Please Be Kind, Rewind

Hello friends! Due to such a crazy spring I have not been able to write about my training/race experiences. Since I have a lot to catch up on, I will try to do quick summaries, heavy on pictures. If you're anything like me, it's easier to focus with pictures.

OKC Memorial Half Marathon

Welcome to my life, Siri.

Bible verse the morning of.
Thanks God for the reminder!

Red socks were sold out so I had to use red sharpie.
Sometimes the ghetto version is better!

On Saturday April 28, 2013 I had my first OKC Memorial Marathon experience, including the honor of singing the National Anthem.

Coach Ryan taught us this trick -
when it's cold pre-race, wear a garbage bag!

In light of the Boston Marathon bombing a month prior, singing the National Anthem had special significance.  This was the first time I heard several choppers buzzing around while I sang. Although it was early and chilly, I think the performance went well!

The Run

I loved winding through downtown OKC with a barrage of people. I almost felt like I was part of a river of people with a momentum propelling me forward.

My favorite part would have to be all of the wonderful volunteers and spectators cheering on the runners.  It really helped me push through any fatigue.

Thanks for the pic, Coach Ryan!

I felt FANTASTIC through mile 6.  At mile 10 I hit a bit of a wall and wanted to slow down. Thankfully my running buddy JoLynn helped keep me motivated.  At mile 11 I got a second wind.  Not only did I pick up the pace but I helped motivate others. I literally told other runners, "we're almost done! Great job!".

Yeah, I'm cheap. I took a screenshot. 

All we want is chocolate milk!

When I spotted the finish line I started running faster and faster until I sprinted across the finish line. Although I had a moderate pressure on my knees, I did not feel any serious pain.  I had a great time and will likely do it again!

Training

I met the REAL Astronaut John at PRO BIKE.
He was the first Native American in Space! Nerd moment.

I actually started my triathlon training earlier than usual, thanks to a slow start to storm season.  Needless to say, I did not train at all the last 2 weeks of May. I was lucky if I had more than 2 hours of sleep and remembered to eat something.

Earlier in the spring over the Scissortail bridge in OKC.

Flooded farm in Yukon AFTER the May 31 tornado. I love riding my bike in the country.

Tour de Cure

Bike buddies! I rode with Victoria for the first 5-10 miles.

"Tour de Cure" is a ride (not a race) that raises money for the American Diabetes Association.  This year's tour took place on Saturday, June 22.  Due to my lack of training I chose a safer distance of 30 miles. I am glad I did because it was a bit windy!

There were 3 major highlights of the tour.

1. The awesome water stop hosted by "My Dentist." This stop had everything! Fruit and cucumber waters, fruit on a stick and even gum (a luxury at water stops). They even hooked me up with free sunglasses!

2. Big Truck Tacos. Our tour included free food from this famous food truck. It was my first time trying the tacos and they were delicious!

3. UNICYCLE MAN. What.

Coming Up...

I'm gearing up for the El Reno Triathlons this weekend! Saturday is a sprint distance and Sunday is the Olympic distance.  Why two? Well, now that I have weekends off I can actually rest after racing! So I think I can handle two. We will see! I am excited.

Glen Miller of the El Reno Tribune interviewed me!
Check out the story here.

I will be racing in honor of all tornado victims. The pain I will feel on the course is nothing compared to the pain and heartache they have been through since late May.  If you are able, please come out Saturday and Sunday morning at Lake El Reno and cheer on the competitors! For directions click here. Triathlons are fun to watch!

Have a great week everyone! Stay cool and stay classy!