish line was 2:33.What's done is done, didn't harp on it too long, afterall, there are many individuals who came in behind me, and many who never got off the sofa.  Along with all the Pepto Bismal pink and tu-tus in this race, I saw a few women who had this saying on their shirts, " It's not a miracle that I finished, but that I had the courage to start." I think that says it all!
Onto the next goal...

Top Ten of This Week

As a new week begins, I'm prompted to share the Top 10 things about the previous... so here it goes!

10. Returned home from weekend getaway with my sister.

9. Spent 4 days at my old school (even if it was for state testing, it was great to be there.)

8. Hard, HARD workout with Brian as our sub trainer.

7. Lunch at Lell's Cafe

6. Played catch up with my dad on the phone.

5. Molson turned 1 year.

4. Pulled weeds in the front yard, that desperately needed my attention.

3. Prosciutto Pizza for dinner

2. Kevin stained our deck.

1. Fresh baked blueberry muffins for breakfast.

What were the top 10 things in YOUR week?

Welcome to Miami

Do you ever think to yourself, 'technology is such a blessing and a curse?'  Well, I do. My point is, with all the technology and connectedness in my life, I have managed to find less time f to keep up with all the bloggin', tweetin', facebookin', and textin'!  Alas, I've got a few moments tonight before I turn into a pumpkin, so I thought I'd give a brief update on my little trip to Miami this past weekend.
A few months back my sister approached me about meeting her in Miami for a weekend, of which, all expenses would be paid.  Um, hold on, let me think about that.  Sure!  So for the past few months I'd been looking forward to a girl's weekend at some swanky resort in Miami Beach with my sis!  Sun, Spa, and Sippin' refreshing cocktails!  I think I began preparing for this short trip a month in advance; there was a bathing suit to buy, new cute outfits for looking "hip", and just overall preparing myself to spend time in a world I never do.
Brief background... my sister works in the investment banking industry.  I work in the public education system. Need I say more?  Didn't think so.
We both flew in last Thursday, my sister got there a few hours before me, as she had a cross country flight! The plan was to freshen up, and go get a light dinner and a beverage (or two).    Then we were hitting the spa on Friday.  Aaaah, the spa!  Let me tell you that with an allowance, anyone can relax!  This was by far, the absolute BEST part of the entire resort. We pampered ourselves like it was nobody's business... steam room, mineral soak, cucumber eyes, fresh fruit, body scrub, and hot stone massage.  That was Day One.
Day Two was another story... this resort, which will remain unnamed, can only be compared to one place... Vegas.  It was like the Vegas of the Southeast, and along the ocean.  If you know me and my sister... you know... we are NOT Vegas people.  Sitting at the pool was like being on an episode of MTV Beach House or something.  I've never seen so many bikini's held up by high heels and big purses in my life!   Quite the opposite of the relaxing day at the spa previously.
Dinner on Friday night was something of an exciting surprise!  We chose to go outside of our own resort, right next door to another hotel to dine.  1500 Degrees was the restaurant, it had a farm to table kind of concept and  it did not disappoint!  If you must go to Miami Beach ( I probably wouldn't pay my own hard earned cash to vacation there), I recommend this restaurant! Great ambiance, great food, and great service!
I'm thankful I got another chance to see my sister in 2012, and I know we'll always look back on this trip with some laughs. Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho it's back to work we both go!

*** No photos available due to the fact that none were taken!